City and County of San Francisco

Plumbing Inspector (#6242)

$55.55-$67.53 Hourly / $9,629.00-$11,704.00 Monthly / $115,544.00-$140,452.00 Yearly


Definition

Under general supervision, plumbing inspectors work at the Department of Building Inspection and the San Francisco International Airport; physically inspect all plumbing, gas appliance, low pressure boiler, and fire sprinkler installation, maintenance and repair work to assure compliance with existing codes, laws, ordinances, approved plans and specifications; explain the applications of existing codes, laws, methods and procedures relative to the installation of plumbing and mechanical facilities; make regular contact with the general public and other departments in connection with the inspection and enforcement of existing codes and laws; provide written and oral reports of inspection activities; drive a vehicle to inspection sites; and perform related duties as required.

Distinguishing Features

This is the entry-level position in the Plumbing Inspector series. It is distinguished from the 6246 Senior Plumbing Inspector by the latter's supervisory duties and responsibility for performing more difficult and complex inspection work.

Supervision Exercised

None

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Inspects all plumbing, mechanical, gas appliance, low-pressure boiler and fire sprinkler installation, maintenance and repair work to assure compliance with existing plumbing and mechanical codes, laws and ordinances; approves plans and specifications.

2. Explains the application of existing codes, laws, methods and procedures relative to the installation of plumbing and mechanical facilities.

3. Makes regular contact with construction professionals, the general public and other departments in connection with the inspection and enforcement of existing codes and laws.

4. Provides written and oral reports of inspection activities.

5. Drives a vehicle to inspection sites, meetings, hearings, emergency activities and other related events.

6. Determines the nature and severity of violations and makes necessary referrals to other inspection groups and agencies and may coordinate building, plumbing and electrical inspections.

7. Advises and consults with building owners, design professionals, contractors and others on the correction of code deficiencies with respect to plumbing and mechanical code standards

8. Testifies as an expert witness in court litigation involving plumbing and mechanical code violations.

9. Authorizes abatement orders or emergency orders for correction to be issued; makes inspections, prepares reports and testifies in court on abatement proceedings.

10. Issues reports and conducts follow-up inspections leading to the correction of violations or abatement proceedings

11. Conducts statistical surveys and provides data regarding code enforcement as required.

12. Assists in the training of new inspectors by introducing them to departmental procedures and working alongside them in the field and in the office to ensure that their inspections and reports are accurate and timely.
13. Issues misdemeanor citations on plumbing and mechanical violations which may result in participation in arrest procedures.

14. Makes investigations of complaints of violation of plumbing, water and gas codes and ordinances;

15. Makes periodic inspections of various buildings and institutions for conditions which might cause water supply contamination.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: plumbing and mechanical system design and installation practices; plumbing and mechanical materials and their uses; existing ordinances, regulations and code requirements regarding the installation and maintenance of plumbing and mechanical systems; and modern construction methods and techniques, particularly as applied to plumbing and mechanical phases of construction projects.

Ability to: read and interpret plans and specifications of plumbing and mechanical system installations; deal effectively and courteously with property owners, contractors and the general public; effectively apply knowledge of the plumbing codes and construction procedures to inspection practices; use a computer, software programs and cell phone for work-related purposes.

Minimum Qualifications

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education and Experience:
Completion of plumbing apprenticeship which has been certified by the State of California and three (3) years of journey-level experience in the trade; OR

A plumbing contractor with a C-36 license issued by the State of California with experience in the trade totaling eight (8) years.

License and Certification:
Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Notes

Working Conditions:

Must be willing to work under hazardous conditions such as: small enclosed areas, dangerous heights and general construction conditions.

Established: 10/29/2001

Amended: 7/2/2015 

Disaster Service Workers

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

CLASS: 6242; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 7/2/2015;