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PLUMBING INSPECTOR

Job Description

Pay Type: Full-time, hourly. Non-exempt
Department: Inspections
Reports To: Chief Building Official
Location: City Hall, 300 S. Church St., Jonesboro, Arkansas
Safety Sensitive: Yes

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

This position is responsible for performing specialized plumbing inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and other permitted construction projects to ensure compliance with applicable Arkansas Plumbing Code requirements, City ordinances, approved plans, permits, and other applicable regulations. The employee conducts inspections throughout the construction process, reviews plumbing plans, identifies violations, communicates required corrections, performs re-inspections, and documents inspection results.

The position requires substantial knowledge of plumbing construction methods, materials, systems, applicable codes, and inspection practices. The employee regularly interacts with plumbers, contractors, subcontractors, property owners, developers, City employees, and members of the public and is expected to exercise independent judgment in determining compliance with applicable requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts on-site plumbing inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and other permitted construction projects to determine compliance with applicable plumbing codes, ordinances, approved plans, and permit requirements. This duty is performed daily.
Inspects plumbing systems and components, including water supply systems, sanitary drainage systems, storm drainage systems, vent systems, fixtures, piping, sewer connections, backflow prevention devices, and related plumbing equipment. This duty is performed daily.
Performs inspections at various stages of construction, including underground, rough-in, top-out, pressure testing, and final inspections. This duty is performed daily.
Reviews plumbing plans, specifications, permit applications, and related construction documents for compliance with applicable codes and regulations. This duty is performed weekly.
Interprets and explains applicable plumbing codes, ordinances, regulations, and City requirements to contractors, plumbers, property owners, developers, and the general public. This duty is performed daily.
Identifies plumbing code violations and notifies contractors, plumbers, subcontractors, property owners, and other responsible parties of required corrections. This duty is performed daily.
Verifies that required plumbing permits have been obtained before regulated work begins and that work is performed in accordance with approved permits. This duty is performed daily.
Verifies applicable plumber and contractor licensing requirements and reports suspected licensing violations to the appropriate authority. This duty is performed weekly.
Conducts re-inspections to determine whether previously identified plumbing violations have been corrected. This duty is performed daily.
Performs final plumbing inspections and determines whether work meets applicable requirements for approval. This duty is performed weekly.
Inspects existing plumbing systems when required in connection with renovations, additions, alterations, complaints, code enforcement matters, or other City activities. This duty is performed weekly.
Investigates complaints involving plumbing installations, unsafe conditions, code violations, illegal plumbing work, or other plumbing-related matters. This duty is performed weekly.
Coordinates with building, electrical, HVAC, fire, zoning, engineering, and other inspection personnel when construction activities involve multiple areas of code compliance. This duty is performed weekly.
Issues correction notices and other documentation related to plumbing code violations and inspection deficiencies in accordance with established City procedures. This duty is performed daily.
Maintains accurate records of inspections, permits, violations, correction notices, photographs, correspondence, and other information associated with plumbing inspection activities. This duty is performed daily.
Enters inspection results, permit information, correction notices, and other information into the City's electronic permitting and inspection systems. This duty is performed daily.
Answers telephone, email, and in-person inquiries from contractors, plumbers, property owners, developers, and members of the public concerning plumbing permits, inspections, and code requirements. This duty is performed daily.
Provides technical assistance and information to other City employees regarding plumbing construction, code requirements, inspection procedures, and related matters. This duty is performed weekly.
Participates in meetings, training programs, continuing education, and professional development activities necessary to maintain required certifications and remain current with changes to applicable codes and regulations. This duty is performed periodically.
Testifies or provides documentation concerning inspection findings, code violations, permits, or enforcement actions when required. This duty is performed occasionally.
Operates a City vehicle to travel to construction sites, inspection locations, meetings, and other locations necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. This duty is performed daily.
Performs any other related duties as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED, plus five years of progressively responsible experience in plumbing construction, plumbing installation, plumbing inspection, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Considerable knowledge of plumbing construction methods, materials, equipment, practices, and applicable plumbing codes is required.

Experience interpreting construction plans, specifications, and plumbing drawings is preferred.

Experience as a licensed plumber or plumbing contractor is preferred.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Ability to effectively communicate information and respond to questions in person-to-person and small group situations with contractors, plumbers, property owners, developers, general public, City employees, and other individuals.

Ability to explain technical code requirements in a clear and understandable manner.

Ability to prepare accurate written inspection reports, correction notices, correspondence, and other documentation.

Ability to communicate professionally when dealing with disagreements concerning code interpretations, inspection results, and required corrections.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Ability to calculate measurements, pipe sizes, slopes, dimensions, percentages, ratios, and related plumbing requirements.

Ability to interpret and apply mathematical information contained in construction plans, specifications, tables, charts, and code requirements.

CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Ability to interpret and apply applicable plumbing codes, ordinances, regulations, plans, specifications, and inspection procedures.

Ability to recognize unsafe or noncompliant plumbing conditions and determine the appropriate corrective action.

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, blueprint, and construction plan formats.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Arkansas Driver License.

State of Arkansas Plumbing Inspector Certificate of Competency or the ability to obtain and maintain the required Plumbing Inspector certification within the period established by the City and applicable state requirements.

The employee must maintain all licenses, certifications, and continuing education required by the State of Arkansas to perform plumbing inspection duties. Arkansas rules require annual renewal of plumbing inspector certification and required refresher training. (Code of Arkansas Rules)

PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Arkansas Master Plumber License.

Additional Arkansas plumbing or natural gas inspection certifications.

