Building Inspection - Inspector - Mechanical - Plumbing

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to perform a variety of skilled field and office work involved in the enforcement of codes and regulations regarding mechanical and plumbing installations; to inspect new construction, remodeling, and repairs to determine compliance with City mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas codes; to review plans and specifications to determine compliance with City codes.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position exercises no supervision.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Inspect residential, commercial, and industrial mechanical and plumbing installations in structures undergoing construction, repair, or remodeling for compliance with City mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas codes, and safety standards; issue appropriate permits.

Review plans and specifications for compliance with the adopted City mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas codes.

Enforce adopted City mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas codes; identify areas of non-compliance; discuss problems with contractors, developers and homeowners; identify ways of correcting deficiencies.

Issue stop work orders when conditions warrant.

Inspect work sites to ensure that contractors and workers have appropriate licenses and that proper material and practices are utilized.

Assist in maintaining records of mechanical contractors and licensed plumbers.

Assist Board of Building Standards board Advisory Committees in reviewing regulations.

Assist in evaluating building(s) considered for rehabilitation or demolition; evaluate mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas installations at property owner’s request for code compliance.

Prepare inspection reports; review permit applications.

Inspect backflow devices and review test reports on backflow assemblies.

Receive and process inspection requests.

Perform computer data entry.

Operate a City vehicle daily to travel to various job sites throughout the City limits. 

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas construction and installation methods, practices, and materials.

Possible defects and faults in mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas construction as well as installation activities; standard testing devices, methods, and corrective measures.

Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill to:

Verbally and in writing communicate code violations.

Utilize a variety of tools and equipment used in mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas inspection work including ladder, transit, level, screw driver, tape measure, and pliers.

Operate office equipment including a computer and I-pad.

Safely operate a motor vehicle.

Ability to:

Learn applicable mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas codes.

Understand and apply City’s mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas codes.

Understand and interpret plans, schematics and specifications.

Detect and locate defective mechanical, plumbing and fuel gas installations, and ascertain the stage of construction or installation when defects most easily are found and corrected.

Objectively, tactfully and uniformly enforce City codes.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.         

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.  Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:

Five (5) years of experience in mechanical and plumbing installation work as a Journeyman and/or Master Plumber.

Education/Training:

A high school diploma or GED is required.        

License or Certificate:     

A valid current Texas Driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days, or a military waiver is required.

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a plumbing inspector license issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners within 18 months of employment.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a mechanical inspector certification issued by the International Code council within 24 months of employment.

Special Requirements:

Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoor, confining work space, chemicals, explosive material, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.

Ability to travel to different sites.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

­­___     Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___     Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

_X_     Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___     Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___     Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes:  The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N         =          No

E         =          Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M         =          Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I           =          Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A         =          Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_E_     Standing

_M_    Sitting

_E_     Walking

_I_      Lifting

_I_      Carrying

_I_      Pushing/Pulling

_I_      Overhead Work

_M_    Fine Dexterity

_M_    Kneeling

_M_    Crouching

_I_      Crawling

_M_    Bending

_I_      Twisting

_I_      Climbing

_M_    Balancing

_E_     Vision

_E_     Hearing

_E_     Talking

___     Other:  _____________________