Project Program Manager IV (PPM IV) - Chief Plumbing Inspector

King County Seattle, WA Full-time Project Management

Posted on September 10, 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 career service Chief Plumbing Inspector that will lead and manage the Plumbing and Gas Piping Program as well as perform a range of professional duties relating to residential and commercial plumbing and gas piping matters.

The Plumbing and Gas Piping Program is an integral part of the Environmental Health Services Division helping promote public 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.

ABOUT THE POSITION:
The primary responsibilities of the Chief Plumbing Inspector include leading and managing the Plumbing and Gas Piping Program and supervising assigned staff to ensure residential and commercial plumbing and gas piping installations achieve compliance with codes and ordinances protecting public health. This leadership position will report to the Assistant Division Director for the Community Environmental Health Section of Environmental Health and will work closely with the Assistant Chief Plumbing Inspector to provide leadership to the Plumbing and Gas Piping Program. The program currently consists of approximately 15 FTE.

The incumbent is expected to possess strong leadership qualities, management experience, and knowledge and experience to lead staff in duties such as performing plumbing and gas piping inspections, reviewing plumbing system design plans, and ensuring compliance with codes, laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. The program is presently transitioning many of its processes and functions toward greater use of automated digital systems and technologies. The Chief Plumbing Inspector should have familiarity with automated systems and workplace software.

The Chief Plumbing Inspector also implements program activities and priorities outlined by the King County Equity and Social Justice Ordinance and the King County Strategic Plan. People with language proficiency in the most populace King County non-English language groups (such as Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, Amharic, and Russian) are highly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will be committed to working with diverse populations throughout King County to provide excellent customer service to a broad range of cultures, in accordance with the King County Equity and Social Justice Ordinance and the King County Strategic Plan. This position advances Environmental Health Services Division's values for fair and culturally competent service delivery, innovative, efficient application of resources, building a culture of performance and expanding opportunities to seek input, listen and respond to industry and residents.

KEY EXPECTATIONS AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Lead and manage the Plumbing and Gas Piping Program utilizing high standards, an approach that promotes open communication, and commitment to customer service and King County's values.
Provide culturally competent education and technical assistance to industries, facilities, and the public.
Convey and interpret public health and environmental codes, regulations, policies, and regulatory information to a variety of diverse audiences.
Maintain and use program based computerized systems, write and review reports, and maintain accurate records.
Oversee public complaints and inquiries on environmental health matters.
Maintain timely adoptions for City of Seattle and King County plumbing and fuel gas codes consistent with the Washington State code adoption cycle.
Participate in assigned Environmental Health Division meetings and trainings.
Make technical and administrative decisions; provide overall leadership for the Plumbing and Gas Piping program.
Develop, evaluate, and lead short and long-range program plans, goals, and objectives.
Ensure agency and division strategic objectives are reflected in program plans and service delivery.
Oversee program appeals, waivers, or other variances and serve on the King County Plumbing Board of Appeals.
Present at public forums to provide pertinent code information and department policies and procedures.
Make final decisions on code interpretation.
Develop and establish clear roles and responsibilities, work plan objectives, and performance evaluations for assigned employees and work teams.
Participate in workforce development planning for program and section; oversee recruitment and onboarding of new staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience leading high performing teams.
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 assess and resolve situations using a flexible approach.
Ability to consistently maintain professional composure and tact, patience and courtesy.
Skill in developing and maintaining an effective, collaborative, and positive staff environment.
Demonstrated knowledge of conflict resolution techniques.
Ability to perform work in confidence and under pressure for deadlines.
Ability to listen and communicate effectively in stressful situations.
Demonstrated proficiency with business software applications such as Microsoft Office suite.
Knowledge of plumbing and mechanical trade and construction practices.
Knowledge of plumbing and mechanical codes and regulations.
Knowledge of occupational safety hazards and precautions.
Demonstrated experience writing, analyzing or reviewing inspection reports.
Strong oral and written communications skills.
Demonstrated experience writing, analyzing or reviewing inspection reports.
Ability to apply state and local laws related to plumbing, gas piping, energy code, gas appliance installation, and venting and combustion air, cross connection control, medical gas piping, and minimum fixture requirements.
Skill in reading and interpreting blueprints and drawings (drawing plans, isometric drawings, etc.).
Skill in synthesizing a variety of information and in assessing organizational and political impact.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated experience successfully serving broadly diverse populations.
Understanding of equity and social justice principles and how they can be applied internally and in the field.
Demonstrated experience using web portals, geographic information systems, or other data management software solutions for managing large quantities of information.
Comfort with learning new digital technologies and engaging with colleagues on efforts to upgrade county and division systems and practices.
Demonstrated experience and skill in utilizing concepts of behavioral change to engage external partners and communities with successful outcomes.
Bilingual in one of the following most populace King County non-English language groups (such as Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, Russian, Amharic).
Professional licensing and certification such as Cross Connection Control certification, Backflow Assembly Tester certification, Medical Gas Install or Inspection certification, or IAPMO Mechanical or Fuel Gas certification.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENNCE REQUIREMENTS:

Eight years of recent experience as a Journeyman 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.

LICENSING / CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Washington State driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to the end of the 6-month probationary period.
Washington State commercial (PL01) journeyman plumber certification or a letter from Washington State Labor and Industries, verifying the approval to perform the Washington State commercial (PL01) plumber certification exam. The incumbent will perform and pass the exam prior to the end of the 6-month probationary period. Please ensure that the Washington State Labor and Industries letter is attached with your application.
IAPMO Plumbing Inspector certificate or obtain an IAPMO Plumbing Inspector certification prior to the end of the 6-month probationary period.
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 qualified applicants.

This posting is open continuously until the position is filled.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is not overtime eligible. The regular workweek is 40 hours, Monday through Friday. Occasional evenings, weekends, on-call work, and some travel are required.

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 REQUIREMENT:

The selected candidate will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation. Records are not automatically-disqualifying.
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 not represented by a labor union.

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

For additional information about employee benefits please visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

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.

Do 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?

Do you possess a current, valid Washington State journeyman plumber certificate?

If you answered "Yes" to question # 2, please provide the certification number.

If you answered "No" to question #2, ensure the Washington State Labor and Industries letter is submitted as an attachment in your application. Please confirm you acknowledge

Do you possess eight years or more of experience as a state certified or licensed journeyman plumber?

Please briefly describe your management style.

Please briefly describe the types of teams you've managed.

Do you possess an IAPMO or ICC plumbing certification?

If you answered "Yes" to the question #8, please provide the certification number? If you answered "No", please type N/A.

Do you possess a Cross Connection Control or Backflow Assembly Tester certification?

If you answered "Yes" to the question #10, please provide the certification number? If you answered "No", please type N/A.

Do you possess a Medical Gas installer or inspector certification?

If you answered "Yes" to the question #12, please provide the certification number. If you answered "No", please type N/A.

Do you possess an ICC or IAPMO Mechanical or Fuel Gas certification?

If you answered "Yes" to the question #14, please provide the certification number. If you answered "No", please type N/A.

Are 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/Writing
Chinese - Conversation
Chinese - Reading/Writing
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

If you answered "other" to question #16, please list the language.

Required Question