Plumbing Inspector



Plumbing Inspector

Salary

$99,008.00 - $108,867.20 Annually

Location

Seattle, WA

Job Type

Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Job Number

2023MF17840

Department

DPH - Public Health

Division

Environmental Health Svcs

Opening Date

01/23/2023

Closing Date

5/19/2023 2:03 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

T3B : JCC L32-Plumbing Inspector

Summary

Join Public Health-Seattle & King County’s Environmental Health Services Division as a Plumbing Inspector / Plan Reviewer and contribute to our mission to identify and sustain environmental conditions that promote healthy people and healthy communities. The Environmental Health Services Division is seeking applicants that reflect the diversity of the community to fill three (3) career service plumbing inspector positions. Two or more of the three positions may be assigned to plumbing and gas piping plan review.

Note: This posting will create a list of qualified candidates that may be considered for selection of additional career service, term limited temporary (TLT), short-term temporary (STT), or special duty assignment (SDA) vacancies over the next 6 months. 

The Plumbing and Gas Piping Program in the Environmental Health Services Division provides fair and culturally competent service delivery and innovative and effective application of resources. The Program builds a culture of performance and creates opportunities to seek input, listen to, and respond to the needs of industry and residents. A dedicated team of plan reviewers received 351 plans in 2020, 377 plans in 2021 and expect the same or more plans in 2023.
 
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 county in the United States named after Martin Luther King Jr, one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nations' history, King County is a vibrant community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures. Together, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence.

We continue to build on an enduring legacy of shared values of equity and social justice, employee engagement, innovative thinking, and continuous improvement. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda aimed at advancing regional change and is developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all of our residents, regardless of their race or income. All of these qualities make King County one of the nation's best places to live, work, and play. 

To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx. 

About The Position
The incumbent will work with a team of plan reviewers and are expected to possess technical knowledge and experience performing complex plumbing and gas piping inspections, reviewing complex plumbing system design plans, and ensuring compliance with codes, laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. The role of a Plumbing Plan Reviewer is to review proposed plumbing and gas designs to protect public health and the environment from the hazards of improperly designed plumbing and gas piping systems. The role of the Plumbing Inspector is to protect public health and the environment from the hazards of improper plumbing and gas piping installations, accurately observe and write code correction action items in accordance with the plumbing code.

While this is primarily a technical position, the successful candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and cultural competence skills and demonstrates the creativity and analytical skills needed to support customers in achieving compliance with public health and construction regulations that protect the community. 

Job Duties

Applying Equity and Social Justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.
 
General job duties are as listed but not limited to the following:

  • Convey public health and environmental codes, regulations, policies, and regulatory information to a variety of diverse audiences, including industry and government partners, and the public.
  • Interpret applicable codes, laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations pertaining to plumbing and gas piping system designs with a perspective on public health and safety.
  • Field inspect all aspects of a plumbing or gas installation for code compliance. 
  • Respond to, consult with, and engage with superintendents, contractors, engineers, plumbers, architects, and homeowners on code, code interpretation, and material and equipment installation standards to reach compliance.
  • Maintain and use program specific computerized systems, write and review reports, and maintain accurate records.
  • Prepare and maintain written and electronic records of plan reviews, correction action items, and approvals.  
  • Review submitted plumbing plans which may include but are not limited to: domestic and sanitary plumbing systems, backflow devices and assemblies, medical gas, alternate water use, natural or LP gas piping (including flue vents and combustion air), laboratories and commercial kitchens, for compliance with various codes and ordinances. 
  • Review plans, diagrams, and associated construction documents. Perform analysis of plumbing and gas piping design, and review/evaluate proposed methods of installation.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with customers, coworkers, supervisors and other Environmental Health Division employees, and the general public using principles of good internal and external customer service.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Public Health goals include hiring a candidate who is best able to meet the performance objectives of the role and meets licensure and certification requirements. We encourage persons with non-traditional skill sets and experiences to apply, even if you believe you do not meet 100% of the qualifications and hiring criteria described.  

