Property Improvement Partner

The City of Ottawa currently recruiting for a Property Improvement Partner. The Property Improvement Partner is responsible to work with our neighbors to achieve compliance with the nuisance ordinances in the municipal code and responds to complaints regarding weeds, nuisances, and inoperable vehicles in order to ensure public safety and enforcement of City laws, and generally to work together across the community to help build an ever more beautiful and prosperous Ottawa. Using discretion and in coordination with the rest of the department, the Property Improvement Partner works to connect neighbors to public and charitable resources as appropriate in order to achieve compliance and to help each neighbor prosper

Essential Job Functions

• Inspect properties for code enforcement actions; perform inspections of roofs, garages, decks, fences, garage sales, swimming pools, etc.
• Maintain relationships with public and charitable organizations, making referrals as appropriate.
• Receive and respond to complaints regarding weeds, nuisances, and inoperable vehicles.
• Maintain records regarding code enforcement.
• Work with citizens in the resolution of code enforcement complaints or violations.
• Provide required information through preparation of reports/records according to department procedures.

Ancillary Job Functions

• Fill in for Development Assistant and perform clerical duties as needed.
• May serve as witness in prosecution of code enforcement cases.
• Comply with all City ordinances and policies.
• Assist other departments and perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience – An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

• High school diploma or equivalent. BA preferred.
• Some experience with code enforcement or social services and working with people in stressful situations preferred.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license.
• The ideal candidate would have a background in social welfare/social work.
• Requires American Association of Code Enforcement Certification within 1 year of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those commonly associated with this position.

• Ability to understand and implement current laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to deal with difficult citizens in a calm and patient manner.
• Ability to show empathy and work to a positive resolution whenever possible.
• Ability to operate computers, calculators, and other office equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret written instructions, memos, and reports.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees, business entities, and the general public.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work under general supervision and make responsible decisions.
• Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations.

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• May be required to work in confined spaces or hazardous traffic conditions.
• May be exposed to inclement outdoor weather

Physical Abilities (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions)

• Must be able to talk, hear, stand, walk over uneven terrain, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, and balance.
• Must be able to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement and manual dexterity.
• Must have precise hand-eye coordination, clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, and ability to identify/distinguish colors.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Range: $ $26.07 per hour

Date Opened: November 4, 2025

Date Closed: December 4, 2025

Residency:     Regular full-time employees are required to establish and maintain residency within a driving distance of 35 miles of Ottawa City Hall within one year from hire. 

Anyone with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at at least two days prior to a scheduled test or interview.

The City of Ottawa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.