Plumbing Inspector

King County • Chinook Building 401 5th Avenue Seattle, WA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position involves working with a team of inspectors and plan reviewers. Candidates are expected to possess extensive technical knowledge and experience performing complex plumbing and gas piping inspections, reviewing complex plumbing system design plans, and ensuring compliance with codes, laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. The role of the Plumbing Inspector is to protect public health and the environment from the hazards of improper plumbing and gas piping installations and accurately observe and write code correction action items in accordance with the plumbing code. The role of a Plumbing Plan Reviewer is to review proposed plumbing and gas designs to protect public health and the environment from the hazards of improperly designed plumbing and gas piping systems. While this is primarily a technical position, the successful candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and cultural competence and demonstrate the creativity and analytical skills needed to support customers in achieving compliance with public health and construction regulations that protect the community. Note: This posting will create a list of qualified candidates that may be considered for selection of additional vacancies of the same position type over the next 6 months. Commitment To Equity and Social Justice Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures. The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts. We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities. To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx

Requirements

• Washington State commercial (PL01) journeyman plumber certification, residential (PL02) plumber certification, or a letter from Washington State Labor and industries, verifying the approval to perform the Washington State commercial (PL01) plumber certification or residential (PL02) plumber certification exam.
• The incumbent will perform and pass one of these exams prior to the end of the 6-month probationary period.
• Washington State driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to the end of the 6-month probationary period.
• Successfully pass the IAPMO Plumbing Inspector certification exam within the 6-month probationary period.
• Five (5) years of recent experience as a Journeyman or residential plumber from Washington State or another state with equivalent licensing requirements, including designing and performing residential or commercial plumbing installations and/or any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position.
• Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
• Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
• Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.

Nice To Haves

• Plumbing Plans Examiner Certification or ability to obtain an IAPMO Plumbing Plans Examiner certification prior to the end of the 6-month probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Convey public health and environmental codes, regulations, policies, and regulatory information to a variety of diverse audiences, including industry and government partners, and the public.
• Interpret applicable codes, laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations pertaining to plumbing and gas piping system designs with a perspective on public health and safety.
• Field inspect all aspects of a plumbing or gas installation for code compliance.
• Respond to, consult with, and engage with superintendents, contractors, engineers, plumbers, architects, and homeowners on code, code interpretation, and material and equipment installation standards to reach compliance.
• Maintain and use program specific computerized systems, write and review reports, and maintain accurate records.
• Prepare and maintain written and electronic records of plan reviews, correction action items, and approvals.
• Review submitted plumbing plans which may include but are not limited to: domestic and sanitary plumbing systems, backflow devices and assemblies, medical gas, alternate water use, natural or LP gas piping (including flue vents and combustion air), laboratories and commercial kitchens, for compliance with various codes and ordinances.
• Review plans, diagrams, and associated construction documents.
• Perform analysis of plumbing and gas piping design, and review/evaluate proposed methods of installation.
• Establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with customers, coworkers, supervisors and other Environmental Health Division employees, and the general public using principles of good internal and external customer service.
• Participate in assigned Environmental Health Division meetings and trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation, but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment.
• Pre-employment Physical

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed