CHIEF SANITARY INSPECTOR

CHIEF SANITARY INSPECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONAL SERVICES
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Chief Sanitary Inspector for the Housing Division within the Inspectional Services Department. Under the direction of the Director of Housing and Health, the position provides a wide range of managerial and administrative services related to protecting the health, safety, and environmental stability of the City’s business and residential community. This position will be responsible for the operational planning of staff within the Housing Division. The Chief Sanitary Inspector will also play a key role in communication between the city and the residents, as well as between City departments to ensure accuracy and cooperation on projects.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Communicate on behalf of the department with property owners, tenants, and stakeholders.
• Ensure the accuracy of enforcement orders for ownership and delivery of the same.
• Accountable and responsible for the supervision of staff in the Housing Division. 
• Responsible for the operational planning of staff in accordance with schedules, deadlines, and department priorities.
• Meet with staff to ensure accuracy and provide guidance for the interpretation of the codes as observed by inspectors, as well as to ensure compliance in a timely matter. 
• Provide oversight of regulatory programs, inventory of condemned, vacant, foreclosed, or foreclosing properties and Chapter 139 building reviews.
• Hold appeal hearings.
• Ensure interdepartmental cooperation for compliance within the community. Works with agencies in the community as well as the Attorney General’s Abandoned Housing Initiative.
• Provide new employee onboarding, training, and mentoring.
• Attend required training seminars and workshops to stay abreast of changes in local, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to inspectional services.
• Perform related work as required.

 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of City departmental operations.
• Working knowledge of office software (Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel), the Internet, social media, and web site use.
• Comprehensive knowledge, ability to interpret and explain both verbally and in writing to property owners, legal departments, and other departments in the City all aspects of the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Worcester nuisance ordinances and other regulations.
• Ability to meet and deal with the public and City employees in a tactful manner.
• Ability to handle problems and emergencies effectively.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain sensitive, confidential information, manage and organize complex records. Ability to deal appropriately on behalf of the city with department employees, the public as well as local, state and federal officials.
• Ability to multi-task in order to complete assignments in a detailed, timely, and organized manner.
• Ability to direct staff professionally, delegate tasks effectively, and keep daily operations running efficiently.
• Regular onsite attendance is required.
• Ability to communicate effectively in all situations and with a diverse audience.
• Proficient computer skills as well as proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to make good, quick and accurate decisions.
• Ability to read blueprints and construction related documents.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree or a master’s Craftsman knowledge level in a professional field or trade AND seven (7) years of related work experience; OR;
  • Any equivalent combination of education, training and ten (10) years of experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered in lieu of above requirement.
• Five (5) years of experience in the field of sanitary inspection
• Five (5) years of experience as a Sanitary Inspector in the Housing Enforcement Unit
• Valid Driver’s License
• Massachusetts PHIT training tier 1, 2, and 3 in process or completed

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban studies, non-profit management, construction management, public health or a related field
• Intensive knowledge of a specialized field (e.g., civil engineering, public health, etc.)
• Massachusetts Registered Sanitarian designation
• Healthy Homes Specialist

HIRING RANGE: $105,546 -$114,625 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package

FULL SALARY RANGE: $105,546 -$123,642

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.