Plumbing (Backflow) Inspector

Anne Arundel County•Utility Operations, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Anne Arundel County Government is currently hiring for a full-time permanent Backflow Prevention Inspector position in the division of Water Operations. This is a Safety Sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol Testing. This is skilled work in backflow prevention that monitors, inspects and investigates the maintenance, installation and or replacement requirements of backflow prevention assemblies through customer service visits and annual inspections. A Backflow Inspector is responsible for inspecting and ensuring the proper functioning of backflow prevention devices in commercial, industrial, and residential water systems. The role focuses on protecting public health by preventing the contamination of potable water supplies due to backflow. The inspector will work closely with property owners, contractors, and local authorities to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or vocational school
Four (4) or more years of experience as a journeyman plumber
A master plumber's license in the State or ability to obtain the license within six months of hire
Other licenses as may be required for the area of assignment
A valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license
Strong understanding of plumbing systems, backflow prevention devices, and water distribution systems.
Considerable knowledge of relevant water regulations regarding the use of County water.
Considerable knowledge of water distribution systems, including mains, hydrants, meters, valves and other equipment.
Considerable knowledge of customer billing systems and database programs.
Considerable knowledge of relevant safety precautions and procedures.
Ability to read and interpret landscape irrigation drawings.
Ability to maintain database records.
Ability to work independently.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) years of experience in water distribution or wastewater collection operations with one (1) year of cross-connection field experience in combination

Responsibilities

Conduct meetings and site surveys with contractors, consultants, developers, owners, and staff to resolve potential cross-connection issues.
Create and maintain customer information files electronically in our backflow software, including equipment, inspection data, test results and certifications.
Read, review, and interpret construction plans, blue prints, as-built drawings.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships and public relations with various agencies and property owners.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal backflow prevention regulations.
Educate property owners and managers about the importance of backflow prevention and required maintenance.
Investigate customer water usage to identify the requirement for backflow prevention assemblies and cross connection controls.
Inspect backflow assembly installation ensuring they meet applicable plumbing codes and rules.
Monitor and investigate the maintenance and replacement requirements of backflow prevention assemblies through customer service visits and annual inspections.
Create and maintain customer information files including equipment and inspection data.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships and public relations with various agencies, owners, and the consultant community.
Perform cross connection inspections on new recycled water irrigation systems, working closely with job superintendents, landscape contractors and AA County Health Inspectors; advises landscape architects of any changes or revisions; performs cross connection inspections on expansions or modifications to existing water irrigation systems.
Explain and interpret regulations for customers regarding the protection of water supply.
Perform weekly cross connection inspections of properties throughout the County to determine possible hazards to the potable water system.
Maintain computer records on customers with backflow devices; maintains records of inspections performed.
Meet with property representatives and landscape contractors to resolve non-compliance issues.
Monitor the work progress of Backflow Inspectors and backflow testing contractors.
Perform work in a safe manner at all times; complies with safety and health policies, procedures and practices; attends and completes all mandatory safety training courses and events; and works to insure the safety of co-workers and the general public.
Data entry for our backflow software and VUEWORKS system.
Monitor and evaluate the work of the backflow testing contractors.
Establish and maintain working relationships with fire system companies, landscape architects, landscape contractors, developers, property owners, and AA County Health Inspectors.