Plumbing Inspector

City of New York•New York, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The NYC Department of Buildings enforces the NYC Construction Codes, Energy Code, and Zoning Resolution to ensure the safe and lawful use of buildings and properties. The department aims to facilitate compliant development with integrity, efficiency, and professionalism, improve its performance, and develop streamlined, understandable, and transparent procedures. Under general supervision, the Plumbing Inspector performs technical inspections of plumbing, gas, and fire suppression installations and repairs to determine compliance with applicable codes, laws, rules, approved plans, and specifications. Inspections may cover underground and roughing-in work, finishes, equipment, fixtures, components, fire pumps, house connections, and appurtenances. The inspector also investigates incidents and complaints, witnesses system tests, issues enforcement actions, verifies worker licenses, maintains records, and explains and enforces relevant laws and rules. Depending on assignment, the inspector may supervise or train subordinates, review applications, assist a supervisor, testify, and operate a motor vehicle. The work involves traveling to and walking through inspection sites, climbing ladders and stairs, standing for extended periods, maintaining balance on narrow or elevated walkways, and navigating around objects. Work areas may be damp, dusty, dark, smoky, or acrid. Shifts may include nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Candidates must pass a drug screening and hold a New York State-valid motor vehicle driver's license at appointment, which must be maintained throughout employment. At appointment, NYC residents must apply for Special Patrolman status. Assignments and work locations are citywide and determined by operational need; transfers may occur with sufficient notice.

Requirements

Meet one of the following qualification paths: two years of full-time satisfactory experience as a plumber installing plumbing systems, as an inspector of plumbing system installations, or as a superintendent of plumbers; or one year of such experience plus one year of formal plumbing-focused training or education at an accredited college, technical school, or trade school; or 60 college credits toward a degree in civil engineering, engineering technology, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field; or completion of a plumbing or plumbing inspection apprentice program at least two years long; or a New York State professional engineer license or registered architect license; or equivalent education and/or experience.
For Assignment Level II, candidates other than licensed professional engineers or registered architects must have at least three additional years of qualifying experience after meeting the minimum requirements.
For Assignment Level III, candidates other than licensed professional engineers or registered architects must have at least one additional year of qualifying experience after meeting Assignment Level II requirements.
For Assignment Level IV, candidates other than licensed professional engineers or registered architects must have at least one additional year of qualifying experience in a supervisory capacity after meeting Assignment Level III requirements.
Successfully pass a drug screening to be appointed.
Hold a motor vehicle driver's license valid in New York State at appointment and maintain it throughout employment.
At appointment, candidates residing in New York City must apply to receive Special Patrolman status.

Responsibilities

Inspect plumbing, gas, and fire suppression system installations and repairs for compliance with applicable codes, laws, rules, approved plans, and specifications.
Inspect underground, roughing-in, finish, equipment, fixture, component, fire pump, house connection, and appurtenance work.
Respond to, report, and investigate accidents, incidents, and complaints.
Inspect gas piping systems to assess their condition and status.
Witness drainage, water, air, gas, sprinkler, standpipe, and fire pump tests to identify code violations or illegal practices.
Study drawings and other information to obtain details needed for inspections.
Issue violations, summonses, and stop-work orders, and advise recipients of the nature of violations.
Verify licenses of workers onsite.
Testify as needed at ECB proceedings, depositions, and court.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Explain and enforce laws and rules relevant to the field.
As assigned, assign, supervise, review, and evaluate subordinate work; train subordinates; review relevant applications; assist a supervisor; and operate a motor vehicle.