Assistant Chief Plumbing Inspector

DEPARTMENT: DPH – Public Health
DIVISION: Environmental Health Svcs
SALARY: $44.70 – $56.66 Hourly
$92,976.00 – $117,852.80 Annually
LOCATION: Chinook Building – 401 5th Ave, Seattle
JOB TYPE: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
CLOSING DATE: 04/07/22 12:00 AM

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:
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 and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position.
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.