Plumbing Inspector
King County
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Mechanic/Technician
Posted on September 13, 2019
- Summary
- Public Health – Seattle and King County values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans.
The Environmental Health Services Division is seeking to fill a full-time 1-year Term Limited Temporary or Special Duty Assignment - Plumbing Inspector that will perform a range of professional duties relating to residential and commercial gas piping inspections.
The Plumbing and Gas Piping Program is an integral part of the Environmental Health Services Division helping promote health. Our professional staff work to ensure that residents live in a clean and health-promoting environment. Working in collaboration with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, and King County Department of Local Services, our goal is to protect community health through inspections and enforcing regulations for plumbing and gas piping systems in the City of Seattle and Unincorporated King County. In 2018, the P&G program's dedicated team of professionals issued approximately 12,000 permits and conducted over 30,000 inspections. The P&G program upholds King County's equity and social justice directive through our commitment to exceptional public service.
ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION:
Through the work of over 150 dedicated employees, the Environmental Health Services Division identifies and sustains environmental conditions that promote health equity and healthy people and communities in Seattle and King County. Our vision is healthy, safe, and vibrant communities that are free of health disparities based on race, gender or economic status. The Division's core values include equity and social justice, integrity, community service, collaboration, a supportive work culture, and learning from each other and the communities we serve. To learn more about EHS, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/environmental-health.aspx.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE:
As the only jurisdiction in the world 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.
We have 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 vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The responsibilities of this classification include inspecting residential and commercial plumbing and gas piping installations for compliance with codes and ordinances and/or performing plumbing and gas piping plans review independently at the journey level with only general review from their immediate supervisor.
This is the first level in a four-level classification series. Incumbents in the Senior Plumbing Inspector classification establish daily workload for Plumbing Inspectors as well as perform complex plumbing and gas piping inspections or review complex plumbing system design plans and ensure compliance with codes, laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
KEY EXPECTATIONS AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES:- Provide culturally competent education and technical assistance to industries, facilities, and general public.
- Convey and interpret public health and environmental codes, regulations, policies, and regulatory information to a variety of diverse audiences.
- Perform investigations in response to public complaints, determine if a violation has occurred, document violations, and coordinate activities with senior investigators to initiate enforcement or corrective actions, as required.
- Use electronic databases and other computerized systems to maintain accurate records and write and review reports.
- Participate in assigned Environmental Health Division meetings and trainings.
When Performing Inspections- Inspect all residential and commercial plumbing and gas piping installations for compliance with various codes and ordinances. Prepare and maintain records of inspections, corrections and approval.
- Inspect plumbing and gas installations, mechanical installations, venting and location of chimney linings. Perform cross connection inspection.
- Review blueprints and drawings. Consult with superintendents, contractors, architects, and the public to solve installation problems.
- Interpret applicable codes, laws, ordinances, rules and regulations for contractors and property owners. Advise those performing sanitarian work about special problems in nursing homes, hospitals, and restaurants.
- Investigate public complaints regarding unsanitary, illegal and hazardous plumbing or gas piping installations. Determine if a code violation has occurred; post plumbing and gas ordinance violation notices and coordinate with supervisor.
- Attend applicable meetings and seminars to maintain and advance knowledge and skill levels consistent with changes in the industry and governing regulations, and to maintain required certification.
- Provide support to the plans examination process by reviewing plans and applications for conformance with applicable codes and regulations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Review application submittals, perform analysis of plumbing and gas piping design, interpret and apply codes and regulations and review/evaluate proposals for methods of installation.
- Explain codes and regulations and research, resolve and answer questions from the public and design professionals.
- Provide support to the plumbing inspection process by performing on-site inspections during the construction phase.
- Attend applicable meetings and seminars to maintain knowledge and skill levels consistent with changes in the industry and governing regulations, and to maintain required certification.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:
Required Qualifications- Knowledge of plumbing and mechanical trade and construction practices.
- Knowledge of plumbing and mechanical codes and regulations.
- Knowledge of occupational safety hazards and precautions.
- Strong oral and written communications skills.
- Skill in reading and interpreting blueprints and drawings.
- Skill in using drawing plan and isometric drawings.
