Wire Inspector

City of Springfield•C241-Building, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for inspecting new and old electrical light, heat and power installations, and for enforcing conformity with municipal ordinances, state laws, and accepted practices relating to their installation, maintenance, alteration, repair and removal. Although new or unusual problems may be referred to superior for advice and assistance, work is ordinarily performed independently in the field, and decisions made require considerable technical discretion and judgment. Correction of deviations and defects is effected chiefly through education and persuasion at the scene, but court action is initiated when necessary to enforce compliance. Work is reviewed through oral and written reports. No supervision is exercised over other employees.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of municipal ordinances and state laws and regulations related to electrical installations.
Thorough knowledge of the materials, methods and techniques used in electrical installation.
Ability to recognize and diagnose faulty wiring or conditions dangerous in relation to life, fire and explosion.
Ability to read and interpret rough and finished electrical installation construction plans and specifications, and to recognize deviations from such plans in the construction and installation process.
Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to enforce regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with electricians, owner, contractors, architects, engineers, and representatives of other state and municipal departments.
High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by courses in electrical engineering and related fields.
Two years of experience in electrical construction work at the journeyman or supervisory level.

Responsibilities

Examines plans and specifications in connection with applications for permits for the installation, alteration, and repair of electrical installations for conformity with legal requirements.
Advises electricians, builders, owners, architects, and engineers on electrical problems, and interprets codes, laws and regulations.
Inspects electrical installations in the process of installation, alteration, or repair, for compliance with legal requirements as to safety or wiring, appliances, apparatus, devices, fittings, fixtures, quality or materials and workmanship, and conformity of the entire installation with approved plans.
Periodically inspects old and potentially dangerous installations, which may constitute fire hazards.
Investigates complaints and obtains evidence as to violations of electrical code or other hazardous conditions.
Investigates fires reported to have been of electric origin and accidents reports to have been due to electric shock.
Inspects electrical installations damaged by fires, recommends corrections, and determines which parts of installations may be energized.
Issues verbal or written orders for the correction of deviations from codes, including hazards, and defects in material or workmanship.
Follows up to ensure compliance.
Obtains show-cause order when necessary from Clerk of Courts, and appears in court to enforce compliance and to testify in accident and damage suits.
Prepares reports to superiors covering inspections made, conditions found, action taken, and recommendations for future action.
Performs electrical related inspection work as required within the scope of 527 CMR 12.00 Massachusetts Electrical Code.