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Job Description

PLUMBING/MECHANICAL INSPECTOR I

JOB CODE 60430

Effective Date:	12/07A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to inspect and evaluate new and existing plumbing, heating, ventilating, and cooling systems for compliance with approved plans, City Construction Code and related requirements. Compliance is ordered when violations are discovered. Difficult technical problems may be referred to a supervisor but employees work independently in the field and are responsible for making decisions requiring technical discretion, sound judgment and familiarity with a variety of codes, ordinances, and installation and repair problems. Employees in this class report to a Plumbing/Mechanical Inspections Field Supervisor or the Plumbing/Mechanical Inspections Supervisor who provides supervision and training designed to prepare incumbents for promotion to Plumbing/Mechanical Inspector II.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Inspects plumbing systems including gas piping systems and mechanical systems in residential buildings, such as multistory residential buildings and hotels, and nonresidential buildings and structures of any size or height, such as office buildings, manufacturing plants, health care facilities, retail stores, and schools to determine that installations, systems, and materials comply with approved plans and/or applicable codes and ordinances;
• Requires construction corrections to be made when deficiencies are discovered and assists builders and owners in determining how such corrections may be made to achieve code conformance;
• Provides information on the Construction Code and other building regulatory requirements;
• Monitors an assigned geographical area to identify construction being performed without a permit or for dangerous conditions;
• Issues notices of violation where unsafe or illegal conditions exist and conducts follow-up inspections to ensure corrections are made;
• Informs contractors and other customers about construction problems relating to the plumbing and mechanical codes, standards, and regulations;
• Investigates alleged violations of the Construction Code and related ordinances;
• Performs inspections in accordance with approved plans and inspection disciplines;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• The methods and practices involved in installing, repairing and maintaining a variety of plumbing and mechanical systems and equipment.
• Fundamental mechanical principles as they apply to heating, cooling, ventilating, and exhaust systems.
• Stages of construction when possible violations and defects may most easily be observed and corrected.
• Uniform Plumbing and Mechanical Codes and associated rules, regulations, and standards.
• Mathematical principles required to perform related technical calculations.

Ability to:

• Detect possible defects and faults in plumbing and mechanical systems and recommend or stipulate appropriate remedial measures.
• Accurately read and comprehend construction plans.
• Objectively interpret and consistently apply code requirements and related standards in accordance with department policies.
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation which takes place mainly in an on-the-job training setting.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the general public.
• Communicate in the English language by phone or in person in a one- to-one setting.
• Produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Keep accurate records.
• Measure distances using a tape measure.
• Use graphic instructions, such as blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts or other visual aids.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material.
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually.
• Ascend and descend ladders or unfinished stairs without handrails and work at heights greater than 10 feet.
• Travel over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces, and maneuver around scaffolding, bracing or unfinished construction elements.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Inspect dark or unlit areas of construction using a flashlight.
• Inspect content and quality of partially erected buildings, structures or building service equipment.
• Lift arm above shoulder level while measuring or performing inspections.
• Use standard testing devices to detect possible defects in plumbing and mechanical systems.

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess certifications from one of the two disciplines listed below by the end of the twelve-month probationary period:

  Plumbing

  • IAPMO Plumbing Inspector
    OR
    
  • ICC Commercial Plumbing Inspector AND ICC Residential Plumbing Inspector

  Mechanical

  • IAPMO Mechanical Inspector
    OR
    
  • ICC Commercial Mechanical Inspector AND ICC Residential Mechanical Inspector

• All positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Three years of experience as a journey-level plumber or HVAC installer skilled in new or remodeling work on commercial, industrial, or multistory residential projects or certification by a model code agency as a Plumbing Inspector or Mechanical Inspector. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.