PLUMBING INSPECTOR I  42100

 (Competitive)

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS                                                                                          

The work involves responsibility for inspecting plumbing work done by private contractors to insure conformity to public health laws, ordinances, plans and specifications. Under the general supervision of the Plumbing Inspector II, an employee in this class is responsible for inspecting all sewer lateral connections, piping, fixtures and other plumbing installations made to new and existing facilities by licensed plumbing contractors. An employee in this class is responsible for insuring plumbing installations made during construction adhere to plans and specifications and also conforms to the county plumbing code and New York State Building Code.

An employee in this class receives, investigates and answers complaints in plumbing work regarding multiple dwellings and commercial buildings, and periodically checks these facilities to insure that water mains are not contaminated by cross connections that could occur in the facilities water supply. The position involves considerable responsibility since error in inspection may endanger the health of the general public. Work is reviewed and dispatched from a mobile communication system, through assignment by the Plumbing Inspector II, who reviews the work for proper completion.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Inspects sewer connections and installations made by licensed plumbing contractors by checking and verifying proper pitch, alignment, size and material of pipe for the number of plumbing fixtures sewer is to serve.

Inspects all excavation work to insure that proper foundation material has been used under sewer lateral connections.

Makes joint inspections with applicable Health Department agencies to ascertain if restaurants and other food establishments are in compliance with the plumbing code; reports findings.

Insures that backflow preventers are installed near water meters in plants, hospital and multiple dwellings to protect water mains from contamination from possible cross connection in water supplies.

Receives, investigates and answers complaints regarding plumbing work; reports findings of same.

Periodically tours area of responsibility to insure that no unauthorized plumbing work is in progress.

Makes final inspections to insure plumbing of facility as constructed complies with public health laws, ordinances and the county plumbing code.

Advises homeowners on plumbing layouts, repairs and solves plumbing problems.

Attends seminars on various code revisions, new materials, problems, etc.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the practices, tools and terminology used in plumbing work.

Working knowledge of the laws, ordinances and codes governing plumbing connections and installation in Onondaga County.

Working knowledge of sewer gases such as methane, carbon monoxide and other safety hazards, as well as some knowledge of safety rules and regulations.

Ability to read and understand plumbing plans and specifications.

Ability to make inspections of plumbing installations.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Certification of Competency as a Journeyman Plumber or Master Plumber issued by the Onondaga County Examining Board of Plumbers, or
2. Certificate of Completion of Plumbing Apprenticeship Training issued from the New York State Department of Labor, or
3. Five (5) years of full time work experience as a NYS licensed Codes Enforcement Officer which includes or is supplemented by 2 years of skilled work experience or its part time equivalent, in the plumbing trade.

 

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT:

Must initiate training to obtain certification as a New York State Code Enforcement Official within the first twelve (12) months of appointment.

Once Codes Enforcement certification is obtained, candidates must meet the training and certification requirements set forth by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. (see section 434.5 – Certification of Code Enforcement Personnel - of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR). Eligibility for and continued possession of the license and registration must be maintained throughout employment.

 

 

12/2020  Revised