Plumbing Inspector

Job Description

Under general supervision, plumbing inspectors work at the Department of Building Inspection, Plumbing Inspection Division and the San Francisco International Airport; physically inspect all plumbing, gas appliance, low pressure boiler, and fire sprinkler installation, maintenance and repair work to assure compliance with existing codes, laws, ordinances, approved plans and specifications; explain the applications of existing codes, laws, methods and procedures relative to the installation of plumbing and mechanical facilities; make regular contact with the general public and other departments in connection with the inspection and enforcement of existing codes and laws; provide written and oral reports of inspection activities; operate a computer and smart phone; drive a vehicle to inspection sites; and perform related duties as required.

 

MAJOR, IMPORTANT, AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1) Inspects all plumbing, mechanical, gas appliance, low-pressure boiler and fire sprinkler installation, maintenance and repair work to assure compliance with existing plumbing and mechanical codes, laws and ordinances; approves plans and specifications.

2) Explains the application of existing codes, laws, methods and procedures relative to the installation of plumbing and mechanical facilities.

3) Makes regular contact with construction professionals, the general public and other departments in connection with the inspection and enforcement of existing codes and laws.

4) Provides written and oral reports of inspection activities.

5) Drives a vehicle to inspection sites, meetings, hearings, emergency activities and other related events.

6) Determines the nature and severity of violations and makes necessary referrals to other inspection groups and agencies and may coordinate building, plumbing and electrical inspections.

7) Advises and consults with building owners, design professionals, contractors and others on the correction of code deficiencies with respect to plumbing and mechanical code standards

8) Testifies as an expert witness in court litigation involving plumbing and mechanical code violations.

9) Authorizes abatement orders or emergency orders for correction to be issued; makes inspections, prepares reports and testifies in court on abatement proceedings.

10) Issues reports and conducts follow-up inspections leading to the correction of violations or abatement proceedings

11) Conducts statistical surveys and provides data regarding code enforcement as required.

12) Assists in the training of new inspectors by introducing them to departmental procedures and working alongside them in the field and in the office to ensure that their inspections and reports are accurate and timely.

13) Issues misdemeanor citations on plumbing and mechanical violations which may result in participation in arrest procedures.

14) Makes investigations of complaints of violation of plumbing, water and gas codes and ordinances;

15) Makes periodic inspections of various buildings and institutions for conditions which might cause water supply contamination.

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