Plumbing Inspector

About the role

The NYC Department of Buildings is responsible for ensuring the safe and lawful use of buildings and properties by enforcing the NYC Construction Codes, Energy Code and Zoning Resolution. We facilitate compliant development with integrity, efficiency and professionalism. We are committed to becoming a premier municipal building organization, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers and making our city safer. We are committed to improving our performance and developing procedures that are streamlined, understandable and transparent.

This position performs work in the inspection of plumbing installations, repairs or alterations for conformity with NYC Construction Codes, Department rules, other pertinent laws and rules, and approved plans and specifications.

Under general supervision

• Performs technical inspections of installations and repairs of plumbing, gas and fire suppression systems (including sprinklers and standpipes) for compliance with the NYC Construction Code, Zoning Resolution, other pertinent laws and rules, and approved plans and specifications. Such systems include underground, roughing-in, finish, equipment, fixtures, components, fire pumps and house connections and appurtenances.
• Responds to, reports and investigates accidents, incidents and complaints for conformity with NYC Construction Codes, Department rules, other pertinent laws and rules, and approved plans and specifications.
• Performs inspections to assess the condition and status of gas piping systems.
• Witnesses tests on drainage, water, air, gas, sprinkler, standpipe and fire pump for violations of the plumbing or fire suppression codes, or illegal practices.
• Studies drawings and other information to obtain details for inspections.
• Issues violations, summonses and stop work orders.
• Verifies licenses of onsite workers.
• When issuing violations, advises the recipient of the nature of the violating condition.
• Testifies as needed, including at ECB, depositions, and court.
• Maintains records and makes reports.
• Explains and enforces laws and rules relevant to the field.
• May assign, supervise, review and evaluate work of subordinates.
• May train subordinates in their duties.
• May review applications relevant to the field.
• May assist supervisor.
• May operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties.

Some of the physical activities performed by Inspectors (Plumbing) and environmental conditions experienced are: walking to and from inspection sites and during inspections; climbing and descending ladders and stairs to get to areas which must be inspected; standing for extended period of time; maintaining balance while walking over narrow walkways or areas that are elevated; climbing around and over various objects; working in areas that may be damp, dusty, dark, smoky or acrid.

Special Working Conditions

• Inspectors may be required to work shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
• Additional Information: Candidates must successfully pass a drug screening to be appointed.

• At the time of appointment to this position, you must have a motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York.
• If you have moving violations, license suspension or an accident record, you may be disqualified.
• This license must be maintained for the duration of your employment.

At the time of appointment, all candidates residing in New York City must apply to receive Special Patrolman status.

Work Location - Citywide

Unit assignment and work location are based on operational need. Transfers may occur at any time with sufficient notice.

To Apply

• Visit Jobs NYC (cityjobs.nyc.gov) to view and apply for available positions. Search by agency (Department of Buildings), keywords, or for the specific Job ID #.
• NOTE: ONLY THOSE CANDIDATES UNDER CONSIDERATION WILL BE CONTACTED.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Two years of full-time satisfactory experience performing one or a combination of the following: (a) as a plumber in the installation of plumbing systems, (b) inspector of the installation of plumbing systems, or (c) superintendent of plumbers; or
• One year of full-time experience, as described in "1" above, and one year of formal training or education in an accredited college, technical school or trade school in a program with an emphasis on plumbing; or
• Sixty credits towards a degree in civil engineering, engineering technology, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university; or
• Completion of an apprentice program, a minimum of two years in length, in plumbing or plumbing inspection; or
• A license as a professional engineer or registered architect issued pursuant to the New York State Education Law; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1," "2," "3," or "4" above.

Additional information

7.To be eligible for placement to Assignment Level II, individuals other than licensed professional engineers or registered architects, must have, after meeting the minimum requirements, at least three additional years of experience as described in "1" above.

• To be eligible for placement to Assignment Level III, individuals other than licensed professional engineers or registered architects must have, after meeting the requirements for Assignment Level II above, at least one additional year of experience as described in "1" above.
• To be eligible for placement to Assignment Level IV, individuals other than licensed professional engineers or registered architects must have, after meeting the requirements for Assignment Level III above, at least one year of experience as described in "1" above in a supervisory capacity.