Inspector (Consumer and Worker Protection) Guide

Key Job Duties

What you will act and execute daily upon appointment:

• Conduct or participate in inspections, investigations, surveys, and systematic reviews relating to business and occupational licensing.
• Verify the sale and offering of commodities and services across all levels of commercial trade and distribution to ensure fairness and compliance with local laws.
• Conduct thorough regulatory investigations to identify violations and enforce compliance of municipal worker protection and labor standards.
• Operate agency or personal motor vehicles to travel between scattered commercial and business inspection sites in the performance of duties.
• Document inspection findings, compile detailed case folders, and participate in administrative or legal proceedings concerning licensing or worker violations.

Filing & Appointment Eligibility

Candidates must fulfill these rules BEFORE certification:

• Pathway 1: A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent PLUS four (4) years of full-time, satisfactory experience conducting investigations or inspections for a consumer or worker protection agency; OR
• Pathway 2: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university (any discipline); OR
• Pathway 3: A satisfactory combination of college education and experience (30 college semester credits substitute for 1 year of required experience, but all candidates must have a high school diploma or its equivalent).
• Driver License: At the time of appointment, you must possess a valid New York State motor vehicle driver license (free of disqualifying moving violations, suspensions, or accident history).
• Drug Screening: Candidates must pass a mandatory drug screening evaluation in order to be appointed.

Official Exam Syllabus & Cognitive Skill Focus

Knowledge areas, trade competencies, and cognitive abilities evaluated by DCAS:

Physical Demands & Environmental Conditions

Physical activities performed and environments experienced in this role:

• Standing for up to seven (7) hours per day at retail and business venues.
• Walking up to five (5) miles per day across scattered commercial sites during patrol routes.
• Climbing stairwells to access offices, service spaces, and upper-level storage units.
• Lifting and carrying inspector equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and up to 100 pounds with assistance, for a distance of up to 100 feet.

Special Working Conditions

Operational environments and agency-specific criteria:

• Shift Schedule: May be required to work non-standard hours, including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays.
• Driver License Requirement: A valid Motor Vehicle License in the State of New York is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained.
• Drug Screening: Completion and passage of a mandatory drug screening is required prior to official appointment.
• City Residency: City residency is subject to New York City Administrative Code Section 12-120 rules (may require residency within 90 days of appointment).