- Skill in coordinating with contractors, engineers, plumbers, architects and homeowners on code and code interpretation, and material and installation standards for plumbing and gas piping.
- Ability to effectively engage in and sustain relationships with people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Ability to work independently and as a team member.
- Demonstrated proficiency with business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite. Demonstrated experience writing, analyzing or reviewing inspection reports.
Desired Qualifications- Demonstrated experience successfully serving broadly diverse populations.
- Understanding of equity and social justice principles and how they can be applied in the field.
- Bilingual in one of the following most populace King County non-English language groups (such as Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, Russian, Amharic).
Education and Experience Requirements- Any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of this position.
Licensing/Certification Requirements- Valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to starting work if selected for this position.This position requires driving on a regular basis in performance of essential job duties.
- A candidate is required to possess a valid Washington State journeyman plumber (PL01) certification license. In lieu of a Washington State journeyman plumber certification license (PL01), a candidate will provide a letter from Washington State Labor and Industries verifying the candidate's approval for performing the Washington State plumber certification license exam.
- Additional licenses, certifications and other requirements determined to be necessary to meet the business needs of the employing unit may be required.
WHO MAY APPLY: This position is open to all applicants.
WORK SCHEDULE: This position typically works 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week anytime between 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. Schedule requires flexibility for weekend and evening work. This position is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible.
CONTACT: If you have questions, please contact Nic Horea, Senior Human Resource Analyst at nicolae.horea@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-8736.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
1. NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line or paper application.
2. Responses to the supplemental questions.
3. A current resume or curriculum vitae.
4. A cover letter that summarizes your interest and qualifications for the position.
Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
- The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring
- Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office 365) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
- Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
- This position may require the ability to use appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) based on situational need.
- This position requires the ability to perform work duties both indoors in an office environment and in the field in a variety physical and weather conditions that may include walking uneven terrain, working around heavy machinery, strong odors, and various types of wastes.
- Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities and working hours.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:- The selected candidate is required to take a pre-employment physical.
- The selected candidate will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation. Records are not automatically-disqualifying.
- A hired candidate is required to hold a Valid State journeyman plumber certificate, including but not limited to completing their mandatory training courses on time.
- Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
- Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing required trainings on time.
UNION AFFILIATION:
This position is represented by Seattle Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local #32.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
-
01Do you have a current, valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to starting work if selected for this position?
- Yes
- No
02Do you possess a current, valid Washington State journeyman plumber (PL01) certificate license?- Yes
- No
03If you answered "Yes" to the question # 2, please provide the certification license number. If you answered "No", you are required to provide a letter (attach with application) from the WA State Labor and Industries, which verifies qualification to perform the WA State plumbers certification testing process based on reciprocity rules. *Contact WA State L&I @ 360-902-5207, lemj235@lni.wa.gov plumbers@lni.wa.gov04Do you possess the following certifications? (i.e., IAPMO, ICC, L&I, DOH, etc.) Check all that apply:- Plumbing Inspector (Residential or Commercial) Plumbing Inspector (Residential or Commercial) Plumbing Inspector (Residential or Commercial)
- Plan Review
- Cross connection control
- Medical gas
- Fuel gas
- Combination Inspector
05Have you had four years of recent experience as a Washington State journeyman PL01 plumber, or experience that is determined by WA State L&I as reciprocal to WA State plumber certification license guidelines?- Yes
- No
06re you bilingual in English and one of the following languages? Check all that apply:- Spanish - Conversation
- Spanish - Reading/Writing
- Vietnamese - Conversation
- Vietnamese - Reading/Writing
- Russian - Conversation
- Russian - Reading/Writing
- Somali - Conversation
- Somali - Reading/Wiriting
- Chinese - Conversation
- Chinese - Reading/Conversation
- Korean - Conversation
- Korean - Reading/Writing
- Ukrainian - Conversation
- Ukrainian - Reading/Writing
- Amharic - Conversation
- Amharic - Reading/Writing
- Punjabi - Conversation
- Punjabi - Reading/ Writing
- Tagalog - Conversation
- Tagalog - Reading/Writing
- Other
- None of the above
07If you answered "other" for question #6, please list the language.Required Question