Plumbing Inspector - Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department

Plumbing Inspector - Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department

Salary

$66,159.00 - $88,791.00 Annually

Location

Detroit, Michigan, MI

Job Type

Certified-Regular Civil Service

Job Number

20261199321BSEEDmm

Department

Buildings & Safety Eng

Opening Date

07/19/2026

Bargaining Unit

2290-Detroit Building & Trades CouncilPlumbers Loc

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

We create safe environments for city residents.

The BSEED mission is to provide for the safety, health and welfare of the general public as it pertains to buildings and their environs in an efficient, cost-effective, user-friendly and professional manner.

BSEED enforces construction, property maintenance, environmental compliance and zoning codes, which preserve and enhance property values and promote quality of life to make Detroit a preferred place to reside and conduct business.

Under general supervision, inspects plumbing and drainage systems to assure compliance with pertinent codes and city ordinances, approves plans, specifications, and accepted standards and methods of work; and examines plans for compliance with pertinent codes, laws, and ordinances for the approval of applications for permits.

Examples of Duties

• Approve applications for permits when necessary.

• Complete daily inspection activity reports accurately and neatly.

• Examine construction plans prior to the issuance of permit to determine conformance with pertinent City and State codes /ordinances.

• Prepare code violation cases for court and appears and testifies regarding code violations in court cases.

• Investigate complaints of code violations and prepares notices of violation to be sent to appropriate person(s).

• Assist in the training of new employees.

• Inspect plumbing and drainage installations in and around new, existing, renovated, remodeled building of all types for compliance with pertinent codes, and ordinance requirements.

• Determine if installations conform to the code and approved plans.

• Perform witness test of plumbing systems for leaks, examines fixtures, appliances and special fittings to see if they are code approved types.

• Perform related office duties as needed.

• Work with supervisor(s) and management to improve efficiencies within the division and department.

• Prepare and present lectures, speeches, and demonstrations on plumbing issues.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications (required):

• High school graduation or G.E.D.

• Two years of journey worker level experience in the construction and maintenance of plumbing and drainage systems and related parts.

Qualifications (preferred):

• Completion of two years of college with specialization in engineering.

• Experience in the inspectional and/or supervisory phases of the work.

LICENSE, CERTIFICATION AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid State of Michigan Journey and/or Master Plumber License required.
• Employees in this class will be required to provide their own automobile for transportation on a reimbursed mileage basis; a valid State of Michigan Operator License required.

EQUIVALENCY

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Supplemental Information

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 - 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point

LRD: 11/12/2025

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Materials, operations, construction and maintenance of plumbing and drainage systems.
• Sanitary and mechanical principles and their application to the field of plumbing.

SKILL IN:

• Physical and mechanical dexterity.
• Observation.
• Performing inspections.
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing with tact and diplomacy.
• Use of personal computers and common office software.

ABILITY TO:

• Read and interpret construction plans and specifications for compliance with all related codes, ordinances, and laws.
• Detect potential hazards to public safety.
• Climb ladders and enter manholes, narrow openings and crawl spaces, and to move along narrow, exposed platforms and beams, and to climb in and out of trenches and other excavations.
• Work in high places and confined spaces.
• Work in hot, dusty places.
• Withstand noxious and unpleasant odors.
• Interact with tact and courtesy in contacts with workers, supervisors, contractors, owners, and the general public.
• Refer customers to the appropriate department division or other City agencies.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Work involves the ability to climb ladders and enter manholes, narrow openings, and crawl spaces, and to move along narrow, exposed platforms and beams, and to climb in and out of trenches and other excavations, work in high places and confined spaces, and work in hot, dusty places.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in the specification. Essential duties may vary from position to position.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

HEALTH

• Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
• Dental
• Vision

INSURANCE

• Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.

PAID TIME OFF

• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Holidays

OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS

The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,

RETIREMENT BENEFITS

City Employees Retirement System

As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:

• Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
• At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
• At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
• In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
• An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
• Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.

Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.

01

Please indicate your highest level of education completed

• High School Diploma/GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• PhD/J.D.
• No Education experience

02

Do you have two years of journey worker level experience in the construction and maintenance of plumbing and drainage systems and related parts?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a valid State of Michigan Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess a Valid State of Michigan Journey and/or Master Plumber License ?

05

Indicate the number of years of experience you possess of journey worker level experience in the construction and maintenance of plumbing and drainage systems and related parts. PLEASE NOTE: YEARS OF EXPERIENCE MUST BE REFLECTED IN THE WORK EXPERIENCE SECTION OF THE APPLICATION.]]

• 1-2 years of experience
• 2-3 years of experience
• 4-5 years of experience
• 6-7 years of experience
• 7 or more years
• none

06

Do you possess a valid State of Michigan Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Detroit

Address Coleman A. Young Municipal Center

2 Woodward Ave ste 316

Detroit, Michigan, 48226

Website http://www.detroitmi.gov/Detroit-Opportunities/Find-A-Job