6G90

PAY RANGE: CPM 15-20

 

L&I CODE ENFORCEMENT INSPECTOR

(Bilingual)

(General)

 

GENERAL DEFINITION

 

This is field work inspecting existing properties, which may include homes, business establishments, commercial/industrial establishments, residential buildings, day care facilities, residential and commercial high rise buildings, mixed use properties and buildings with commercial uses.  Inspections are performed to ensure conformance with property maintenance, zoning and fire prevention codes as well as ordinances and regulations governing commercial and business activity.  This classification encompasses positions in the Department of Licenses and Inspections from the entry level to the advanced performance level. Interpreting pertinent sections of the applicable codes and ordinances and explaining violations to property owners, building managers, tenants, landlords, business owners and representatives of firms to facilitate compliance is a significant aspect of the work.  Employees may be required to work a rotating shift with extended daily and weekend hours. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical or administrative superior.

 

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)

 

 

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

 

Bilingual Specialty

 

Performs the duties shown below with members of the English language speaking and designated non-English language speaking populations.

 

Both Specialties

 

Receives electronic list of properties to be inspected; proceeds to site; shows proper identification to the responsible party; informs responsible party of the purpose or intent of the inspection; elicits information by observation, examination or questioning; records nature and location of violations in electronic database; discusses conditions with responsible party and explains the nature of violations; makes referrals of conditions not under jurisdiction to the appropriate departmental, interdepartmental or other governmental unit; participates with these units in the enforcement of property maintenance and fire prevention codes and related ordinances.

Inspects houses, other residential buildings and/or residential day care facilities for conformance with housing and fire prevention codes and related ordinances.

Inspects commercial and industrial establishments to identify actual or potential fire hazards; obtains from occupant the number of dwelling units, the number of persons living there and the means of egress; inspects each dwelling unit for conformance to codes, ordinances and standards such as the Philadelphia Fire Code, The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code, and standards such as the National Fire Protection Association Standards, by testing water faucets and closets for proper operation; ensures operation of fire safety equipment and observes hazardous conditions such as broken plaster, exposed electrical wiring, poor lighting, unsanitary conditions, broken windows and other violations; participates with these units in the enforcement of property maintenance and fire prevention codes, ordinances, regulations and standards. 

Inspects a variety of business establishments; ascertains that the proper licenses are possessed and the required conditions to possess such licenses are met; inspects commercial vehicles to ensure compliance to applicable laws and ordinances before licenses are issued; inspects vending apparatus and conveyances to ensure that size and height requirements are met before licenses are issued; patrols special events; ensures that vending and newspaper stands are located in approved locations and are in compliance with sidewalk ordinances; confiscates tickets, food beverages and merchandise which is being sold without the proper licenses and authorization; performs surveillance activities; prohibits the operation of businesses which fail to comply with city and/or state statutes; issues cease operation orders; assesses fines; confiscates and removes all commercial and/or business apparatus; dismantles newsstands and mobile signs; removes vending carts, conveyances and related merchandise; transports merchandise, carts, vehicles and conveyances to approved storage areas.

Inspects manufacturing plants and records the class and type of building, manufacturing process, types of chemicals used, method of storing and type of storage facilities, type and condition of firefighting equipment, means of egress, fire resistant materials and doors, type of ventilation and other pertinent information in the electronic database; inspects above ground and underground storage tanks, refineries and large commercial, health, institutional and public establishments for conformance to applicable fire prevention codes and ordinances; may respond to incidents of hazardous materials releases and spills.

Inspects fire exits to ensure they are clean, unobstructed, illuminated and that signs are properly displayed; checks storage and utility areas for fire hazards and Fire Department tags; determines that stairways are equipped with self-closing doors and are fire safe; ascertains that other sections of the building have required fire resistant materials; locates all extinguishers and ensures that there are a sufficient number on each floor, that they are in working condition and are properly mounted; initiates and observes tests of smoke evacuation and pressure differential systems; observes testing of sprinkler and standpipe systems to ensure that they meet fire code standards.

Conducts re-inspections to ensure that corrective action is taken; attends training sessions on relevant codes and related issues; may photograph area of premises violating codes; issues cease operations orders to repeat violators or when conditions exist that are hazardous to public safety.

Testifies in court cases and at various appeal hearings regarding violations when necessary.

Completes computerized inspections reports describing conditions found during field investigations; cites violations of relevant codes and ordinances; confers with responsible parties to explain the conditions and hazards found; makes recommendations for specific actions to correct violations; informs responsible party of consequences of not taking corrective action.

Keys pertinent inspection data into electronic database; utilizes a mobile computer device for typing and routine data entry; completes computer retrieval tasks to receive inspection schedules via a mobile computer device; prepares reports of findings and actions taken.

