Plumbing Inspector - Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department

We create safe environments for city residents.

The 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.

• Approve applications for permits when necessary.
• Complete daily inspection activity reports accurately and neatly.
• Examine construction plans prior to the issuance of permit to determine conformance with pertinent City and State codes/ordinances.
• Prepare code violation cases for court and appears and testifies regarding code violations in court cases.
• Investigate complaints of code violations and prepares notices of violation to be sent to appropriate person(s).
• Assist in the training of new employees.
• Inspect plumbing and drainage installations in and around new, existing, renovated, remodeled buildings of all types for compliance with pertinent codes and ordinance requirements.
• Determine if installations conform to the code and approved plans.
• Perform witness test of plumbing systems for leaks, examines fixtures, appliances and special fittings to see if they are code approved types.
• Perform related office duties as needed.
• Work with supervisor(s) and management to improve efficiencies within the division and department.
• Prepare and present lectures, speeches, and demonstrations on plumbing issues.

• High school graduation or G.E.D.
• Two years of journey worker level experience in the construction and maintenance of plumbing and drainage systems and related parts.

• Completion of two years of college with specialization in engineering.
• Experience in the inspectional and/or supervisory phases of the work.

• Valid State of Michigan Journey and/or Master Plumber License required.
• Employees in this class will be required to provide their own automobile for transportation on a reimbursed mileage basis; a valid State of Michigan Operator License required.

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal
  
  Qualifications:
  
  30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD: 11/12/2025

• Materials, operations, construction and maintenance of plumbing and drainage systems.
• Sanitary and mechanical principles and their application to the field of plumbing.

• Physical and mechanical dexterity.
• Observation.
• Performing inspections.
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing with tact and diplomacy.
• Use of personal computers and common office software.

• Read and interpret construction plans and specifications for compliance with all related codes, ordinances, and laws.
• Detect potential hazards to public safety.
• Climb ladders and enter manholes, narrow openings and crawl spaces, and to move along narrow, exposed platforms and beams, and to climb in and out of trenches and other excavations.
• Work in high places and confined spaces.
• Work in hot, dusty places.
• Withstand noxious and unpleasant odors.
• Interact with tact and courtesy in contacts with workers, supervisors, contractors, owners, and the general public.
• Refer customers to the appropriate department division or other City agencies.

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

• Work involves the ability to climb ladders and enter manholes, narrow openings, and crawl spaces, and to move along narrow, exposed platforms and beams, and to climb in and out of trenches and other excavations, work in high places and confined spaces, and work in hot, dusty places.