This is inspectional work performing building/structural, electrical or plumbing field inspections. Work includes reviewing and interpreting approved plans, specifications and diagrams, and reviewing work for conformance with related codes, ordinances and permits. Contact with contractors, homeowners, construction managers, landlords, governmental officials and the general public is significant to the work. Work is performed under the supervision of an administrative superior.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)Reviews approved plans, specifications and/or permits relating to proposed installation, alteration or demolition work for conformance to codes, ordinances and prints; may consult with plans examiner regarding the type and level of work to be performed, modifications of plans, and/or materials to be utilized.
Receives complaints concerning dangerous or improper conditions; refers complaints to proper unit or agency; performs field inspection of property to ascertain the validity of complaints; confers with property owners and tenants to explain the conditions and hazards found; issues violation notices where appropriate.
Completes inspection reports describing conditions found during field investigations; makes recommendations to correct violations and improper conditions; makes follow up inspections to insure that corrective action is taken; explains and interprets pertinent sections of codes, ordinances and permits to contractors, trades workers, landlords, tenants and construction managers.
Keys pertinent inspection data into electronic database; utilizes a mobile computer device for typing and routine data entry; completes computer retrieval tasks to receive inspection schedules via a mobile computer device; prepares reports of findings and actions taken. (Licenses and Inspections positions only)
Performs related work as required.
BUILDING/STRUCTURAL SPECIALTYVisits worksite; inspects soil excavation to insure appropriate depth; inspects soil bearing and quality; may request soil analysis; inspects footings for the appropriate length, width, depth, and quality; reviews, where appropriate, for caissons and for reinforced concrete bars; may request concrete test analysis; reviews test reports to ensure that concrete strength complies with the governing code; measures steel beams and wooden joists; checks the framing of the wall and roof to ensure that dimensions and supporting installations are in conformance with the appropriate codes and plans; inspects window installations for proper placement and dimensions; may secure engineering reports to confirm the structural integrity of the supporting steel beams.
Performs post-construction inspections to determine suitability for occupancy; reviews the installation of fire suppression systems; requests certification which validates that the system has been tested and approved; reviews means of egress; ensures that exit signs are posted in strategic locations; tests fire detection equipment; ensures that emergency communication devices are installed, if required; tests building elevators to ensure that they descend directly to the bottom floor when the alarm system is activated; ensures that emergency lighting is provided and emergency generators are installed; inspects for ground fault interrupter receptacles in areas with potentially harmful electrical circuits; inspects for properly installed outside drainage systems.
Verifies that newly constructed buildings meet federal, state, and municipal-mandated handicap requirements; may issue a certificate of occupancy; inspects buildings which are structurally unsound due to vehicular damage, explosions, or damage caused by other disasters; remains at the scene during the course of a fire to keep officials apprised regarding structural stability; inspects buildings which are potentially hazardous due to deterioration or public nuisances; may order that demolition action be taken immediately; evacuates occupied buildings and contacts the appropriate agency for relocation services; orders police barricades where required.
ELECTRICAL SPECIALTYExamines electrical wiring systems and components to check for fire and other hazards; sight checks electrical wiring, equipment and appliances; investigates electrical wiring for proper ground, installation and insulation; inspects circuits for proper fusing and wiring; checks installation and insulation; checks for broken or defective sockets, receptacles, switches and fixtures; checks the presence and adequacy of power source for emergency lighting systems; audits the activities of independent electrical inspection firms to assure that their inspections are being made properly and that all electrical code requirements are being met; explains and interprets pertinent sections of the electrical code and related regulations and ordinances to electricians, contractors and others.
Coordinates with contractors to determine when electrical work is going to be performed; visits job sites to inspect the work and insure that it is being done according to the electrical code and related ordinances and approved plans and specifications; discusses and approves minor changes in plans and specifications with contractors; refers requests for major deviations from plans and specifications to higher authority; insures that work is completed in conformance with acceptable trade practices.