Performs related work as required.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 

KNOWLEDGE OF:

 

 

ABILITY TO:

 

 

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 5/21.)

 

EDUCATION

 

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.

 

AND

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:

 

OPTION 1:

 

Two years of full-time paid experience in one of the following recognized building trades: boilermaker, HVAC mechanic, carpenter, electrician, glazier, insulation installer, ironworker, skilled construction laborer (skilled in using pneumatic tools, hand tools, blasting, and smaller heavy equipment), mason (brick, block, stone, concrete, pile driver, plasterer, plumber, pipefitter/steamfitter, sheet metal worker, fire sprinkler installer, water proofer and welder.

 

OPTION 2:

 

Three years of full-time paid experience performing maintenance and repair tasks including plumbing, electrical and light carpentry work in a multi-level commercial or residential building environment.

 

OPTION 3:

 

Two years of experience as a lead worker, sealing windows and doors of vacant properties using cinderblock and mortar, and sealing windows on upper floors with sheet metalwork in the Clean and Seal program in the City’s licensing and inspections agency.

 

OPTION 4:

 

Two years of experience patrolling an assigned geographical area, enforcing the City’s sanitation laws and regulations related to streets and walkways and issuing notices of violations to non-criminal violators.

 

OPTION 5:

 

Two years of experience as an insurance adjuster with responsibility for interpreting policies, investigating claims, and negotiating settlements.

 

OPTION 6:

 

Completion of vocational trade school in the Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry or HVAC trades.

 

Note:  Completion of an associate’s degree in Fire Science from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to two years total of the required experience under any option.

 

OR

             Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE BILINGUAL SPECIALTY

 

Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to understand and speak fluently and clearly in English and the designated non-English language.

 

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

 

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

 

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment.

Possession of the licenses, registrations and certificates listed in the table below required for the various levels within this class during tenure of employment.

Completion of course work or continuing education credits necessary to maintain certifications during tenure of employment.

 

 

NOTE: As a condition of employment, new city employees that are hired as L&I Code Enforcement Inspectors must acquire all initial certifications within eighteen (18) months from the date of appointment. Employees who do not obtain the required initial certifications within this specified period will have their employment terminated without right to appeal, grieve, litigate or otherwise contest the termination. The required initial certifications are as follows:

·         Hazardous Materials Awareness, as recognized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and certification by the International Code Council as a Fire Inspector 1 or Property Maintenance/Housing Inspector

 

NOTE: As a condition of employment, employees will have two years from the date of appointment to obtain the initial certifications and OSHA 30 certification.

 

            Employees who had permanent civil service status in another class at time of promotion or consolidation to the L+I Code Enforcement Inspector class who do not obtain the required initial certifications within eighteen (18) months will have their pay reduced to the appropriate next lower pay step in the pay range for this class based on number of certifications possessed without right to appeal, grieve, litigate or otherwise contest the restoration.

 

SALARY RANGE: CAREER PROGRESSION - CPM 15-20

 

Initial appointment rates and subsequent progression through the career progression pay range will be determined in accordance with Civil Service Regulations (including regulations 5.025, 6.092, 6.0954, 6.099) and Office of Human Resources policies and procedures.

 

Career Progression

 

Employees progress through the standard section of the pay range (steps 1- 5) with seniority and a satisfactory performance rating and possession of all required initial certifications as described above within eighteen (18) and twenty-four (24) months of hire. Opportunities exist for accelerated progression (as outlined below) through attainment of specific professional certifications.

Advancement to the higher steps in the pay range (steps 6 – 8) is based on seniority, a satisfactory performance rating and securing professional certifications. The employee’s pay rate will be reduced to the appropriate pay step in the standard section of the pay range if the employee does not maintain required professional certifications. 

Employees in this class must perform higher level work as they progress through the pay range, as outlined in the table below.    

 

Accelerated Earned Pay Increase:

 

Employees permanently allocated to this class may receive an accelerated annual earned pay increase when the employee secures the preferred professional certifications as outlined in the Career Progression Table below. An employee is eligible for only one earned or accelerated pay increase during any twelve-month period. 

 

Effect On Pay Rates For Employees Appointed, Promoted or Reassigned to a Career Progression Class Represented By District Council 33

 

Upon appointment to a career progression class represented by District Council 33, each employee shall be paid at the same base pay rate as the employee was paid in his or her previous classification. Employees promoting to the class on or after July 31, 2017 shall be paid at the appropriate step in the broadband pay range based on his/her permanent Civil Service status in his/her previous class in accordance with Regulation 6.092.  New employees will be appointed to Step 1.  The employee shall continue to receive that same pay rate until the employee is eligible for an earned pay step increase and progression through the broadband pay range.

