Alternate Plumbing and Gas Inspector

Position Title:  Alternate Plumbing and Gas Inspector

Department:  Municipal Services

Reports to:  Director of Municipal Services

Contract:  Personnel Plan, Grade 4

Compensation:  Range starts at $25.48/hour, dependent upon qualifications

FLSA Status: Non-exempt, non-benefit eligible, part time

1.       Nature of Work:  The Plumbing and Gas Inspector is responsible for inspecting plumbing and gas fitting construction projects to ensure compliance with the State Uniform Massachusetts Plumbing & Gas Code and local by-laws. Assists the public regarding the permit process. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.

2.       Supervision Received:  Under administrative direction of the Director of Municipal Services, employee plans and prioritizes the work independently, in accordance with standard practices and previous training. Employee is expected to solve most problems of detail or unusual situations by adapting methods or interpreting instructions accordingly.  Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines, and priorities.  Technical and policy problems or changes in procedures are discussed with supervisor. 

3.       Supervisory Responsibility:  Employee does not supervise other employees.

4.       Confidentiality:  Employee has regular access to sensitive information of the department and is expected to follow departmental procedures regarding confidentiality and the public records act. 

5.       Accountability:  Consequences of errors, missed deadlines or poor judgment could severely jeopardize department operations or have extensive financial and legal repercussions, excessive costs, delay of service delivery and adverse public relations.

6.       Judgment:  The work requires examining, analyzing, and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems, situations or transactions, and determining actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices.  Guidelines include a large body of policies, practices, regulations, and precedents which may be complex.  Judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions. 

7.       Complexity:  The work requires understanding, interpreting, and applying federal, state, and local regulations.

8.       Nature and Purpose of Public Contact:  Employee interacts primarily with co-workers and the public involving frequent explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines in order to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts, or resolve operating problems.  Courtesy, tact and diplomacy is required to resolve complaints and/or effectively navigate difficult circumstances.

9.       Essential Functions:  The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

•  Receives and reviews permit applications; issues permits for plumbing and gas installations, alteration and repairs; reviews plans to confirm performance of plumbing and gas work;
• Enforces provisions of the Uniform State Plumbing Code and the Massachusetts Fuel Gas Code; inspects premises for which permits have been issued as the work progresses and upon completion; ensures that work complies with safety standards.
• Verifies that contractors working on projects are licensed and ensures that proper permits have been issued for ongoing projects.
• Inspects and tests new and existing plumbing, water piping, fixtures, and equipment; inspects connections to heating systems and water services; inspects gas piping and gas appliance installation.
• Certifies that gas systems are safe; performs follow-up inspections on carbon monoxide detectors.
• Works with Fire Department regarding propane and natural gas installations; works with local utility companies on complex gas issues, such as piping Town streets.
• Responds to emergencies, including but not limited to reports of gas leaks and carbon monoxide
• Investigates complaints of violations, issues orders for corrections when required, and keeps necessary records.
• Evaluates plans for proposed work to discuss solutions and options for plumbing and gas work compliance.
• Maintains records of inspections, applications submitted, permits issued, approvals and fees collected; attends meetings and hearings; responds to property owners’ requests for information.
• Stays current with evolving technologies and codes by attending continuing education and training seminars.
• Maintains certifications and licenses required by Town by complying with continuing education and other requirements.
• Investigate instances of work being performed without proper permits.
• Provides customer service in person, by phone, by email, or by other means.
• Performs other related job duties as necessary.

10.   Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:  High School diploma or equivalent and at least three to five years of experience as a journeyman plumber and gas fitter or any equivalent combination of education and experience required.   Certification as Plumbing and Gas Inspector by the Massachusetts Department of Professional Licensure required.  Massachusetts Journeyman Plumber’s and Journeyman Gas Fitter’s license required.  Massachusetts Class D driver’s license required.   

11.   Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge:  Knowledge of plumbing theory and practices; knowledge of current statutory, regulatory and Code requirements; knowledge of all types of plumbing and gas installations in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings; general knowledge of building construction and building code requirements; general knowledge of trenching standards and regulations; knowledge of federal OSHA and state WSPH workplace safety standards; knowledge of evolving technologies.   

Abilities:  Ability to read plans and prepare necessary diagrams; ability to interpret Code provisions firmly, tactfully, and impartially; ability to explain Code provisions to contractors, developers and homeowners; ability to maintain complete and accurate inspection records and to prepare reports. Ability to use computer software for plan reviews, permitting, inspections, complaint tracking and retrieving property information.   

Skills:  Skill in the operation of all above mentioned tools and equipment. Proficient organizational oral and written communication skills; effective negotiation skills, interpersonal and verbal skills. Proficient data processing skills.  Excellent customer service skills.

12.   Work Environment: The nature of duties may involve continuous presence of unpleasant or irritating elements, such as considerable noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, oil, dirt, or grease. Work is continually performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions.

13. Occupational Risk:  Duties generally do not present occupational risk.  Personal injury could occur, however, through employee failure to properly follow safety precautions or procedures.

14. Physical and Mental Requirements:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

Physical Demands:  Administrative work is performed in an office setting requiring sitting, standing, walking. When in the field, inspections require agility and physical strength, such as moving in or about construction sites or over rough terrain, standing or walking most of the work period. Occasionally, work may require lifting heavy objects and carrying them (up to 50 lbs.). There may be a need to stretch and reach to retrieve materials. 

Motor Skills:  Duties involve assignment requiring application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination.  Examples include using a personal computer.

Visual Demands:  Essential position functions require the ability to use tape measure, blueprint scale ruler, gas detector, carbon monoxide detector, and other equipment/tools, the ability to climb ladder, the ability to visually inspect building interiors and exteriors, and the ability to operate a motor vehicle. 

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

Posting begins 04/24/24 and will remain open until filled.