Salary : $34,840.00 - $40,548.00 Annually
Location : Detroit, Michigan, MI
Job Type: Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number: 20254012006BSEEDmm
Department: Buildings & Safety Eng
Opening Date: 05/25/2026
Bargaining Unit: 0500

Description
BUILDING, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL & ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
TITLE SEARCHER

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.

Under general supervision, searches public records to determine the legal ownership of and/or interest in the property, including legal actions, land titles, and documents that affect the legal status of the property; and analyzes and records the information for code enforcement, court hearings and/or other purposes.
Examples of Duties

Examines computerized and hard copy public records to determine ownership, parties of interest and property actions pending from descriptions or property addresses.
Ensures the identification of property owners and other interested parties by examining and mapping the chain of title and deed transfers.
Obtains and compares source documents to abstract information to verify findings.
Examines court records and confers with court personnel to retrieve records in cases where the owner is deceased and records are not available.
Updates property search information for omissions and developments that have occurred since the initial search.
Records findings and all relevant address and contact information to ensure that all appropriate partiescan be contacted or served.
Checks and documents property tax status and taxpayer of record.
Defends search findings in court and participates in other proceedings regarding disputed property.
Investigates interested parties through other available records and means, as directed.
Updates computer records with relevant findings.
Provides guidance or instruction to less experienced peers or clerical staff as required.
Interfaces with other City departments, agencies and other public bodies in conveying or accessing information.

Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications (required):

High School graduation or GED.
One (1) year of experience performing complex clerical duties.

Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan

Interview: 70%
Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%

Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

Veteran Points: 0 - 15 points
Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD: 08/01/2024
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of records maintenance procedures.
Skill in basic operation of personal computers.
Skill in precise documentation of data.
Ability to perform logical and sequential data search.
Ability to record and maintain accurate and legible notes.
Ability to manage own time and workflow.
Ability to acquire additional knowledge and skills to remain current in the field.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTIC:

Work involves regular visits to Wayne County Register of Deeds Office and occasional court appearances.
Must be able to lift volumes weighing up to twenty (20) pounds.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to lift volumes weighing up to twenty (20) pounds.
Work Environment
Work involves regular visits to Wayne County Register of Deeds Office and occasional court appearances.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements reflect the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Essential duties may vary from position to position.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

HEALTH

Medical - 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.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit
01

Please indicate your highest level of education completed

High School Diploma/GED
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
PhD/J.D.
No Education experience

How many years of customer service experience do you have?

Do you have one (1) year of experience performing complex clerical duties?

Do you have experience conducting property research using public records, court documents, and title/deed history to determine ownership or parties of interest?

Required Question

Title Searcher - Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department

Title Searcher - Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department

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