Plumbing Inspector

City of St. Charles; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 53,726 - 73,012; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Retirement pension with IMRF

Job summary

The City of St. Charles is seeking a licensed journeyman plumber to serve as a plumbing and mechanical inspector, reviewing plans and enforcing building codes.

You will inspect a variety of systems, interact with contractors and residents, and participate in on-call rotations to ensure safe, compliant construction. Responsibilities include leading permit reviews, test witnessing, and providing technical guidance to staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree preferred.
• At least five years of experience as a licensed journeyman plumber; foreman/superintendent a plus.
• Valid Illinois State or City of Chicago Plumber's License.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation with 60-minute response time.
• CDL Class A, or ability to obtain within six months; in-house training available.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds; work in varied weather and conditions.
• Background check, physical, functional capacity evaluation, and drug screen completed.

Responsibilities

• Inspect plumbing, water, gas, sewer, heating, and related piping systems for code compliance.
• Review and approve taps; witness hydrostatic, air, and stack testing; maintain records; issue notices or citations.
• Explain inspection findings to contractors, tenants, and public; interpret codes.
• Lead permit reviews for plumbing, mechanical, and utility-related permits.
• Conduct plan reviews and provide guidance to staff on plumbing and mechanical codes.
• Respond to emergencies to support other city departments.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Code compliance knowledge

Plan review

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Plumber's License (Illinois)

CDL Class A (or ability to obtain)

Job description

Help shape the safety and quality of our community by ensuring plumbing and mechanical systems meet the highest standards. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Community Development - Building Services, you will inspect new and modified plumbing systems, enforce state and local codes, perform plan reviews, and work closely with contractors, property owners, and City staff to support safe, code-compliant construction.

What You'll Do

• Inspect new and repaired plumbing, water, gas, sewer, heating, and related piping systems for code compliance. Inspections may involve climbing, bending, and working in confined or awkward spaces.
• Review and approve water and sewer service taps, witness hydrostatic, air, and stack testing, maintain inspection records, prepare reports, and issue correction notices or citations. Testify in court as required.
• Communicate with contractors, tenants, property owners, and the public to explain inspection findings and interpret plumbing, HVAC, and building codes.
• Lead reviews of permit applications, with primary responsibility for plumbing, mechanical, and utility-related permits.
• Conduct plan reviews and provide technical guidance to staff on plumbing and mechanical codes.
• Respond to emergency situations to support other departments/divisions, such as snow removal.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree preferred.
• At least five years of experience as a licensed journeyman plumber with diverse project experience; foreman or superintendent experience is a plus.
• Valid Illinois State or City of Chicago Plumber's License.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation with a 60-minute response time.
• Class A CDL, or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire, with in-house training available.
• Ability to work in varied weather and physical conditions and lift to 20 pounds.
• Successful completion of a background check, physical, functional capacity evaluation, and drug screen.

• $39.39 - $52.52 per hour per the Teamster's Collective Bargaining Agreement, starting pay commensurate with experience.
• Competitive package of benefits to include medical, dental, prescription, vision, wellness incentives, life insurance, retirement pension plan with Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, retirement savings options, and much more!

The City of St. Charles is an Equal Opportunity Employer.