ICC plumbing inspection certification or equivalent nationally recognized inspection certification.

Additional building, mechanical, electrical, or code enforcement certifications.

SOFTWARE SKILLS REQUIRED

Basic to intermediate computer skills.

Ability to use Microsoft Office applications, electronic permitting and inspection software, email, internet-based research tools, mobile inspection applications, and other software necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

INITIATIVE AND INGENUITY

Performs duties independently using established policies, procedures, codes, ordinances, and professional practices. Must recognize unusual or potentially unsafe conditions and determine an appropriate course of action within established authority.

The position requires initiative in researching code requirements, resolving inspection questions, communicating deficiencies, and coordinating with contractors and other City personnel.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under general supervision where standard practice enables the employee to proceed alone on routine work, referring questionable, unusual, or complex matters to the Chief Building Official.

The employee is expected to exercise independent judgment in conducting inspections and determining compliance with applicable requirements.

PLANNING

Considerable responsibility with regard to general assignments in planning time, method, manner, and sequence of performance of own work.

Plans daily inspection activities based on scheduled inspections, construction progress, re-inspections, complaints, and other priorities.

DECISION MAKING

Performs work operations which permit frequent opportunity for decision-making of minor importance and regular opportunity for decision-making of moderate importance.

Decisions may affect contractors, plumbers, property owners, construction schedules, and the City's enforcement of applicable plumbing requirements.

Major or unusual enforcement matters are referred to the Chief Building Official or other appropriate authority.

MENTAL DEMAND

Close mental demand.

Work requires close and continuous attention to construction details, measurements, plans, code requirements, inspection procedures, and safety conditions.

The position requires intermittent direct thinking to determine the most appropriate method of handling unusual or technically complex plumbing situations.

ANALYTICAL ABILITY / PROBLEM SOLVING

Moderately structured.

Fairly broad activities using established codes, ordinances, policies, procedures, and professional standards with general supervisory guidance.

Requires the ability to apply technical knowledge to varied construction conditions and determine whether plumbing installations comply with applicable requirements.

Requires the ability to identify the source of deficiencies and communicate practical corrective measures.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS

Responsibility for work of others: Not indicated.

The position does not normally have direct supervisory responsibility for other employees but may provide technical guidance to contractors, plumbers, inspectors, and other personnel regarding applicable plumbing requirements.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNDS, PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Occasionally responsible for City's property, equipment, vehicles, computers, inspection equipment, and other assigned materials where carelessness or error could result in moderate damage or monetary loss to the organization.

The position may be responsible for inspection equipment and other City property with a combined value ranging from $5,000 to $150,000.

ACCURACY

Probable errors of internal and external scope would have a moderate effect on the operational efficiency of the organizational component concerned.

Errors in interpreting codes, conducting inspections, documenting violations, or approving noncompliant work could result in additional construction costs, delays, unsafe conditions, public complaints, enforcement problems, liability, or loss of public confidence.

The possibility of error is always present due to the technical requirements and independent judgment required by the position.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Responsible for accurately performing plumbing inspections, identifying violations, documenting inspection results, communicating requirements, and applying applicable codes and ordinances consistently.

Failure to perform duties accurately could affect public safety, construction quality, City enforcement activities, and compliance with state and local requirements.

FREEDOM TO ACT

Standardized.

Accepted processes are covered by established codes, ordinances, policies, procedures, and inspection standards. The employee exercises independent judgment within established guidelines and refers unusual or significant matters to the Chief Building Official.

ANNUAL MONETARY IMPACT

The amount of annual dollars generated based on the job's essential duties and responsibilities includes direct dollar generation, departmental budget, proper handling of organization funds, expense control, and savings from new techniques or reduction in manpower.

Very small. Job creates a monetary impact for the organization up to an annual level of $100,000.

The position does not directly generate substantial revenue but contributes to proper permit administration, code compliance, construction quality, and avoidance of costs associated with improper or noncompliant construction.

IMPACT ON END RESULTS

Modest impact.

The position has a direct impact on the City's ability to enforce plumbing codes, protect public health and safety, maintain construction standards, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

The position provides specialized inspection services that support the City's overall building and development functions.

PUBLIC CONTACT

Regular contact with contractors, licensed plumbers, subcontractors, property owners, developers, businesses, and members of the general public, both in the office and in the field.

Contacts frequently involve explaining technical requirements, resolving disagreements, communicating deficiencies, and providing information regarding permits and inspections.

Lack of tact, judgment, or consistency may result in complaints, disputes, delays, or problems for the organization.

EMPLOYEE CONTACT

Contacts of considerable importance within the department and with other City departments and offices.

Requires coordination with the Chief Building Official, building inspectors, electrical inspectors, HVAC inspectors, fire personnel, engineering personnel, zoning personnel, permitting staff, and other City employees.

Requires tact and judgment when discussing inspection findings, code interpretations, construction deficiencies, and recommendations.

USE OF MACHINES, EQUIPMENT AND/OR COMPUTERS

Regular use of a desktop or laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, electronic permitting and inspection software, printer, scanner, calculator, camera, measuring devices, inspection tools, testing equipment, and City vehicle.

May use ladders, flashlights, moisture or pressure testing equipment, and other tools associated with plumbing inspection activities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Outside working environment, wherein the employee is regularly exposed to variable and potentially disagreeable working conditions, including construction sites, unfinished buildings, extreme temperatures, dust, mud, moisture, noise, and other conditions associated with construction activities.

The employee may be required to enter confined, unfinished, elevated, or otherwise difficult-to-access areas during inspections.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential

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Plumbing Inspector (Inspections)

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