Assistant Defensible Space Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL

The ATIS Group, with ATIS in the US and KJA in Canada, are the premier elevator and escalator consulting, management, and inspection businesses operating across North America.
Our inspection services cover the US with more than 185 Qualified Elevator Inspectors (QEI). Our global team of industry veteran elevator and escalator consultants spans all of North America.
As consultants we leverage our decades of industry experience to assist our clients in everything from engineering and designing new elevator installations to assessing existing equipment, determining the need for modernization, and managing maintenance and compliance.
With offices located throughout the US and Canada, we are well positioned to assist all clients, whether for a single elevator, or for a global corporation with thousands of devices.
Agility. Teamwork. Integrity. Service
Basic Purpose
The Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) is responsible for performing complex, detailed inspections of new and existing conveyance systems, including elevators, escalators, moving walks, vertical platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, and dumbwaiters, to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local building and safety codes, as well as ASME standards and jurisdictional requirements.
This role is critical to ensuring public safety by identifying code violations, unsafe conditions, and operational deficiencies, and by enforcing corrective actions in accordance with regulatory requirements. The QEI conducts acceptance, annual, periodic, alteration, repair, and follow-up inspections; reviews testing procedures; witnesses required safety tests; and verifies that installations and modifications meet approved plans and current code standards.
In addition to technical inspection duties, the QEI investigates complaints and incidents involving conveyance equipment, documents findings, recommends necessary repairs or corrective measures, and ensures resolution to meet compliance standards. The inspector maintains thorough, accurate, and defensible inspection records in accordance with company policies and regulatory standards.
The QEI serves as a certified resource, interpreting and clearly communicating building and safety codes to contractors, mechanics, property owners, design professionals, and the general public. This role requires sound technical judgment, integrity, and professionalism, as well as the ability to balance the pressures of customer service while upholding the highest standards of safety, compliance, and ethical conduct.
Due to the critical nature of conveyance systems and the regulatory requirements of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), this position may require work outside of standard business hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, to accommodate the scheduling requirements of the client, mandated inspection schedules, emergency response situations, or jurisdictional requirements. The QEI is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with company policy, applicable labor regulations, and associated client contract terms.
Scope
The QEI contributes to operational effectiveness by ensuring accurate documentation, timely reporting, adherence to inspection schedules, and collaboration with internal teams, including field operations, safety and compliance, quality assurance, and client services. This role plays a key part in supporting the organization's commitment to safety, regulatory excellence, and continuous improvement.
Reporting and Working Relationships
This position will report to the Regional Inspection Supervisor or the Regional Field Operations Manager.
Primary Responsibilities (100%)

• Perform inspections of conveyance systems, including elevators, escalators, moving walks, vertical platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, and dumbwaiters, to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local building and safety codes.
• Conduct acceptance, annual, periodic, alteration, repair, and special inspections in accordance with applicable ASME standards and jurisdictional requirements.
• Identify violations, deficiencies, and unsafe conditions; document findings thoroughly and accurately, including required corrective actions and recommendations.
• Prepare and submit complete, timely inspection reports to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), property owners, and the appropriate internal office in accordance with company procedures.
• Interpret and apply the intent of applicable codes and standards to ensure consistent and defensible compliance determinations.
• Clearly and professionally communicate inspection findings, code requirements, and corrective actions to building owners, contractors, mechanics, and other stakeholders.
• Provide clarification and technical guidance regarding code-related issues to contractor field personnel and clients.
• Maintain consistent enforcement of adopted codes while upholding company standards of integrity, professionalism, and public safety.
• Stay current on code updates, regulatory changes, and industry best practices affecting conveyance systems and inspections.
• Complete all required continuing education and maintain an active QEI certification and any required state or local licenses.
• Support operational needs by assisting with additional inspections as workload demands and contributing to territory coverage.
• Promote company services through professional representation in the field and by identifying opportunities to expand client relationships where appropriate.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• This position operates in varied environments.
• Routinely deals with loud noises, working near moving and/or mechanical parts, and in potentially high, precarious places.
• Attention to detail is required.
• Regularly required to talk and listen.
• Required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Considerable time is spent in the field inspecting elevators, escalators, and various other lift equipment.
• Inspection sites can be dirty, cluttered with materials or debris. Inspectors may have to climb ladders or many flights of stairs, or crawl around in tight spaces.
• Inspectors must adhere to safety requirements, including PPE at constructions sites such as wearing hard hats, safety shoes, high visibility vest, and eye protection.
• There can be a risk of electric shock due to working near working mechanical parts and wires.
• Environments can be dusty and include various odors.
• There is often vibration while riding the elevators.
• Position deals with various climate conditions including heat and cold and periodically must deal with outdoor weather conditions.

Travel
Travel to and from jobs is required to service our clients and customers. Travel may be required but will be determined on as needed basis.
Qualifications

• Must hold a current Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) certification issued by the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities (NAESA) International, the Qualified Elevator Inspector Training Fund (QEITF), or the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC).
• Must obtain and maintain all required state and/or local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) licenses, badges and certifications applicable to the territory of assignment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of elevator and conveyance industry principles, practices, materials, equipment, and inspection procedures.
• Strong understanding of applicable ASME codes, local ordinances, and regulatory requirements governing elevator inspections.
• Ability to interpret and adhere to the code of ethics and professional standards established by the applicable certifying organization.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical and code-related matters to maintenance providers, contractors, building owners, and regulatory officials.
• Proficiency in using laptops or tablet devices to complete inspection reports, document violations, update regulatory portals, and reference applicable codes and standards.
• Professional demeanor with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact confidently and respectfully with clients, contractors, and the general public.

Competencies (examples below)

• Demonstrates ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision
• Displays dependability through attendance, follow through, and completion of tasks
• Shows teamwork by cooperating with others, exhibiting a positive attitude, and communicating openly, consistently, and directly
• Listens to others
• Time Management
• Negotiating
• Strong communication proficiency
• Client Focused - creates satisfied Clients by providing exceptional Client service
• Takes initiative and acts in a responsible manner
• Shows flexibility within established parameters

DISCLAIMER:This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by associates within this classification. It is not designed to confirm or be interpreted as a comprehensive summary of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job.
ATIS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by calling 1-314-441-3997 or by sending an email to hr@atis.com. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.