Plumbing Inspector

City of New Haven; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

City of New Haven is seeking a skilled Plumbing Inspector to join the Building Inspection Department. You will inspect plumbing and heating systems, review construction plans, and enforce applicable codes and regulations to ensure public safety and compliance.

The role requires a high school diploma with plumbing training and at least five years of progressive experience in plumbing code enforcement, with strong knowledge of plumbing codes, safety, and reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with plumbing training and at least 5 years of progressive plumbing code enforcement or related experience.
• Extensive knowledge of plumbing and heating construction, codes, and safety practices.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, drawings, and specifications for compliance.

Responsibilities

• Inspect plumbing and heating systems in buildings under construction or renovation.
• Review plans, specifications, and other materials for code compliance.
• Investigate complaints and violations; document findings and follow up on corrective actions.
• Explain code requirements to property owners, contractors, and city staff.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and prepare required reports.

Skills

Plumbing inspection

Code enforcement

Plans interpretation

Interpersonal communication

Record keeping

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma with plumbing training

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel)

Email clients (Outlook, Gmail)

Job description

Introduction

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Plumbing Inspector to join our Building Inspection Department and contribute to our commitment to ensuring compliance with plumbing and heating codes and regulations. Our department plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and quality of construction projects in our community. As a Plumbing Inspector, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of our built environment. You will be at the forefront of ensuring that all plumbing and heating systems adhere to the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and compliance. By meticulously inspecting buildings, examining plans, and collaborating with stakeholders, you will directly influence the quality of construction projects that shape our community. The Office of Building Inspection and Enforcement is focused on customer service, safety, and providing the best possible advice and inspection services to homeowners, contractors, and developers. We administer the permits for residential and non-residential construction within the community. Permits are administered according to state and local building codes. Our goal is to ensure the safety of the public by requiring building construction projects adhere to these codes. The department is also instrumental in creating an environment in which high quality construction and development can occur in New Haven’s neighborhoods.

Primary Functions

Performs technical inspection and code enforcement work to ensure compliance with applicable plumbing, mechanical, heating, building, and related codes, laws, ordinances, regulations, and approved plans. Reviews plans and specifications, conducts field inspections, investigates complaints and violations, documents findings, and performs follow‑up inspections to verify corrective action. Work requires considerable independent technical judgment in interpreting and applying applicable codes and regulations and in evaluating plumbing, heating, and related systems and construction. May supervise or participate in the work of subordinate inspection personnel.

Typical Duties And Responsibilities

• Supervises or participates in the inspection of buildings under construction, alteration, or repair, or remodeling for compliance with applicable plumbing and heating code requirements and conformance to plans and specifications.
• Reviews, examines, and approves drawings, plans, specifications and other materials submitted in connection with the construction, alteration, repair, or remodeling of plumbing and related systems.
• Inspects plumbing, heating and related systems to ensure conformance with applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, approved plans, and established standards.
• Identifies code violations and other noncompliant conditions; Notifies property owners, contractors, construction supervisors, or other responsible parties of violations orally and/or in writing.
• Conducts follow‑up inspections to determine whether violations have been corrected and required corrective actions have been completed.
• Conducts joint inspections, with representatives of various public agencies concerned with welfare and health, motels, restaurants, hospitals and rest homes, etc., to ensure conformance to minimum standards.
• Investigates complaints and reports of suspected code violations.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of inspections, violations, corrective actions, follow‑up activities, and related work; prepares reports as required.
• Explains and interprets applicable plumbing, heating, and related code requirements to property owners, contractors, construction professionals, other City personnel, and members of the public within the scope of assigned authority.
• Performs related work as required.

Education, Qualifications & Experience

Graduation from high school, supplemented by vocational or technical training in plumbing; and a minimum of 5 years progressively responsible experience in plumbing code enforcement, plumbing inspections, plumbing installation, or closely related plumbing work that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.

Knowledge, Experience, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of modern plumbing and heating construction practices, methods, materials and equipment.
• Extensive knowledge of applicable plumbing and heating codes and related laws, ordinances, regulations, and standards.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of modern building inspection and code enforcement.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions associated with plumbing, heating, construction, and inspection activities.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, drawings, specifications, and related technical documents for compliance with applicable requirements.
• Ability to inspect plumbing, heating, and related systems and installations and identify defects, deficiencies, deterioration, code violations, and other non‑compliant conditions.
• Ability to evaluate the quality and condition of plumbing and heating construction and determine conformity with applicable codes, approved plans, and specifications.
• Ability to interpret and apply codes, laws, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures consistently and impartially.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate inspection records, violation documentation, reports, and related correspondence.
• Ability to investigate complaints, gather relevant information, document findings, and determine appropriate action within established authority.
• Ability to enforce regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality.
• Ability to supervise, direct, and provide technical guidance to subordinate inspectors when assigned.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with building owners, contractors and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, including the ability to explain technical and regulatory requirements to individuals with varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Ability to use computers in the carrying out of the duties of this position. Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, equipment, and software including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel).
• Competency in using email clients (e.g., Outlook, Gmail) and calendar applications for scheduling and managing correspondence.
• Willingness to engage in regular technical training and the ability to remain current with emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively in a diverse community, recognizing and respecting cultural and socio-economic differences, and fostering an inclusive environment.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut driver’s license.
• Must possess and maintain State of Connecticut certification as a Mechanical Inspector.
• Must possess and maintain State of Connecticut P‑2 license.
• Must possess and maintain State of Connecticut S‑2 license; OR in lieu of S‑2, must possess current State of Connecticut Assistant Building Official certification.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Stand
• Walk
• Work near moving mechanical parts
• Sit
• Work in high, precarious places
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Reach with hands and arms
• Toxic or caustic chemicals
• Climb or balance
• Outdoor weather conditions
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Extreme cold (non‑weather)
• Talk or hear
• Risk of electrical shock
• Taste or smell
• Work with explosives
• Risk of radiation
• Vibration
• Up to 10 pounds
• Up to 25 pounds
• Up to 50 pounds
• Up to 75 pounds
• Up to 100 pounds
• More than 100 pounds

Salary, Bargaining Unit & Terms of Employment

This is a General Fund, non‑tested position.

This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 3144, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Bargaining agreements available to review HERE.

General Funded hires into this class shall not be covered by Social Security but rather the City pension, contributing 10% of salary.

The City of New Haven does not sponsor employment visas. All applicants must have current authorization to work in the U.S. without employer‑sponsored visa support.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre‑employment background check, (2) a pre‑employment physical examination, including pre‑employment drug screening accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90‑day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre‑employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre‑employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process, and in some cases, this information may be used to determine the eligibility list. A hiring decision may be made prior to the removal of the job posting.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.