6242 Plumbing Inspector - Department of Building Inspection, Temporary Provisional (TPV)

City and County of San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) seeks a Plumbing Inspector for its Plumbing Inspection Division in San Francisco. DBI enforces City building, housing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and disability access codes. This is an entry-level position in the Plumbing Inspector series, distinguished from the Senior Plumbing Inspector role by the latter’s supervisory duties and responsibility for more difficult and complex inspections. Under general supervision, the inspector examines plumbing, mechanical, gas appliance, low-pressure boiler, and fire sprinkler installation, maintenance, and repair work for compliance with applicable codes, laws, ordinances, approved plans, and specifications. The role involves explaining code requirements, communicating with construction professionals, property owners, the public, and other departments, documenting inspection activities, and traveling to inspection sites and related events. Inspectors may investigate complaints, determine violations, coordinate or refer inspections, advise on corrective work, issue citations or abatement orders, and testify in court. This is a Temporary Provisional (TPV) appointment limited to no more than three years. It is excluded from the competitive Civil Service examination process, is at will at the discretion of the Department Head, and is subject to a permanent Civil Service examination process at a later date. Successful participation in that examination and selection through an open competitive process is required for consideration for permanent appointment. The position is located at 49 South Van Ness. Applicants must obtain the UPC Residential and Commercial Plumbing Inspector Certification from IAPMO within one year of appointment and maintain it as a condition of continued employment. The work may involve hazardous conditions, including small enclosed areas, dangerous heights, and general construction conditions.

Requirements

Complete a plumbing apprenticeship certified by the State of California and have three years of journey-level experience in the trade; or hold a California C-36 plumbing contractor license and have eight years of experience in the trade.
Possess a valid California driver's license.
Obtain the IAPMO UPC Residential and Commercial Plumbing Inspector Certification within one year of appointment and maintain it as a condition of continued employment.
Knowledge of plumbing and mechanical system design and installation practices, plumbing and mechanical materials and their uses, applicable ordinances and code requirements, and modern construction methods, particularly plumbing and mechanical construction.
Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications for plumbing and mechanical system installations.
Ability to deal effectively and courteously with property owners, contractors, and the general public.
Ability to apply plumbing code and construction procedure knowledge effectively to inspection practices.
Ability to use a computer, software programs, and a cell phone for work-related purposes.
Willingness to work under hazardous conditions, including small enclosed areas, dangerous heights, and general construction conditions.

Responsibilities

Inspect plumbing, mechanical, gas appliance, low-pressure boiler, and fire sprinkler installations, maintenance, and repairs for compliance with applicable codes, laws, ordinances, approved plans, and specifications.
Approve plans and specifications and explain applicable codes, laws, methods, and procedures for plumbing and mechanical installations.
Communicate with construction professionals, property owners, contractors, the general public, and other departments regarding inspections and enforcement.
Provide written and oral reports of inspection activities and perform plan checking.
Drive to inspection sites, meetings, hearings, emergency activities, and related events.
Determine the nature and severity of violations, refer matters to other inspection groups or agencies, and coordinate building, plumbing, and electrical inspections when needed.
Advise and consult with building owners, design professionals, contractors, and others on correcting plumbing and mechanical code deficiencies.
Testify as an expert witness in court litigation involving plumbing and mechanical code violations.
Authorize abatement or emergency correction orders; inspect, prepare reports, and testify in abatement proceedings.
Issue reports and conduct follow-up inspections to secure correction of violations or support abatement proceedings.
Conduct statistical surveys and provide data regarding code enforcement as required.
Assist in training new inspectors on departmental procedures and work with them in the field and office to support accurate, timely inspections and reports.
Issue misdemeanor citations for plumbing and mechanical violations, which may involve participation in arrest procedures.
Investigate complaints of plumbing, water, and gas code violations.
Periodically inspect buildings and institutions for conditions that could cause water supply contamination.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.