Chief Plumbing, Mechanical, and Gas Inspector

City of Tuscaloosa; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tuscaloosa is seeking a supervisory inspector to lead the Building and Inspection Division in plumbing, mechanical, and gas inspections. The role involves coordinating daily operations, supervising staff, and ensuring code compliance across multiple trades.

The incumbent will prepare plans and reports, testify in hearings, and represent the city as the authority on trades issues. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED with 5+ years in related inspections; a degree or

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 5+ years in plumbing, mechanical, or gas inspections or related field preferred.
• Bachelors/Associates or technical diploma preferred; professional licenses or ICC certifications encouraged.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license; ongoing education to maintain certifications.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily external operations of the Building and Inspection Division with other Chief Inspectors.
• Supervise staff: assign work, approve leave, conduct appraisals, ensure CEUs.
• Inspect plumbing, mechanical, fireplace, gas installations for code compliance; notify violations.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Inspection coordination

Interagency collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Associates/Technical diploma preferred

Tools

Valid driver’s license

Job description

The purpose of this classification is to perform administrative and supervisory/specialized work functions associated with specialized plumbing, mechanical, and gas inspections to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and regulations that apply to the plumbing, mechanical, and gas trades.

Authorized to act on behalf of the Director of Building and Inspections in his/her absence

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

Coordinates the daily external operations of the Building and Inspection Division alongside other Chief Inspectors.

Supervises, directs and evaluates assigned staff in the performance of inspection tasks; assigns work and coordinates routes; and maintains standards; approves time off and maintains efficient work force daily; performs employee counseling, disciplining and completing performance appraisals and ensuring employees meet required continuing education units (CEUs).

Inspects plumbing, mechanical, prefabricated fireplace, gas installations and/or related systems to ensure compliance with city codes/regulations; informs appropriate individuals of violations.

Fulfills related duties within the office when requested to do so; oversees and performs other trade inspections when necessary/qualified.

Prepares and/or receives plans, forms, blueprints, schematics, logs, specifications, deeds, maps, and related materials or documentation; reviews, completes, processes, files, and/or forwards; maintains records.

Operates a service truck to conduct inspections; inspects assigned vehicle for proper operations and maintains fluid levels; delivers truck to fleet maintenance repairs and scheduled maintenance.

Attends hearings and meetings as necessary; provides expert witness testimony.

Consults with supervisors, engineers, inspectors, contractors, architects, developers, and agency officials to review construction work, schedule inspections, discuss problems, coordinate activities, provide technical expertise, and receive advice/direction.

Inspects and condemns houses and other structures; issues and approves certificate of occupancy, inspections, and permits and permits; declares buildings or systems safe/unsafe.

Communicates via telephone, text message, e-mail and/or any other communication devices; provides information; takes and relays messages; responds to requests for service.

Interprets regulatory codes and responds to requests for information from employees, officials, contractors, and the public.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations; researches construction materials and methods; attends training seminars and workshops; maintains continuing education units (CEUs) for required certifications.

Represents the city as the authority on plumbing, mechanical, and gas related issues.

Serves as witness in court cases involving the department; serves on committees and attends meetings.

Assists in training new employees.

Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the department.

Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.

Performs other related duties as required.

High school diploma or GED required; five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in plumbing, mechanical, and gas inspections or related field required; Bachelors degree, Associates degree or Vocational/Technical diploma in plumbing, mechanical, gas or related field preferred; Possession of professional construction trade licenses or cards preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.. Supervisory experience preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Must have or be willing to obtain four or more of the following ICC certifications: Plumbing Plan Examiner, Residential Plumbing Inspector, Commercial Plumbing Inspector, Mechanical Plans Examiner, Residential Mechanical Inspector, and Commercial Mechanical Inspector. In lieu of the previously listed certifications, an ICC Certified Building Official Certification is acceptable. Must obtain two certifications in the first year and one certification per year after until the requirement is met. Must attend continuing education classes to maintain certification renewal requirements.

The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Must be able to operate a service truck and a variety of equipment inspection

tools and automated office equipment including a calculator, copiers, telephone, meters, testing kits, hand tools,

gauges, etc. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for light work.

DATA COMPREHENSION:Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional,

structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include forms, blueprints, schematic, code books, operational manuals, and procedural

manuals.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION:Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or

exchange legal, plumbing and gas-related information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or

directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with the general

public.

LANGUAGE ABILITY:Requires ability to read a variety of legal, gas, and plumbing documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write job related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.

INTELLIGENCE:Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex legal, plumbing, gas and

mechanical principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent

judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to

primary occupation.

VERBAL APTITUDE:Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to

follow verbal and written instructions.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE:Requires the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, calculate

decimals/percentages, and determine time.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE:Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape

using job related equipment which may include testing kits, scale rule, and standard measuring devices.

MOTOR COORDINATION:Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using inspection tools and

automated office equipment and to operate a motor vehicle.

MANUAL DEXTERITY:Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, inspection tools and automated office

equipment, control knobs, meters, gauges, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion

or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DIFFERENTIATION:Requires the ability to discern color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT:Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and

receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under considerable stress when confronted with an

emergency.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION:Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken

words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.