Mechanical Inspector (Buildings Safety Engineering & Environmental Department)

City of Detroit•Michigan, MI

33d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, to inspect heating, ventilation refrigeration, and air-conditioning equipment and systems to assure compliance with pertinent codes and city ordinances, approved plans, specifications and accepted standards and methods of work. 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.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED
Two (2) years of advanced training in engineering principles and their practical application to the fields of refrigeration, air-conditioning, combustion control, and space heating distribution systems.
Two (2) years of experience in the installation, construction, maintenance, operation, and repair of heating, refrigeration, and air-conditioning equipment and systems.
State of Michigan Mechanical Contractor License with limited or unlimited Heating or Refrigeration Service required.
Employees certified or promoted to this class must acquire and maintain registration as an inspector and plan reviewer with the State of Michigan, as required under the provisions of Public Act #54, rule 31 R. 408-30043.
Employees in this class will within (30) thirty days make an application for provisional registration with the State of Michigan in accordance with Public Act #54, R. 408.30031, Rule 31 (5) and provide written verification of completing the minimum required hours of approved educational or training programs as prescribed in Table 31 of Rule 31.
An applicant for registration as a provisional mechanical inspector shall have possessed a mechanical license for not less than 1 year in 3 or more categories 1, 2, 4, or 9 as defined in 1984 PA 192, MCL 338.971 to MCL 338.988 and known as the Forbes mechanical contractors act; or individual shall be licensed as a mechanical contractor in classification 1 and 2 and also have an ICC (International Code Council) Certification as a Commercial Fire Sprinkler Inspector and Commercial Mechanical Inspector.
Employees in this class will be required to provide their own automobile for transportation on a reimbursed mileage basis; valid State of Michigan Operator License required.
Successful applicants certified to positions in this class must acquire and maintain registration as an inspector with the State of Michigan.
Knowledge of materials, operations, construction, and trades practices related to such equipment and systems.
Knowledge of elementary mechanical, chemical, electrical, and thermodynamic engineering principles governing the operation of heating and refrigerating equipment and systems.
Knowledge of State of Michigan codes.
Skill in physical and mechanical dexterity.
Skill in observation.
Skill in performing inspections.
Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with tact and diplomacy.
Skill in use of personal computers and common office software.
Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications for compliance with all related codes, ordinances, and laws.
Ability to detect potential hazards to public safety.
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.
Ability to work in high places and confined spaces.
Ability to work in hot, dusty places.
Ability to withstand noxious and unpleasant odors.
Ability to interact with tact and courtesy in contacts with workers, supervisors, contractors, owners, and the general public.

Nice To Haves

Training shall have been secured by the completion of an apprenticeship in heating and refrigeration mechanics with a reputable concern.
One (1) year of training in an engineering college.
Experience in the inspectional and/or supervisory phases of the work.

Responsibilities

Inspects and tests gas-fired, oil-fired, and solid fuel-fired heating equipment and its associated storage and control equipment, space heating distribution systems and components, air-conditioning equipment and components, refrigeration systems and equipment for compliance with pertinent codes and for installation according to approved plans.
Reports findings, secures corrections, or issues violation notices.
Points out code violations.
Explains code provisions.
Witnesses and reports on equipment acceptance tests.
Checks for proper licensure of boiler and refrigeration plant operating personnel.
Investigates complaints of violations of codes and prepares notices of violations.
Makes re-inspections of premises or equipment to determine corrections of code violations.
Compiles information and prepares code violation cases for court.
Appears and testifies regarding code violation in court cases.
Investigates and reports on accidents.
Prepares daily activities reports.
Assists in the training of new employees assigned to the activity.