Elevator Inspector (Buildings Safety Engineering and Environmental Department)

Elevator Inspector

The Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) mission is to provide for the safety, health, and welfare of the general public as it pertains to buildings and their environs in an efficient, cost-effective, user-friendly, and professional manner. BSEED enforces construction, property maintenance, environmental compliance, and zoning codes, which preserve and enhance property values and promote quality of life to make Detroit a preferred place to reside and conduct business.

The Elevator Inspection Team of the Construction Division of Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental is responsible for, but not limited to the examination and licensing of elevator journeypersons and contractors, inspections of elevators, escalators, and dumbwaiters, wheelchair devices, complaint investigations, and reporting of elevator accidents. The team also approves the registration of elevator licenses and handles elevator code questions.

To all elevator contractors and journeymen licensed by the City of Detroit Buildings, Safety, and Environmental Elevator Division:

As of October 1st, 2019, the Elevator Division has introduced the new 2019 City of Detroit Elevator Code - Article IX, which in accordance with Section 3(k) of the Michigan Home Rule City Act, being MCL 117.3(k) has officially adopted, with Exceptions/Additions, the following Code Requirements.

Under general supervision, inspects freight and passenger elevators and other elevating devices to assure compliance with pertinent codes and city ordinances, approves plans, specifications, and accepted standards and methods of work; and examines plans for compliance with pertinent codes, laws, and ordinances for the approval of applications for permits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspects elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and other elevating devices and their auxiliaries.
• Witnesses and reports on acceptance tests.
• Makes inspections of new elevator installations for compliance with approved plans and specifications.
• Checks safety appliances and investigates their working conditions.
• Inspects existing elevators and other elevating devices periodically and reports adverse conditions found.
• Investigates complaints of violations of codes and prepares notices of violations.
• Appears in court as a witness.
• Investigates and reports on accidents.
• Prepares daily activities reports.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school graduation or GED and two (2) years of advanced training in engineering principles and their practical application to the field of elevators, which training may have been secured by the completion of a reputable apprenticeship in elevator repair and new installations.
• Eight (8) years of experience in the field of construction and maintenance of elevators and other elevating devices and their auxiliaries.

Preferred:

• One (1) year of advanced training in an engineering college.
• Experience in the inspection and/or supervisory phases of the work.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:

• Valid State of Michigan Operator License required. Employees in this class will be required to provide their own automobile for transportation on a reimbursed mileage basis.
• Employees in this class must hold a City of Detroit Elevator Journeyman License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of materials, operations, constructions, and trade practices related to elevator construction.
• Knowledge of elementary mechanical and electrical engineering principles governing the operation of elevators.
• Skill in physical and mechanical dexterity.
• Skill in observation.
• Skill in performing inspections.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with tact and diplomacy.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and common office software.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications for compliance with all related codes, ordinances, and laws.
• Ability to detect potential hazards to public safety.
• Ability to interact with tact and courtesy in contacts with workers, supervisors, contractors, owners, and the general public.
• Ability to prepare and write adequate inspection reports.

Physical Demands

• Work involves the ability to climb ladders, enter narrow openings and crawl spaces, and move along narrow, exposed platforms and beams.

Work Environment

• Work involves the ability to work atop elevator cars and in elevator pits beneath elevator cars while the car may be in operation.

Benefits

The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

Health: Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits. Dental. Vision.

Insurance: Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent. Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.

Paid Time Off: Sick Leave. Vacation. Holidays.

Other Leave Benefits: The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave.

Retirement Benefits: City Employees Retirement System. As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after: Completion of thirty (30) years of service; At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service. In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply); An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service; Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.

Advancement Opportunities - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.