Mechanical Inspector / Plan Reviewer

City of Kalamazoo; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Kalamazoo is seeking a qualified Mechanical Inspector/Plan Reviewer to enforce the Mechanical Code through field and office work. You will review plans, issue permits, inspect HVAC systems, and enforce compliance with Housing and building codes.

Responsibilities include presenting technical findings in court when needed, communicating with property owners and contractors, and guiding compliance efforts under the Building Official’s supervision.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Michigan mechanical license for at least 1 year in categories 1, 2, 4 or 9.
• Experience interpreting and applying relevant codes.
• Experience with residential, commercial and industrial HVAC systems.

Responsibilities

• Approves and issues permits for Mechanical Code work.
• Reviews plans and documents for permit issuance including fire sprinkler permits.
• Inspects heating, ventilation, fuel piping and other Mechanical Code items.
• Inspects existing residential buildings for Housing Code compliance.
• Issues correction notices, tickets and stop work orders as needed.
• Testifies in court as an expert witness when required.
• Consults with Building Official for code interpretation and guidance.
• Provides public information about enforced codes.

Skills

Mechanical code knowledge

Plan review

Code enforcement

Building plans interpretation

Public communication

Field and office inspections

Physical stamina

Lift up to 60 lbs

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Trade school or HVAC coursework

Michigan mechanical license (1 year in 1/2/4/9)

Driver's license

Equivalent experience or training

Job description

Description/Distinguishing Features

Performs inspections and related activities necessary for the enforcement of the City's Mechanical Code; performs plan review and provides a written report; does related work as required. The work involves responsibility for performing both field and office work related to the Mechanical Code. The work requires a good knowledge of codes regulating residential, commercial, and industrial use and installation of heating/air conditioning equipment and distribution systems; freestanding and built in solid fuel heating equipment; fuel gas piping; fire suppression sprinklers; and some knowledge of basic construction practices and materials. Works under the general supervision of the Building Official.

Examples of Duties

• Approves and issues permits for Mechanical Code work.
• Reviews plans and other documents necessary for permit issuing including permits for fire suppression sprinkler systems.
• Inspects all heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fuel piping and other items regulated by the Mechanical Code.
• Makes inspections of existing residential buildings to determine their compliance with the City Housing Code.
• Takes necessary enforcement action including issuing correction notices, violation notices, tickets and stop work orders as may be necessary to secure code compliance.
• Appears in court as expert witness.
• Confers with Building Official for code interpretation and assistance.
• Provides public information relevant to codes enforced.

Essential Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the methods and practices used in the installation, repair and maintenance of a variety of heating, air conditioning and ventilation devices and distribution systems.
• Thorough knowledge of national, state and local codes and ordinances, and the Mechanical Codes, as well as the legal procedures related to enforcement of the codes.
• Good knowledge of possible defects and faults in these systems plus standards and testing associated with correcting faults and defects.
• Ability to use a handheld computer, camera, and document deficiencies while performing inspections.
• Ability to read and interpret complex building plans and specifications.
• Ability to secure the cooperation of others in difficult work situations.
• Ability to consult with building owners, contractors, design professionals and others to effective working relationships.
• Ability to walk through, as well as climb up and down, stoop, and crawl in construction sites.
• Ability to move up to 60 pounds.

Acceptable Training and Experience

• Must possess a State of Michigan mechanical license for not less than 1 year in 3 more of the following categories: 1, 2, 4 or 9. A copy of the license must be provided.
• Possession of trade licensing beyond the minimum necessary for registrations desirable but not mandatory.
• Experience with basic residential construction methods and materials.
• Some experience with interpreting and applying relevant codes.
• Graduation from a high school or vocational school, including or supplemented by courses in mechanical / HVAC systems; and/or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Michigan.
• Possession of a valid Mechanical License; and State of Michigan Mechanical Inspector / Plan Review and registration under PA Act 407 or the ability to attain such registrations with-in 6 Months of hire date.
• Hold a mechanical license from this state in 3 of the 4 following categories for at least 1 year: Hydronic heating and cooling and process piping, HVAC equipment, Refrigeration and Fire suppression. If the individual does not hold a mechanical license from this state, they shall provide to the department an affidavit of experience from previous and current employers. The affidavit must comply with both of the following. Attest that the individual has been actively engaged in the performance of mechanical work in 3 of the 4 categories for 6 years under a licensed mechanical contractor: Hydronic heating and cooling process piping, HVAC equipment, Refrigeration, Fire suppression. Attest that the licensed mechanical contractor who supervised the applicant was licensed in the required categories at the time of supervision.
• Stand by work may be required.

The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and encouraged. Studies have shown that women and people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications listed. The City of Kalamazoo is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it. This approach will give each current and potential employee the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the City of Kalamazoo.

Benefits

The City of Kalamazoo offers competitive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, group life insurance, long and short-term disability, paid time off, a defined benefits pension plan, a 457 deferred compensation plan, and a retirement health care savings plan (HCSP). Benefits vary based on the bargaining unit of a position.

The City of Kalamazoo also operates a convenient health clinic that is open to employees, retirees, and their families and provides routine medical services and prescriptions.

The benefits for this position are negotiated between the City of Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Municipal Employees Association (KMEA)

For a summary of City of Kalamazoo benefits in KMEA positions, please visit our website: www.kalamazoocity.org/benefits

Please note: these benefits are subject to change.

Highest Level of Education

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Trade School Graduate
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the Above

Registration Status

Are you registered with the State of Michigan as a Plan Reviewer and Building Inspector or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials for provisional registration under Act No. 407 of the Public Acts of 2016, being 339.6001-339.6023 of the Michigan complied laws?

Training Knowledge

Do you have vocational/technical training or knowledge of housing, building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes? Explain.

Construction/Trades Experience

Do you have experience in construction, building trades, real estate or other related experience? Explain.

Plan Interpretation Ability

Do you have the ability to read and interpret complex building plans and specifications?

Technical Knowledge

Do you have a thorough knowledge of the methods and practices used in the installation, repair, and maintenance of a variety of heating, air conditioning, and ventilation devices and distribution systems?

Mechanical License Requirement

Do you hold a mechanical license from this state in HVAC equipment, Refrigeration, Fire Suppression or Hydronic heating and cooling and process piping for at least 1 year?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question