Environmental Control Inspector (Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department) bei City of Detroit, MI

About the Department

Environmental Enforcement Section enforces portions of Chapter 8 (Property Maintenance), all of Chapter 42 (Solid Waste) codes and issues violations for: 

• High Weeds and Grass
• Failure to Remove Snow and Ice
• Inoperable Vehicles
• Improper Placement of Courville containers
• Rat Harborage
• Illegal Dumping

Environmental Enforcement section provides community outreach and training activities to familiarize residents with ordinance requirements on the storage, handling, and transport of solid waste.

Environmental Enforcement Inspectors investigate, educate, and protect the city against environmental rodent infestations. Through the Rodent Impact Program, Environmental Enforcement educates the public on ways to reduce rodent populations.

Under general supervision, checks for violations of and secures compliance with environmental ordinances; informs the public of pertinent regulations and proper methods for compliance; and recommends the collection of waste exceeding exempt provisions.

Position Duties

1. Inspect residential and commercial streets, sidewalks, alleys, vacant lots, and private property for the presence of litter or refuse, improper or illegal storage of refuse, or other waste material. 
2. Inspect for defective or illegal waste receptacles, storage methods, and the presence of noxious weeds or illegal weed growth.
3. Inspect for environmental rodent infestations and potential rodent havens to determine if proper protection against rodent infestation has been taken and carry out extermination measures when needed.
4. Investigate complaints and generate work orders regarding environmental sanitation and nuisances such as solid waste, illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, street and alley sanitation, litter, noxious weeds, and rodent infestation as needed.
5. Apply extermination measures to reduce the population of rodents in alleys, streets, and other property.
6. Coordinate with private or City contractors in the removal of debris.
7. Survey vacant lots before and after contractual services are rendered to ensure satisfactory performance.
8. Determine ownership of properties in violation of City ordinances using an online database.
9. Inform merchants, householders, and property owners of ordinance violations and responsibilities.
10. Provide information and present in community meetings concerning proper litter, refuse, waste, weed, and rodent control methods and measures.
11. Obtain ordinance compliance through the use of the telephone, mail, or other contacts.
12. Issue and serve ordinance violation notices.
13. Prepare written reports and activity records
14. Appear as a witness in court cases.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS  (required):

• High school graduation or G.E.D.
• One year of office or field experience involving recordkeeping and public contacts.
• Employees in this class will be required when necessary to operate a motor vehicle; a valid State of Michigan Operator License is required. 

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid State of Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator (7D) & License required within six (6) months of hire in order to obtain permanent status.  Employees hired into the Environmental Control Inspector position should be prepared to take the practice test within the first (30) days after the effective start date. 

  • The fee for the State of Michigan Commercial Pesticide (7D) License is $75
  • The fee for the Pesticide Core Test is $75
  • To obtain the license you are required to pass both tests with an additional $75 fee for the license.
  • The total cost for a license is $225
  • Employees are reimbursed the $75 fee for the Pesticide License

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Other Qualifications

Evaluation Plan

• Computerized Based Test:   35%
• Interview:     40%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications:   25%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P:   100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points:   0-15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit:   15 points

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of ordinances and departmental regulations pertaining to litter, refuse, waste receptacles and material, weeds and noxious plants, and rodent control.
• Knowledge of proper methods and practices of waste material, weed, and rodent control.
• Knowledge of acceptable customer service standards and practices.
• Skill in detailed observation. 
• Skill in reading maps and navigating City streets.
• Skill in use of personal computers and standard office software.
• Skill in preparing written reports.
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing work.
• Skill in maintaining activity reports.
• Ability to investigate to obtain factual information and to prepare narrative reports.
• Ability to tactfully interact with the public. 
• Ability to show initiative and resourcefulness in obtaining compliance with ordinances.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Physical Demands

• This position requires the individual to get in and out of a truck, climb into the bed of the truck to obtain items, and lift tool boxes regularly.
• Site visits will be made to privately owned properties in which the individual must be able to perform detailed observations on and around the property.
• This may require walking, standing, and kneeling.
• The individual will also sit for long periods of time at a desk.
• May also have to lift other heavy items at times. 

Work Environment

• This job requires the individual to perform work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions including extreme heat or extreme cold.
• Work is performed in an office environment, on-site visits to properties around the City, and within a courtroom.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.  

The above statements reflect the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this class.   Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.  Essential duties may vary from position to position.

Notes: 

04/13/1976          Class Consolidation          Environmental Inspector & Street Sanitary Inspector