Rental Housing Inspector - Regulation Inspector I - DILP Inspections & Enforcement Division

Howard County
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most in the state of Maryland. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
 
What are we looking for? 
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
 
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:   

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.  
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace.  Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!  
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. 
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$26.71 - 28.38/hr
$55,550 - $59,038

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs advanced technical level licensing, inspections, and regulations work under general supervision from a technical superior. Work includes interpreting and enforcing policy and acceptable construction methods; inspecting and insuring code compliance with local, State, and Federal building, housing, environmental, and safety codes and laws; providing technical assistance to County residents towards resolving problems; interpreting and addressing conflicts with codes, ordinances, plans, or specifications; and insuring adequate laboratory work and materials testing for subdivision and capital project work.Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Inspect new and renewal rental dwellings for compliance with the Howard County Property Maintenance Code; inspect electrical, heating, plumbing, sanitary systems, vermin infestations and overcrowding conditions; determine compliance with applicable regulations and codes; issue violation notices and citations as necessary; electronically document inspections and complaints as necessary and appear/testify in Court when necessary. 

Inspect and electronically document the results of inspections of the exterior and interior areas of rental properties to determine compliance with the Howard County Property Maintenance Code including but not limited to property maintenance, habitability, cleanliness, adequate disposal of garbage and rubbish, vermin infestation, occupancy requirements, overcrowding and egress issues. May measure window openings and sill heights as well as room sizes to determine compliance with property maintenance code standards. 

Conducts and electronically documents fire safety inspections of assisted living facilities, group homes, apartment complexes, condo buildings, hotels and motels. 

Explains requirements of the Howard County Property Maintenance Code to property owners, agents, management companies, community associations, and other interested parties. 

Follow up on issued notice of violations to verify correction of violations and document results in the computer database. 

Uses word processing software extensively, prepares Notice of Violation letters, advising property owners, management companies and tenants of code violations; determine time limits for corrective measures based upon the infraction; re-inspects property to assure compliance. 

Inspects and electronically documents licensed taxi cabs for safety following a checklist of basic functions, features and required equipment. 

Responsible for electronic documentation and maintenance of case history folders including digital photographs; completes inspection reports via the computer; prepares documentation for legal action; issues civil citations and provides supporting data in legal proceedings and testifies in Court as needed. 

Conducts and electronically documents inspection and investigation of alleged rental, taxi and sign code violations and documents same in the computer database. 

Assists in resolving tenant, landlord, community association complaints; works with other County agencies such as the Health Department, Zoning, Police, Howard County Fire Marshal's Office, Social Services, Local Housing Authorities, etc., as necessary. 

Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.  

Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.    

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities. 

High School Diploma or GED and five (5) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Associate's Degree.

Keyboarding and computer skills, including email and basic programs such as Windows, Word and Excel. Must be able to read and send text messages via cell phone.

Strong writing skills are necessary for writing reports and letters.

Ability to use a digital camera for documentation. Must be able to use basic measuring tools.

International Code Council (ICC) certification for a Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector.
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; climb stairs and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Must be able to climb ladders, steep slopes, and inclines. Must wear protective clothing, i.e. hard hats and safety shoes. Must be able to endure adverse climatic conditions and perform work at elevated heights.
 
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals and bulletins, technical manuals and governmental regulations.

Ability to electronically write reports, business correspondence, and letters.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, tenants, property owners, and the general public including digital media.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as height, ratios, percentages, and area.

Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Ability to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in electronic, written, oral, diagram or schedule format.
 Maryland Class C driver's license, or equivalent issued by state of residence. 

Certification as a Regulation Inspector II (Class 3306) requires proof of passage of the ICC (International Code Council) certification examination entitled Property Maintenance and Housing Code Inspector per the memorandum of the Appointing Authority (6/15/98)