Plumbing Inspector

City of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Fort Smith (AR); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Fort Smith, Arkansas seeks a Plumbing Inspector to ensure code compliance for plumbing and gas systems in new and existing structures. The role involves field inspections, plan review, and providing code interpretations.

You will coordinate with the Building Services team to enforce licensing and respond to public inquiries. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, seven years in plumbing construction, and state ICC certifications within one year.

Qualifications

• Requires strong communication skills, and ability to interact with citizens and industry professionals.
• Needs knowledge of plumbing and gas codes and ability to interpret construction plans.
• Requires ability to review plans for code compliance and ensure proper licensing of tradespeople.
• Must possess or obtain required state and ICC certifications within 1 year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Take requests for plumbing inspections and perform field inspections to ensure code compliance.
• Answer questions regarding gas and plumbing codes and provide interpretations as needed.
• Review plans for code compliance and interpret construction plans.
• Investigate citizen and construction complaints and follow up to resolve issues.
• Prepare reports and written explanations of gas and plumbing code deficiencies.
• Perform record keeping for inspection fees, files, and plans.
• Ensure properly licensed people perform gas and plumbing work.
• Assist the Director of Building Services with information for enforcement actions.
• Attend the Mechanical Board of Appeals as required.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Computer skills

Reading building codes

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

Journeyman Plumbing License

Arkansas Plumbing Inspector Certification

ICC Plumbing Inspector Certification

Job description

The incumbent, under the direction of the Building Inspections & Plans Manager, is responsible for causing corrections and documentation of plumbing and gas deficiencies during building and remodeling.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Note: All City of Fort Smith positions require the employee to provide good customer service to both internal and external customers, maintain positive and effective working relationships with other City employees, and have regular and reliable attendance that is non-disruptive. Must show cooperation and respect to fellow employees and supervisors at all times.

All other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and/or department director.

1. 1.Take requests for plumbing inspections and perform field inspections to insure code compliance.
2. 2.Answer questions regarding gas and plumbing codes and conduct interpretations when required on new and existing structures.
3. 3.Insure that water drainage and gas systems are installed properly and by a licensed contractor to protect the city water supply from a cross connection with an unsafe water supply.
4. 4.Review plumbing plans for code compliance and ability to understand and interpret construction plans and ability to determine compliance with the Arkansas Plumbing and Gas Code by reviewing construction plans.
5. 5.Investigate citizen and construction complaints and follow up to resolve the problems with plumbing installation.
6. 6.Prepare reports and written explanations of gas and plumbing code deficiencies on plans and inspections.
7. 7.Perform record keeping duties for inspection fee’s, files/plans and maintain office records.
8. 8.Perform other related duties as assigned and assist other code inspectors as needed.
9. 9.Make sure vehicle maintenance is performed on a regular basis.
10. 10.Assist the Director of Building Services in gathering information for any legal enforcement code violations.
11. 11.Provide and resolve gas and plumbing code interpretations, code requirements and complaints from the construction industry, department staff, administration and the public as needed.
12. 12.Assist Director of Building Services to investigate the city’s unsafe and dilapidated structures and follow up on complaints from City Administration, construction industry, plumbing contractors, Board of Directors and the public.
13. 13.Ensure properly licensed people are performing gas and plumbing work and installations.
14. 14.Work permit desk as required or needed
15. 15.Attend the Mechanical Board of appeals meetings as required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED
• Seven (7) years’ work experience or equivalent in plumbing construction trade
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Must have or obtain an Arkansas Plumbing Inspector Certification issued by the Arkansas Department of Health within one (1) year of employment
• Must have or obtain a Plumbing Inspector Certification through International Code Council (ICC) within one (1) year of employment
• Must hold a Journeyman Plumbing License

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten (10) plus years’ work experience in plumbing construction trade
• Hold a Master Plumbing License
• Certified as a Plumbing Plan Reviewer through ICC
• College course work in Construction Management, Construction Technology or other related field

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Good verbal and written communication skills as well as good organizational skills.
• Problem solving and analytical ability.
• Computer skills and knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
• Proficient in the reading and interpretation of building codes.

POSITION DESIGNATIONS

This position is not designated as essential during inclement weather events. City services will be maintained during inclement weather, such as heavy snow or ice storms and all essential employees are expected to report to work due to the critical functions of the position. This position is able to work remotely (based on need and supervisor approval).

This position is designated as a safety/security sensitive position and is not subject to random DOT drug and alcohol screenings (a safety/security sensitive position is one in which a momentary lapse in attention may result injury or death of another person).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Semi-repetitive type of work that requires periods of concentration for varied time cycles as prescribed by the task(s). While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand, walk, talk and hear. Occasionally sit, use hands to handle objects, and reach with hands and arms. The incumbent must also climb or balance, stoop, kneel crouch or crawl and taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, color, distance and peripheral vision. Depth perception and the ability to adjust focus are also necessary.

The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Up to 80% travel may be required for this position.

While performing the duties of this position the incumbent is exposed to outdoor weather conditions, fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The incumbent at times works in high precarious places. The incumbent is also exposed to wet, humid conditions (non-weather).

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING(S)

This position requires the below screenings prior to employment:

• Criminal History Background Check
• Motor Vehicle Record Check

**This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee and/or applicant. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice