Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector

Job Description

The Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector performs skilled inspections of residential and commercial construction, including mobile homes to verify that plumbing and mechanical installations are installed in compliance with safety requirements and the City Code, local ordinances, and approved plans for commercial and residential properties. The job is performed in both the cities of Pocatello and Chubbuck.

The Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector works independently in the field and must deal constructively with conflict and communicate effectively with people who may be angry, frustrated or confused. The Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector is responsible for making decisions requiring technical discretion, sound judgment and familiarity with enforcement of a variety of plumbing and mechanical code requirements and repair problems.

The job requires a Plumbing and Mechanical certification for commercial and residential properties. The job needs knowledge of construction and plumbing and mechanical codes to interpret the regulations into practical application. The job requires explanation of the relevant code and regulatory requirements to builders, developers, homeowners and the general public to describe what is needed/required. The job involves keeping accurate and detailed notes and records for each construction site.

The work environment includes an office environment, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, with areas of dust, odors, mist, gases or other airborne matter. The job works at heights, confined spaces and is exposed to plumbing, mechanical, and electrical hazards. The job necessitates working around construction sites at all stages of completion, which may involve falling hazards, open excavation and temporary safety installations.

The job requires driving a vehicle.

• Conducts plan reviews of mechanical and plumbing designs to assure compliance with established codes; writes plan reviews for engineers, designers, and architects to insure plans address code compliance issues.
• Inspects plumbing, heating, and cooling installations for conformity to codes and standards; determines adequacy of installation, taking into consideration structure size and safety factors; makes records of inspections noting date of approval; issues correction notices regarding code violations.
• Reviews and studies plumbing, heating, and cooling codes; explains and interprets codes for homeowners and contractors; enforces codes and standards related to the same.
• Analyzes problems related to plumbing, heating, and cooling codes; determines remedies or alternative solutions and recommends changes, improvements, or modifications of existing program to Supervisor.
• Inspects for proper backflow protection to potable water system.
• Inspects for proper sewer and potable water installations.
• Responds to questions from contractors, engineers, designers and homeowners regarding plumbing and mechanical issues to help avoid design rework and completion of homeowner-initiated projects without rework or code violations.
• Writes and issues letters of non-compliance to building owners that allow or create unsafe conditions relating to plumbing, gas appliances, or HVAC systems, etc.
• Coordinates activities with other departments and inspection staff by recording inspection results in database. Works with other inspectors to coordinate inspection coverage of the City and to ensure that electrical work is inspected and approved prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, certificate of completion or other final approval.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

• High school diploma or GED;
• Licensed Plumbing Journeyman;
• Certified Plumbing Inspector and Mechanical Inspector for residential, commercial and industrial properties is required*;
• Four (4) years experience as a licensed journeyman plumber.

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

* Hiring

Note:

The Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector position requires an ICC Certification in Plumbing Inspection, and Mechanical Inspection for residential, commercial and industrial properties within twelve (12) months of hire date. Failure to acquire this certification by the established date will violate the terms of the position and will result in layoff from the position.

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required…