SENIOR PLUMBING INSPECTOR

Definition

Under direction reviews plans for structures and inspects construction to determine compliance with the plumbing and energy subcodes adopted pursuant to the Uniform Construction Code Act; takes the lead over other plumbing inspectors; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Checks materials to be used and inspects placement of plumbing materials to ensure that they are of the type/quality/grade specified in approved plans and specifications and that they meet necessary performance standards established in regulations of the Uniform Construction Code and adopted plumbing and energy subcodes.
• Reviews plumbing aspects of plans of structures for compliance with the Uniform Construction Code Act, regulations, and adopted plumbing and energy subcodes, and approves or disapproves the plans.
• Ensures that inspection schedules established by supervisors are maintained and establishes inspection schedules for inspectors of a lower grade to ensure that all buildings being constructed within the assigned area of responsibility are inspected at critical points during the course of construction as provided in NJAC 5:23-2.6.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with architects, engineers, construction supervisors, and with local enforcement officials in the assigned municipalities including police, fire, health, and zoning officers to ensure that any prior or collateral approvals have been obtained.
• Issues onsite warning citations and stop work orders in cases of serious violations of the adopted subcodes or regulations which might endanger the health, safety, and/or welfare of the public or of building occupants.
• Prepares and/or supervises preparation of inspector reports noting violations and makes recommendations concerning assessment of penalties.
• Prepares recommendations regarding both temporary and final certificates of occupancy based on inspections.
• Testifies at court and in administrative hearings on behalf of the state or local jurisdiction.
• May serve subpoenas and other legal process notices including notices of violation.
• Assigns and instructs inspectors of lower grade and coordinates and supervises their work.
• Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Prepares inspection reports showing progress of work of each project relative to plumbing subcode compliance, weather conditions, and percentage of work completed.
• Maintains records, reports, and files required to show details of plumbing inspection of assigned projects.
• Advises members of the general public on the method for completing applications for plumbing construction permits.
• Calculates and collects permit fees pursuant to NJAC 5:23-4.8.
• Authorizes issuance of final approval for water service, hot and cold water distribution systems, sanitary drainage systems, and other plumbing components for structures that have been inspected.
• Inspects unsafe or illegal structures and makes determination pursuant to applicable codes as to actions to be taken to make the structure safe and secure.
• Reviews plumbing components of plans and makes cost estimates of plumbing work of structures to determine applicability of the Uniform Construction Code Act and regulations.
• Surveys the area of assigned jurisdiction for illegal construction activity and takes appropriate action where necessary.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in construction code enforcement involving the reviewing and approval of plans for plumbing construction and renovation work and/or conducting plumbing inspections to determine compliance with relevant public health laws and state and local building codes and ordinances.

License

Possession of a valid Plumbing Inspector's License of the appropriate class issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of problems and procedures in plumbing inspection work involved in the enforcement of the State Uniform Construction Code.
• Knowledge of design and analysis techniques necessary to check design of water service, hot and cold water distribution systems, hot water heating equipment, plumbing fixture layout and quantity, venting systems, and sanitary drainage systems for compliance with the Uniform Construction Code and adopted standards.
• Knowledge of design and analysis techniques needed to ensure compliance of in-building storm water drainage systems with requirements of the code.
• Knowledge of plumbing installation testing methods required to be employed by the code and proper application.
• Knowledge of methods of construction, location, and operation of onsite sewage disposal systems, small sewage disposal plants, and private water supply systems.
• Knowledge of the organization, content, and regulations of the Uniform Construction Code.
• Knowledge of the organization and content of the plumbing subcode.
• Knowledge of the basic classification of structures into class types.
• Knowledge of the plumbing subcodes background, purpose, history, place in local government structure, and relation to code enforcement programs at other levels of government.
• Knowledge of plan reading sufficient to permit an understanding of the process and to perform duties of the position.
• Knowledge of material standards in the code and methods by which those standards are developed.
• Knowledge of installation methods and practices required to ensure that all approved materials including joints, conductors, traps, and cleanouts and structural support requirements are installed properly.
• Knowledge of plumbing fitting and fixture requirements.
• Knowledge of basic inspection report writing including preparation of violation notices and required record keeping.
• Knowledge of relevant public health laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of plumbing inspection techniques.
• Knowledge of form content and interpretation of plans, blueprints, and specifications for new construction and alteration of existing structures.
• Ability to interpret the State Uniform Construction Code and applicable NJ Health law and code and to apply them to specific cases.
• Ability to ensure that all fittings and fixtures installed conform to requirements of the Uniform Construction Code.
• Ability to interpret relevant public health laws and apply them to specific cases.
• Ability to work harmoniously with concerned persons.
• Ability to establish and maintain proper relationships with business proprietors, contractors, housekeepers, and others interested and/or concerned with the maintenance of public health standards.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports of inspectors containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to act as a convincing witness in court.
• Ability to organize assigned plumbing inspection work, analyze construction inspection problems, and develop appropriate work methods.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other code enforcement inspectors, contractors, and others and to take and maintain a firm and correct stand when differences of fact or opinion arise.
• Ability to assign and instruct inspectors of lower grade and to supervise and coordinate performance of their work.
• Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Ability to maintain records and files required for the code enforcement organization.
• Ability to review plans for structures to ensure that necessary information pertaining to plumbing features of a structure are shown on the plans and conforms with requirements of the plumbing subcode.
• Ability to prepare violation notices.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.