Plumbing Inspector

POSITION SUMMARY:

Conducts on-site inspections of commercial and residential building projects throughout the City to ensure full compliance with State and local building codes for new construction, additions, and alterations. Ensures that construction is in conformance with plans and specifications approved by the Inspection Office and requires that code violations be corrected. Assists contractors and the general public with information regarding construction, building, zoning and other code related matters.

JOB DUTIES:

• Reviews plans, specifications and blueprints of buildings under construction or being remodeled for compliance to codes and ordinances; approves permit applications for construction or remodeling when requirements are complied with according to the Illinois Plumbing Code
• Conducts inspections of building sites to ensure compliance with State and local plumbing and building codes; inspects materials and construction to ensure compliance with approved plans and specifications; may require testing as it relates to code compliance
• Observes initial installation and annual testing of approved back flow prevention devices
• Inspects plumbing systems to verify the absence of cross connections between the City's water supply and secondary, polluted, or contaminated water sources that prevent used and contaminated water from re-entering potable water supply
• Maintains the City's Cross Connection Control Program and tracks citywide compliance. Inspects residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems for conformance with the Cross Connection Control Ordinance and other laws and codes and approved plans and specifications, and provides contractors or owners with written Field Inspection Reports.
• Seeks voluntary compliance where standards are not met, advising for corrections, issuing violation notices when necessary, and performing re-inspections to determine actions taken to bring the structure into compliance with standards
• Gives approval of on-site conditions for temporary and permanent certificates of occupancy
• Answers inquiries from property owners, contractors, architects, local units of government, and others regarding code and ordinance interpretation, clarification of department policies and procedures, violation complaints, and general information; provides information and advice to owners, contractors, developers, engineers and architects regarding building code requirements and construction procedures and offers assistance in making applications for permits
• Reviews records of permits issued and denied, inspections requirements needed, complaints and their investigation, and prepares reports and correspondence
• Participates in continuing education to maintain required certifications; attends various meetings, seminars, workshops, and conferences to keep current on the latest methods and techniques in building trades, housing and code inspection and enforcement
• Inspects new sewer lines while contractor is installing in new subdivisions and inspects sewer replacements in older parts of town
• Inspects and take measurements on new lateral connections for new construction
• Inspects sewer lateral for residential, commercial and industrial demolitions; takes measurements and submits to Central Services to update records
• Independently performs work of a regular and recurring nature in accordance with established and known policies, standards and regulations; performs more complex work under limited supervision; plans and arranges work sequence and develops improvements for procedures in areas of assignment
• Responds to complaints of potential code violations relating to nuisances, housing conditions, construction, land use, zoning, noise, dumping, clearing, grading, filling, polluting, or other code related matters
• Conducts field investigations of potential violations; gathers evidence; questions or interviews complainants, witnesses and suspects; compares facts to code requirements; makes findings; issues warnings, correction notices, or citations
• Meets with owners, tenants, contractors, developers, businesses, etc., to review and explain code requirements and violations or potential violations; verifies code compliance
• Maintains a variety of logs and records related to inspection and enforcement activities; prepares reports and writes recommendations for amendments and additions to codes or regulations
• Coordinates efforts with the Police, Planning, Building and related departments, the prosecuting attorney, and other staff or agencies, as needed
• Provides testimony in court
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Planning and Development