Cross Connection Control Inspector II (Water Quality Inspector II)

City of Portland; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Portland is seeking a Cross Connection Control Inspector II to protect the public water system through backflow prevention inspections and permit review. The role reports to the Cross Connection Control Manager in the Water Bureau's Operations Division and may require certification upgrades.

Work schedule is Monday-Friday, 6 am-2:30 pm, with potential hybrid work status after probation. Location at Water Interstate Facility and 1900 N Interstate Ave.

Qualifications

• Explain and apply State regulations and City code related to cross connection control in public water systems.
• Knowledge of the operations and practices of public water systems.
• Ability and experience working with a diverse group of customers in challenging situations.
• Ability to read quarter section maps and complex construction plans.
• Ability to use common computer applications.

Responsibilities

• Review construction documents, plans and permit applications for compliance with cross connection control codes.
• Inspect plumbing systems to verify backflow protection is adequate.
• Review project scope; advise owners, designers, engineers and others on code interpretation and corrective action.
• Inspect backflow prevention assemblies; certify and approve installations on potable and non-potable services.
• Investigate customer complaints regarding potential cross connections and backflow events; determine probable cause and resolve issues.

Skills

Explain regulations

Water system operations

Customer-facing communication

Read maps & plans

Basic computer skills

Education

HS diploma / GED

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Cross Connection Control Inspector II (Water Quality Inspector II)

City of Portland

Salary: $82,617.60 - $106,787.20 Annually

Job Type: Regular

Job Number: 2026-00797

Location: Water Interstate Facility, 664 N Tillamook St, OR

Bureau: Portland Water Bureau

Closing: 9/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

The Position

Job Appointment: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6 am-2:30 pm. This position may be eligible for hybrid work status once probation is completed and with management approval. The current hybrid work policy for the City of Portland is to be in the office a minimum of 50% of the time.

Work location: 1900 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97227

Union Representation: AFSCME 189 -- City Wide

Benefits: Please check our benefit tab for an overview of benefits for this position.

To view current labor agreements, please visit https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/labor-relations/labor-agreements.

About the team:

The position is in the Water Bureau's Operations Division and will report to the Cross Connection Control Manager. This team is tasked with the key responsibility of protecting the public distribution system from actual or potential hazards by requiring and inspecting privately owned backflow prevention assemblies on domestic, dedicated irrigation and dedicated fire services.

About the Position:

Cross Connection Control Inspectors perform a wide variety of duties with considerable independence in workload organization, decision-making and judgement. The journey level of this class is actively involved in the permit review process by providing a full range of plan review and inspection services related to cross connection control.

Core functions and typical duties include:

• Reviews construction documents, plans and permit applications of a wide range of proposed construction or alterations of commercial and complex residential structures to ensure compliance with Federal, State and Municipal Cross Connections control related codes.
• Performs inspections of plumbing systems to determine if backflow protection is adequate or if cross connections exist.
• Reviews scope of projects; analyzes information, advises property owners, designers, engineers, architects, builders, customers, and the public on procedures and interpretation of State and Municipal Codes concerning Cross Connection Control; prescribes corrective action verbally and in writing, follows up by means of field inspections.
• Performs on-site inspection of backflow prevention assemblies on various potable and non-potable services connected to the public water supply; certifies and approves final installations.
• Receives and investigates customer complaints regarding potential cross connections and backflow events at commercial and residential properties; determines probable cause; recommends corrective action and problem resolution.
• Conduct inspections of tank-type vehicles to verify approved air-gap backflow protection for annual hydrant permits.
• Review and enter backflow assembly test reports into a backflow database
• Perform backflow assembly testing on special projects as assigned

To Qualify

Applicants must specifically address and demonstrate in their supplemental question responses and resume how their education, training and/or experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications:

• 1. Ability to explain and apply State regulations and City code applicable to cross connection control in public water systems
• 2. Knowledge of the operations and practices of public water systems
• 3. Ability and experience working with a diverse group of customers in sometimes difficult circumstances
• 4. Ability to read quarter section maps and complex construction plans
• 5. Ability to use common computer applications

Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications is acceptable.

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:

• Education/Training: High school diploma/GED (required) and a bachelor's degree in a related field (desired)
• Experience: At least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in the drinking water industry. Experience in the following is desirable: cross connection, backflow prevention, plumbing systems, drinking water distribution system operation or maintenance and/or construction.
• Certification: Ability to obtain Oregon Health Authority Water Distribution Operator Certification - Level I within 2 years of appointment. Must be able to acquire State of Oregon Backflow Assembly Tester and Cross Connection Specialist certifications with 6 months of appointment.
• Valid state driver's License and acceptable driving record
• Ability to pass routine respiratory protection physical examination evaluation and fit testing within 6 months of appointment and ongoing;

Preferred Credentials:

(Please note, the following are preferred; not required for this position)

• Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) or ability to acquire within six months of hire (Federal Government background check required for this card).

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Additional Information

• City of Portland Core Values
• Recruitment Process - Work Status
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Veteran Preference
• ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations

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