Plumbing (Backflow) Inspector

Anne Arundel County; Maryland; On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Backflow Prevention Inspector to join their Water Operations division. This full-time position is crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of potable water supplies by inspecting and ensuring the proper functioning of backflow prevention devices. The ideal candidate will possess strong plumbing knowledge and customer service skills, working closely with property owners and contractors to resolve compliance issues. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to public health and safety while working in a dynamic environment that values expertise and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or vocational school required.
• 4+ years of experience as a journeyman plumber preferred.
• Must obtain a master plumber's license within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and monitor backflow prevention devices in various water systems.
• Conduct site surveys and meetings with contractors and property owners.
• Ensure compliance with local and federal backflow regulations.

Skills

Backflow Prevention

Plumbing Systems Knowledge

Customer Service

Regulatory Compliance

Data Entry

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Journeyman Plumber Experience

Master Plumber's License

Tools

VUEWORKS Software

Backflow Software

Job description

Anne Arundel County Government is currently hiring for a full-time permanent Backflow Prevention Inspector position in the division of Water Operations. This is a Safety Sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol Testing.

Nature and Variety of Work

This is skilled work in backflow prevention that monitors, inspects, and investigates the maintenance, installation, and/or replacement requirements of backflow prevention assemblies through customer service visits and annual inspections. A Backflow Inspector is responsible for inspecting and ensuring the proper functioning of backflow prevention devices in commercial, industrial, and residential water systems. The role focuses on protecting public health by preventing the contamination of potable water supplies due to backflow. The inspector will work closely with property owners, contractors, and local authorities to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential job functions of all positions in the class).

Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to conduct meetings and site surveys with contractors, consultants, developers, owners, and staff to resolve potential cross-connection issues.
• Ability to create and maintain customer information files electronically in our backflow software, including equipment, inspection data, test results, and certifications.
• Ability to read, review, and interpret construction plans, blueprints, as-built drawings.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and public relations with various agencies and property owners.
• Ability to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal backflow prevention regulations.
• Ability to educate property owners and managers about the importance of backflow prevention and required maintenance.
• Ability to investigate customer water usage to identify the requirement for backflow prevention assemblies and cross connection controls.
• Ability to inspect backflow assembly installation ensuring they meet applicable plumbing codes and rules.
• Ability to monitor and investigate the maintenance and replacement requirements of backflow prevention assemblies through customer service visits and annual inspections.
• Ability to create and maintain customer information files including equipment and inspection data.
• Ability to perform cross connection inspections on new recycled water irrigation systems, working closely with job superintendents, landscape contractors, and AA County Health Inspectors; advises landscape architects of any changes or revisions; performs cross connection inspections on expansions or modifications to existing water irrigation systems.
• Ability to explain and interpret regulations for customers regarding the protection of water supply.
• Ability to perform weekly cross connection inspections of properties throughout the County to determine possible hazards to the potable water system. Ability to maintain computer records on customers with backflow devices; maintains records of inspections performed.
• Ability to meet with property representatives and landscape contractors to resolve non-compliance issues.
• Ability to monitor the work progress of Backflow Inspectors and backflow testing contractors.
• Ability to perform work in a safe manner at all times; complies with safety and health policies, procedures, and practices; attends and completes all mandatory safety training courses and events; and works to ensure the safety of co-workers and the general public.
• Data entry for our backflow software and VUEWORKS system.
• Strong understanding of plumbing systems, backflow prevention devices, and water distribution systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of relevant water regulations regarding the use of County water.
• Considerable knowledge of water distribution systems, including mains, hydrants, meters, valves, and other equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of customer billing systems and database programs.
• Considerable knowledge of relevant safety precautions and procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret landscape irrigation drawings.
• Ability to maintain database records.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the work of the backflow testing contractors.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with fire system companies, landscape architects, landscape contractors, developers, property owners, and AA County Health Inspectors.

Qualifications include graduation from high school or vocational school; four (4) or more years of experience as a journeyman plumber; a master plumber's license in the State or ability to obtain it within six months of hire, and other licenses as may be required; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

NOTE: This position is Safety Sensitive and employees are subject to CDS and Alcohol testing.

NOTE: This is an Emergency Essential position and will be responsible for reporting after hours and during inclement weather.

Preference will be given to candidates with three (3) years of experience in water distribution or wastewater collection operations with one (1) year of cross-connection field experience in combination.