Assistant Chief Plumbing Inspector



Assistant Chief Plumbing Inspector

Salary

$92,976.00 - $117,852.80 Annually

Location

Seattle, WA

Job Type

Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Job Number

2022NH15492

Department

DPH - Public Health

Division

Environmental Health Svcs

Opening Date

06/01/2022

Closing Date

7/31/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines

Summary

The Environmental Health Services Division is seeking an Assistant Chief Plumbing Inspector to collaborate in leading the Plumbing and Gas Piping Program. This position will serve as technical expert, lead research and investigate products,  primary subject matter expert point of contact, and perform a range of professional duties relating to residential and commercial plumbing and gas piping installations and design.
 
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 2021, the P&G program's dedicated team of professionals received 375 plans for review and issued approximately 14,400 plumbing permits, 2,200 backflow permits, 13,500 gas permits, 70 medical gas 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.
 
 

 

Job Duties

ABOUT THE POSITION:
The responsibilities of the Assistant Chief Plumbing Inspector collaborate in managing the Plumbing and Gas Piping Program to ensure residential and commercial plumbing and gas piping installations and plan review to achieve technical compliance with codes, laws and ordinances protecting public health. This position will report to the Chief Plumbing Inspector and will work closely with that person to provide leadership and technical guidance to the Plumbing and Gas Piping Program, which currently consists of approximately 17 FTE.
 
The incumbent is expected to possess strong technical knowledge and experience to lead staff in duties such as performing complex plumbing and gas piping inspections, reviewing complex 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 Assistant Chief Plumbing Inspector should have familiarity with automated systems and workplace software.
 
The Assistant 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:

  • 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.
  • Develop code and policies that foster advancement of emerging technology for conservation and sustainability while maintaining public health objectives.
  • Recommend, develop, and implement modifications or revisions to existing operating procedures.
  • Respond to and engage with contractors, engineers, plumbers, architects, and homeowners on code and code interpretation, and material and installation standards for plumbing and gas piping program.
  • Provide presentations at public forums to convey pertinent code information and department policies and procedures. 
  • Collaborate with relevant government, industry, and stakeholders.
  • Respond to the plumbing industry and public for code violations, code interpretation, complaints, and the approval of alternative methods and materials. Perform investigations where needed. 
  • Provide records management for Plumbing and Gas Piping program decisions and code enforcement policies.
  • Maintain and use program based computerized systems, write and review reports, and maintain accurate records.
  • Assist in the development of established 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.
  • Responds to public records request.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Any combination of plumbing education and/or experience, including an American Society of Plumbing Engineers Certificate of Plumbing Design (CPD) that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position
OR
  • Five (5) 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.
  • 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.
  • Ability to research and respond to technical complex plumbing and gas piping issues.
  • Skill in developing code and policies related to the Plumbing Inspectors program.
  • Skill in writing, communicating, and presenting technical and non-technical information.
  • Skill in reading and interpreting blueprints and drawings (drawing plans, isometric drawings, etc.).
  • 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 and reviewing plumbing technical information or inspection reports.
  • Strong oral and written communications skills.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with business software applications such as Microsoft Office suite.
  • Experience managing and/or being a part of high performing teams.
  • Ability to interact 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.
  • 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.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Understanding of equity and social justice principles and how they can be applied internally and in the field.
  • Experience using web portals, geographic information systems, or other data management software solutions for managing large quantities of information.
  • Understanding of emerging technologies in the plumbing and gas piping industry, and how new codes and policies can foster them.
  • 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.
LICENSING/CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Washington State driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to the end of the 6-month probationary period.
  • Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD) by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers.
  • IAPMO Plumbing Inspector certificate or obtain an IAPMO Plumbing Inspector certification within 12-months of hire.
  • IAPMO Plumbing Plans Examiner certificate or obtain an IAPMO Plumbing Plans Examiner certification within 24 months. 
OR
  • 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 within 12-months of hire.
  • IAPMO Plumbing Plans Examiner certificate or obtain an IAPMO Plumbing Plans Examiner certification within 24 months.
  • 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.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.

As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:

  • Submit proof of vaccination, OR
  • Have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.

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: This position is open to all qualified applicants.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
  • NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line or paper application.
  • Responses to the supplemental questions.
  • A current resume or curriculum vitae.
  • 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 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 non-represented.

CONTACT: If you have questions, please contact Nic Horea, Senior Human Resource Analyst at nicolae.horea@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-8736. 

 

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, certification in Plumbing Design (CPD) by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers.
  • Yes
  • No
03
If you answered "Yes" to question #2, please provide the certification number.
04
Do you possess five (5) years or more of experience in plumbing design?
  • Yes
  • No
05
Do you possess a current, valid Washington State journeyman plumber certificate?
  • Yes
  • No
06
If you answered "Yes" to question #5, please provide the certification number.
07
If you answered "No" to question #5, ensure the Washington State Labor and Industries letter is submitted as an attachment in your application. Please confirm you acknowledge.
  • Yes
  • No
08
Do you possess five (5) years or more of experience as a state certified or licensed journeyman plumber?
  • Yes
  • No
09
Please briefly describe your experience supervising.
10
Do you possess an IAPMO plumbing certification or plumbing plans examiner certification?
  • Yes
  • No
11
If you answered "Yes" to the question # 11, please provide the certification number? If you answered "No", please type N/A.
12
Do you possess a Cross Connection Control or Backflow Assembly Tester certification?
  • Yes
  • No
13
If you answered "Yes" to the question #13, please provide the certification number? If you answered "No", please type N/A
14
Do you possess a Medical Gas installer or inspector certification?
  • Yes
  • No
15
If you answered "Yes" to the question #15, please provide the certification number. If you answered "No", please type N/A.
16
Do you possess an ICC or IAPMO Mechanical or Fuel Gas certification?
  • Yes
  • No
17
If you answered "Yes" to the question #17, please provide the certification number. If you answered "No", please type N/A.
18
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
  • Yes
  • No
19
If you answered "other" to question #19, please list the language.
20
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.
21
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