INSPECTOR (Plumbing Inspections)

About the role

Service Line/Section: Houston Permitting Center/Plumbing Inspections

Reporting Location: 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77002

Workdays & Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm (subject to change)

This is a Department of Houston Public Works Emergency Management Position at the Tier II Level.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the enforcement and application of various codes, ordinances, and technical specifications for nonstructural plumbing facilities, structures, and systems to assure conformance with plans and specifications.
• Prepares, conducts, and reviews various types of inspections — such as tunnels, manholes, shaft sites, and new construction or construction revisions — for compliance with specifications; identifies problem areas and recommends solutions.
• Prepares and serves correction notices and may serve violation citations; meets with the general public, contractors, technical professionals, and businesses to respond to inquiries and technical problems.
• Performs daily record‑keeping activities to maintain filing systems, reports, and documentation including photographs taken during inspections.
• Researches and evaluates plumbing plans, specifications, and drawings.
• Prepares and submits various technical reports.
• Performs plumbing inspections on all permitted work for code compliance.
• Performs investigations of unpermitted work and issues citations.
• Assists supervisor with special tasks as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

The position routinely requires lifting of moderately heavy items, such as computers or records boxes (up to 40 pounds) and/or very long periods of walking on rough surfaces on a routine basis.

Requirements

Education

High School Diploma or G.E.D. and up to 18 months of education or training in the area of inspection to be performed.

Experience

Two years of journey‑level or skilled experience related to the area of inspection to be performed.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver’s License and compliance with City of Houston policy on driving (AP 2‑2).
• Preferred to be obtained within 11 months of employment: Licensed by the State Board of Plumbing Examiners; and ICBO or IAPMO Plumbing Inspector Certificate.

Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants who:

• Are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and possess Med Gas Endorsement.
• Have obtained an ICBO or IAPMO Plumbing Inspector Certificate; or are preferred to obtain these licenses/certificates within 11 months of employment.
• Are certified by the International Code Council (ICC) and/or International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
• Are fluent in Spanish.
• Are eligible veteran applicants (in accordance with Executive Order 1‑6).

Additional Information

• Selection/Skills Tests Required: None (though the department may administer a skills assessment test).
• Safety Impact Position: Yes — subject to random drug testing; promotional candidates must pass an assignment drug test.

Pay

Pay Grade 18. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

• Retention: Eligible for award of up to $3,000.00 upon completion of 24 months of employment.
• Certification: Eligible for annual incentives of up to $3,900.00 upon acquisition of eligible certifications.
• Step Increase: Salary adjusted by 3.1 % upon start of 3rd year of employment.
• Step Increase: Salary adjusted by 2.8 % upon start of 5th year of employment.