  • Five (5) years of recent experience as a Journeyman or residential 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. 
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, industry, and the general public. 
  • Proficiency with software programs, including Microsoft Office, (Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook), Bluebeam Software and ability to quickly master Envision database and performance management systems.  
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, both in person and via phone/video. 
  • Ability to consistently maintain professional composure and tact, patient under pressure and deadlines.
  • Excellent customer service skills in discerning the individual customer needs and the program needs.
  • Knowledge of, proficiency in, and ability to apply state and local laws related to plumbing, gas piping, energy code, gas appliance installation, venting and combustion air, cross connection control, and medical gas piping systems.
  • Ability to assess and resolve sensitive situations using flexible decision making
  • and conflict resolution techniques.
  • Skill in writing, communicating, and presenting technical and non-technical information. 
  • Skill in reading and interpreting blueprints and drawings (drawing plans, isometric drawings, etc.).
  • Ability to perform unsupervised work for prolonged periods of time.  
  • Ability to work with people from various cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds, handling difficult situations and people, working in a stressful environment, and managing and resolving conflicts.  
Physical Requirements
  • This position requires the ability to perform work duties both indoors in an office environment and in the field in a variety of physical and weather conditions that may include walking uneven terrain, crawling in a crawl space, and climbing a ladder.
  • This position may require the incumbent to occasionally access or travel by ferry or boat.
 Desired Qualifications                    
  • Experience performing plumbing plan review and/or plumbing inspections.
  • Bilingual in English plus one or more of the following languages representing large populations in King County: Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, Russian, Ukrainian, Korean, Amharic, Hindi, Punjabi, or other languages.
  • Experience in and ability to research and respond to technically complex plumbing and gas piping system design.
  • Experience in gas piping design and installation including venting & combustion air.
  • Professional licensing and certification such as: Cross Connection Control, Backflow Assembly Tester, Medical Gas Installer, Plumbing Inspector, Plumbing Plans Examiner, Fuel Gas Inspector and Rainwater Harvesting Inspector.
  • Understanding of emerging technologies in the plumbing and gas piping industry, and how new codes and policies can foster them.
 Required Licensing/Certification Qualifications
  • 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 residential (PL02) plumber certification, if needed a letter from Washington State Labor and industries, verifying the approval to perform the Washington State commercial (PL01) plumber certification or residential (PL02) plumber certification exam. The incumbent will perform and pass one of these exams prior to the end of the 6-month probationary period
  • Plumbing Inspector Certification or ability to obtain an IAPMO Plumbing Inspector certification prior to the end of the 6-month probationary period.
  • Plumbing Plans Examiner Certification or ability to obtain an IAPMO Plumbing Plans Examiner 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.

Supplemental Information

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Who may apply
These positions are open to all applicants.
 
Work Location
Hybrid work schedule including telecommuting and occasional work at Chinook Office Building, 401 5th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
 
Work Schedule
This is a career service, full time position and is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime. The normal workweek is Monday – Friday, work hours per week are as agreed upon with staff prior to each work week or day. Evening and weekend work is not required.

 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 letter of interest 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 ongoing work.
  • Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
  • A hired candidate is required to hold a valid Washington State PL01 journeyman or Washington State PL02 residential plumber certificate and must complete all mandatory training on time.
  • This position may require the ability to use appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) based on situational needs.
  • 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.
Working Conditions
  • This position requires the ability to perform work duties indoors in an office environment or at home most of the time.
  • Exposure to individuals from the public and stakeholders who are upset, angry, agitated, and sometimes hostile, requiring the use of conflict management and de-escalation skills.
Necessary Special Requirements
  • The selected candidate will be 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 Washington State PL01 journeyman or Washington State PL02 residential plumber certificate and must complete all 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 training on time.
Union Affiliation
This position is represented by Seattle Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local #32.
 
Contact
If you have questions regarding the Recruitment process, please contact Ma-Eyongerie Frambo, HR Supervisor at mframbo@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-3587.

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
  • 12 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.

01
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?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you possess a current, valid Washington State journeyman plumber (PL01) certificate license?
  • Yes
  • No
03
If you answered "Yes" to question #2, please provide the certification number. Or if no but you have a certificate from another state and have a letter from WA L&I, please provide that information.
04
Do you have a Washington State (PL02) residential plumber certificate?
  • Yes
  • No
05
If you answered "Yes" to question #4, please provide the certification number. Or if no but you have a certificate from another state and have a letter from WA L&I, please provide that information.
06
Do you have a IAPMO Plumbing Plans Examiner certificate?
  • Yes
  • No
07
If you answered "Yes" to the question #,6 please provide the certification number? If you answered "No", please type N/A.
08
Do you have a IAPMO Plumbing Inspector Certificate?
  • Yes
  • No
09
If you answered "Yes" to question #8, please provide the certification number? If you answered "No", please type N/A.
10
Do you possess five years or more of experience as a plumber or plumbing inspector?
  • Yes
  • No
11
Do you speak any languages other than English?
  • Yes
  • No
12
If yes, what language(s) and to what extent are you fluent in that/those language(s)
13
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
  • Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
  • No.
14
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

Required Question

Agency
King County
Address
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone
206-477-3404