Inspects the installation, overhaul or repair of complex electrical equipment such as pumps, compressors, switching gear, load control equipment, surveillance systems, air conditioning, lighting and power equipment; inspects the installation or renovation of electrical systems at various public facilities and transit lines; examines electrical installations and equipment for conformance to plans and specifications; locates and diagnoses faults and confers with contractors to point out deficiencies and to advise on means of achieving compliance; confers with engineers, other inspectors, architects and utility company personnel to inspect equipment installation and plans; tests equipment; observes tests of equipment conducted by consultants; meets with representatives of contractors and manufacturers to discuss warranties and coordinate inspection work; checks presence and type of fire alarm and emergency lighting systems.
PLUMBING SPECIALTYInspects the installation of piping of various materials, bathroom equipment, urinals and basins; tests the operation of plumbing systems for leaks, inadequate pressure or incorrect installation; inspects fixtures after they have been set to insure that they are working properly; investigates the seepage of water or sewage from pipes; determines the cause of the seepage and recommends corrective action; determines whether plumbing installation, repair and alteration activities are performed under the supervision of a registered licensed master plumber; performs chemical tests of solder content of water piping equipment in new structures to determine amount of lead content; enforces plumbing aspects of water conservation and water backflow prevention.
Receives approved permits, plans and specifications which show residential or commercial plumbing work that will be performed; confers with plumbing contractors to determine when the work is going to be performed or completed; visits job sites to inspect the work and insure that it is being done according to the approved plans and specifications and the plumbing code and related ordinances; discusses and approves minor changes in plans and specifications with contractors; refers requests for major deviations from plans and specifications to higher authority; insures that work is performed properly and that proper safety precautions are taken; stops plumbing contract work in progress when not in compliance with codes and contractual agreement.
Inspects City-funded plumbing abatement and property demolition work; approves contractor's abatement and demolition work if in compliance with contract, plumbing code and related ordinances.
BILINGUAL SPECIALTYPerforms the duties above with English language speaking and designated non-English speaking populations.
Completion of the twelfth school grade.
ANDFour years of building trades experience in the area of specialization.
ANDTwo years of building trades experience at the full-performance level in the area of specialization.
ORBUILDING/ STRUCTURAL SPECIALTYANDCompletion of a two-year program at a technical school or institute with major course work in building construction technology, or civil engineering technology or a closely related field.
ELECTRICAL SPECIALTYCompletion of a two-year program at a technical school or institute with major course work in electrical engineering; or completion of a two-year program at a technical institute with major course work in electrical engineering technology.
PLUMBING SPECIALTYCompletion of a two-year program at a technical school or institute with major course work in plumbing.
Two years of building trades experience in the area of specialization.
ANDTwo years of building trades experience at the full-performance level in the area of specialization.
ORAny equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience, which has included the specific experience described above.
Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to understand and speak fluently and clearly in English and the designated non-English language.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTSAbility to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATESPossession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Construction Trades Inspector if required by work assignment.
Possession of a Master Plumber's license issued by the City of Philadelphia or successful completion of a Master Plumber's license examination prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Construction Trades Inspector for the Plumbing specialty.
Certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry in accordance with the PA Uniform Construction Code in the category of Plumbing Inspector for the Plumbing specialty within six months of appointment for positions located in the Department of Licenses & Inspections.
Possession of a valid electrical inspector's license as issued by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections and certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Labor and Industry in accordance with the PA Uniform Construction Code in the category of Electrical Inspector within six months of appointment for positions located in the Department of Licenses & Inspections
Completion of course work or continuing education credits necessary to maintain certification during tenure of employment as a Construction Trades Inspector for positions located in the Department of Licenses & Inspections.
Possession of Building Inspector (Exams 1B and 3B) and Mechanical Inspector (Exam 4B) certifications issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Construction Trades Inspector for the Building/Structural specialty if assigned to work in one of the Water Department Plants.
Possession of Electrical Inspector (Exam 2B) certification issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Construction Trades Inspector for the Electrical specialty if assigned to work in one of the Water Department plants.