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Housing Code Inspector

Posted: 06/28/2026
Government

Join the City of Amsterdam and help ensure safe, healthy, and code-compliant housing throughout our community! 

This position offers an opportunity to make a positive impact on the quality of life in our community while working in a professional and rewarding public service environment.

Pay: $33.21/hour
Schedule: 40 hours/week | Monday – Friday

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: 

The work involves responsibility for the inspections of dwellings and housing facilities to determine whether they are maintained in a safe and habitable condition and for building construction and repair in accordance with the provisions of the City Housing code, Multiple Residence Law, the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code and other ordinances, laws and codes concerning health and safety of dwellings, including enforcement of City sign ordinances.  Activities are conducted both in the office and at inspection sites and can involve exposure to unsanitary housing conditions.  The incumbent works closely with other Code Enforcement Officers and does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: 

  • Enters dwellings and housing facilities to investigate complaints or to determine conditions of health and safety and notes compliance with requirements of all applicable codes;
  • Conducts inspections of existing buildings for such specific factors as conditions of health and safety, adequacy of room size, light and air, sanitary and heating facilities, fire escapes and emergency exits;
  • Prepares periodic reports and keeps related records;
  • Explains requirements of the various ordinances, laws and codes to property owners, property managers, occupants, building contractors and the general public;
  • Enforces code violations by communicating with property owners about violations of codes and time frames permitted to correct violations and negotiates terms and timeliness to achieve compliance;
  • Encourages property owners to improve or rehabilitate property;
  • Prepares detailed descriptions of dwellings and premises;
  • Makes recommendations to remedy and/or orders unsafe conditions in existing structures to be removed and arranges for condemnation notices to owners and builders of improper or hazardous structures;
  • Issues sign permits and enforces sign ordinance;
  • Participates in required code enforcement training;
  • Investigates complaints and assists with data preparation to be used in legal proceedings; in prosecuting violations of the applicable ordinances, laws and codes, may be required to testify in court as required.
  • Reviews, checks and passes on plans and specifications submitted with permit applications for compliance with the applicable ordinances, laws and codes prior to issuing permits;
  • Inspects building and structures in the process of construction or repair for compliance with approved plans and specifications for compliance with applicable ordinances, laws and codes;
  • Issues permits and furnishes the prescribed certificate of occupancy and/or compliance;
  • Provides for the removal of illegal or unsafe conditions and secures the necessary safeguard during construction and/or demolition;

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Thorough knowledge of the City Housing Code, City Zoning Law, New York State Multiple Residence Law, local sign ordinances, New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and other laws, codes and ordinances;
  • Good knowledge of modern practice, principles, materials, and tools used in building construction and fire prevention practices and procedures;
  • Fundamental knowledge of the principles of engineering and architecture, the ability to inspect buildings and enforce provisions of the applicable ordinances, laws and codes;
  • Good knowledge of the principles and methods of field inspection;
  • Working knowledge of the geography of the City;
  • Working knowledge of the legal procedures used in enforcement of the codes;
  • Ability to enforce codes, ordinances and regulations with firmness and tact;
  • Ability to understand and interpret complex oral instructions and/or written directions;
  • Ability to organize and maintain accurate records and files;
  • Ability to analyze and organize data and prepare records and reports;
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
  • Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications;
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the general public;
  • Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:    

 Either:

  1. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s degree in mechanical or construction technology or closely related field and two (2) years of experience as a building contractor, or journey level trades worker, or in the design of buildings or in the inspection of buildings or dwellings for health, safety and compliance with codes; or
  2. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and four (4) years of experience as defined in (a) ; or
  3. An equivalent combination training and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).

 NOTE:  Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm.  You must pay the required evaluation fee.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Possession of certification as a code official as required by New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and building Code, title 19 of the Official Compilation of Codes Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR) within Twelve (12) months of permanent appointment.
  2. Applicant must possess a valid New York State driver’s license at the time of appointment appropriate to the vehicles operated and is required to maintain a valid license for the duration of employment in this position; or otherwise demonstrate their ability to meet the transportation needs of the job.

 As per Contract: New Housing inspectors who do not perform Building Inspector tasks may be hired at Grade 14

 Competitive

Housing Code Inspector
City of Amsterdam

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