Code Enforcement Inspector Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, September 15, 2026

JOB TITLE: Code Enforcement Officer

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Planning and Development Department/Zoning, Building Inspection & Construction

PAY GRADE & HOURS: Grade T1 / 40-hour work week

UNION: Local 3851/Professional and Technical

POSITION SUMMARY: The Code Enforcement Officer is under the general direction of the Senior Code Enforcement Officer and is responsible for performing inspections and investigations concerning violations of local ordinances and the State of Rhode Island Property Maintenance Code. The position determines the presence of health hazards, nuisance violations, unsafe building conditions, and blighted property conditions. He/She also communicates with property owners, city residents, real estate agents, contractors, and inter-municipal personnel providing detail and information regarding code violations, property conditions and corrective actions required.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts investigations of reported code violations (i.e. Sanitation, egress, lighting, ventilation, electrical, heating, and other life-safety/ sub-standard living conditions.) on private property and from the public right of way (i.e. Blight, graffiti, protective coating etc.); determines if violations are present at the reported property.
• Conducts property inspections for possible violations of City code and/or ordinance (i.e. overgrown grass and weeds, accumulation of trash and debris).
• Process warnings, correction notices, and notice of violation.
• Documents field inspection reports and photographic evidence.
• Reports daily to Senior Code Enforcement Officer. Assists as needed.
• Communicates investigation results to staff, property owners, contractors, and City residents.
• Tracks progress of violations and compliance.
• Cross reference active violations with required permits and approvals via opengov.com (online permitting).
• Forwards code violation notices and information to appropriate City departments to assist with corrective action or notify of potentially hazardous conditions.
• Monitors assigned geographical areas to identify code violations.
• Complies with all applicable department security and safety rules, regulations and standards pertaining to vehicle operation and personal safety.
• Convey a positive professional image by action, communication and appearance.
• Maintain regular attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: A high school diploma or a GED equivalent, is required. Four (4) years of experience in the construction field (i.e. plumbing, electrical, carpentry), housing, structural engineering, or other related work. College training in the above-named fields may be substituted for experience. Knowledge of the principles and practices for enforcement or regulatory codes pertaining to municipal law.

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record. Provide proof of citizenship and/or eligibility to legally work in the United States. Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test, and maintains a professional appearance and attire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND PERSONAL QUALITIES: Thorough knowledge and ability to:

• Read and interpret maps, plats, codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Analyze research to determine applicable ordinances, codes, regulations, and statutes.
• General computer operations (i.e. Microsoft Office software suite).
• Familiarity with standard office machines (i.e. scanner, computer, copier and fax machine).
• Field equipment (i.e. iPad, camera, web-based operating system [Iworq]).
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of City management, officials, staff, and the general public.
• Communicate effectively in-person, telephone, writing, and by e-mail with all levels of City management, officials, staff, and the general public.
• Meet deadlines efficiently by applying knowledge of the procedures to fulfill essential job duties. Provide excellent public relations and customer service skills.
• Work in a multi-task environment.
• Organize, prioritize, and carry out office work with minimal supervision.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Must possess the ability to access remote sites that may require climbing and traversing rough terrain, possibly in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to sit, stand, or walk for significant periods of time daily; required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs, maintain body equilibrium as to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or running on narrow, slick, or uneven surfaces.
• Must possess general manual dexterity to operate computer, equipment, tools, controls, or other objects.
• Must possess mental acuity for attention to accuracy and detail.
• Must see in the normal visual range with or without correction.
• Must hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

• A portion of work takes place in an outdoor setting in extreme temperatures including heat, cold, temperature swings, and inclement weather.
• Stressful situations are inherent to this position - may frequently communicate with irate members of the public.
• The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles and work in sometimes heavy vehicle traffic conditions.
• Exposure to poor air quality, dust, fumes, and loud noises that are occasionally encountered during operations.
• Exposure to biting insects and potentially hazardous pests (i.e. bedbugs, fleas, cockroaches, and rodents).
• Exposure to unsafe buildings, uneven/unstable walking surfaces, and dilapidated structures.
• Exposure to unsanitary living conditions and potential hazmat hazards.
• Work may include response to emergency situations, some weekends, holidays, and after-hours.

An Equal Opportunity Employer