 

              When the employee is eligible for the earned pay step increase, the employee's salary will be increased to the pay step in the broadband pay range for the class in accordance with the criteria for certifications, seniority, and performance rating for progression through the broadband pay range as defined below and the provisions of Regulation 6.099.

 

 

 

Pay Step

Duties and Responsibilities

Steps 1 -2

Entry level field work inspecting the least complex existing properties, which may include homes, business establishments, residential buildings, day care facilities and mixed use properties. Typical floor areas of properties inspected are less than 5,000 square feet.

Steps 3-4

Full performance level field work inspecting larger and more complex properties, including homes, business establishments, commercial/industrial establishments, residential buildings, day care facilities, mixed use properties and also educational facilities and residential high-rise buildings.

Step 5

Full performance level field work inspecting larger and more complex properties as outlined for steps 1-4, but also including inspections of hazardous materials incidents.

Steps 6-8

Advanced performance level work performing the most complex inspections, including all responsibilities outlined for steps 1-5, but also including inspections of commercial high-rise buildings, above ground and underground storage tanks, refineries, and large commercial, health, institutional, and public establishments. Performs fire code inspections to determine conformance to the Philadelphia Fire Prevention Code and National Fire Protection Association Standards. Responds to incidents of the most complex hazardous materials releases and spills and inspects stairways, means of egress, fire exits, extinguishers, sprinklers and standpipe systems for fire code conformance.  

 

Career Progression Table

PROGRESSION

Note:  All progressions to a higher step in the pay range require one year of experience at a lower step in the pay range of the class (except progression to the Advanced Level – Step 6 which requires two years at a lower step), the certifications outlined below, and the provisions of Regulation 6.099 for earned pay step increases including but not limited to a Satisfactory performance rating and a maximum of one earned pay step increase during a twelve (12) month period.   

CERTIFICATIONS (all from the International Code Council, unless otherwise noted)

 

Note:  Certifications 1&2 OR 1&3 are required within 18 months of appointment.

 

Progression from Step 1 to Step 3 (Accelerated) after 1 year of experience and any one certification #1, 2, or 3

From Step 1 to Step 2 after 1 year of experience.

Step 4 may accelerate from Steps 1 or 2 certifications 1 & 2 OR 1 & 3

1.    Hazardous Materials Awareness, as recognized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

2.    Fire Inspector 1

3.    Property Maintenance/ Housing Inspector

Step 5 (may accelerate from Step 3) certifications 1, 2 and 4 OR 1, 3 and 4

Step 6 (may accelerate from Steps 3 or 4) after 2 years of experience AND certifications 1, 2, 4 & 5 OR 1 & 3-5

4.  OSHA 30, as issued by an OSHA authorized training provider. 

5.  Fire Inspector 2

 

 

Step 7 certification 1, 2, & 4-6 or 1 & 3-6

6.  Successful completion of five (5) course hours in Technical Fire Prevention administered by the National Fire Academy, U.S. Fire Administration.

Step 8 certification 1,2, & 4-7 or 1 & 3-7

7.  Successful completion of ten (10) additional course hours in Technical Fire Prevention administered by the National Fire Academy, U.S. Fire Administration.

 

Abbreviated Pay Progression Schedule

CPM 15 - 20

Standard Section of Pay Range

Advanced Section of Pay Range

Pay Step

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

# Certifications and experience required as outlined in the table above

3

4

 

5

 

6

 

Abbreviated Accelerated Pay Progression Schedule

CPM 15 - 20

Standard Section of Pay Range

Advanced Section of Pay Range

Pay Step

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

#Certifications and experience required as outlined in the table above

2

3

4

 

5

 

6

 

6G30, 6G31, 6G32 - Classes Established: CSC - 9/09; Ad. Board - 11/09

 6G30 - Spec. Revision - CSC: 2/12; Ad. Board - 4/12

6G31 - Spec Revision: CSC - 4/10; Ad. Board - 5/10

CSC – 1/15; Ad. Board – 2/15

6G32 - Spec Revision: CSC -4 /10; Ad. Board - 5/10

Consolidation and Revision of 6G30, 6G31, 6G32: CSC - 10/15; Ad Board - 10/15

Class Abolished: CSC - 2/16; Ad. Board – 4/16

Class re-established and consolidated with 6G30, 6G31, 6G32: CSC – 4/16; Ad. Board – 5/16

Spec. Revision: CSC - 6/16, Ad Board - 7/16

Spec. Revision: CSC – 9/17; Ad Board – 10/17

Latest Spec. Revision – CSC: 4/21; Ad Board – 5/21

 

KH