PLUMBING INSPECTOR 5143

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class inspects and tests plumbing and heating installations throughout a township to enforce compliance with approved plans and specifications and adherence to town and other regulatory codes, as well as to protect the public against the hazards of unsanitary conditions caused by poor materials or poor workmanship in plumbing systems. The incumbent is required to carry all assignments through to completion with considerable independence. Work is reviewed by a technical supervisor through oral and written reports and occasional re-inspections. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Inspects and tests installations and repairs of plumbing systems for conformance with town and other codes;

Tests waste lines to see that joints are tight and drains are properly trapped and vented;

Investigates complaints involving violation of the plumbing code or illegal plumbing practices;

Examines specifications, blueprints, and plans of plumbing and heating installations, checking conditions such as pipe size, ventilation, and other plumbing details for compliance with codes and standards;

Inspects ground work prior to laying of plumbing and inspects plumbing installed above ground such as water pipes, bathtub waste connections, and vent stacks through the roof;

May inspect septic tanks and drainage fields and occasionally, dry wells or soakage pits;

Inspects new buildings for plumbing fixtures, defects, leaks, and sewer to septic tank connections;

Inspects heating systems to insure proper connections and safety of installation;

Upon completion of inspections, signs all building cards if work is approved or, if disapproved, leaves rejection or violation notice giving reasons for rejection;

Writes reports about conditions found, actions taken, and recommendations made for further action;

Discusses plumbing and heating installations with contractors, property owners, and other interested parties to explain and interpret plumbing and

heating codes and standards.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the methods and practices involved in installing, repairing, and maintaining a variety of plumbing and heating installations, equipment and appliances; thorough knowledge of possible defects and faults in plumbing systems and appliances, and of standard testing practices; thorough knowledge of the codes and regulations governing plumbing installation in the county; ability to detect and locate defective plumbing and to ascertain the stage or installation at which defects are easily found and remedied; ability to read and interpret plumbing construction plans and specifications; ability to enforce codes and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially; ability to keep records and to write reports; ability to express oneself clearly, and concisely, orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from a standard senior high school, vocational school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and four (4) years of experience as a plumber.

NOTE: Experience will be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Candidates must possess a valid New York State driver's license at the time of appointment and throughout the period of employment.

All employees hired after January 1, 1985 must successfully complete the required basic training program entitled Minimum Standards for Code Enforcement Personnel, established by the State of New York Fire Fighting and Code Enforcement Personnel Standards and Education Commission. The program must be completed in the appropriate time period as specified in the regulations, and upon completion, the required in service training programs must be attended as scheduled.

R10/29/90

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive