Jurisdiction:  City of Cortland

Jurisdictional Class:  Competitive

Adopted:  1/1/95

 

PLUMBING INSPECTOR/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  The work involves responsibility for determining compliance with and enforcing of state and city laws, codes, and ordinances applicable to the construction, alteration, and repair of plumbing work in the city.  The incumbent also enforces or assists in the enforcement of state and municipal building, housing, multiple residence, energy, zoning, and electrical laws, codes or ordinances.  Enforces the city codes or ordinances related to junked vehicles, signs, and refuse disposal.  The incumbent is a member of the Examining Board of Plumbers and formulates, in conjunction with the local Board of Health, a code of rules regulating the work of plumbers.  Employees in this class are not responsible for the examination of construction involving the use of reinforced concrete or structural steel.  The work is performed under the general supervision of the Fire Chief with wide leeway allowed for the exercise of independent decision making in carrying out the details of the work.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  (Illustrative only):

Inspects plumbing and heating installations, alterations, and repairs to determine      compliance with the applicable city and state laws, codes, and ordinances;

Reviews and approves plans and specifications for plumbing work;

Explains requirements of the city and state laws, codes, and ordinances to contractors         and the general public;

Reviews and passes on plans and specifications submitted with building permit applications for compliance with appropriate buildings and zoning laws, codes, and ordinances;

Inspects dwellings to determine compliance with code requirements of heating, ventilation, living space, and sanitary facilities;

Inspects or assists in the inspection of dwellings to determine compliance with approved plans and specifications and all requirements of applicable codes, ordinances, and laws;

Inspects dwellings to determine compliance with the City Electrical Code requirements as   to methods and materials used;

Investigates complaints to determine if code or ordinance violations have occurred;

Orders corrections or improvements in instances of non-compliance with applicable codes;

Issues applications, administers examinations, and issues licenses or certificates of apprentices, journeyman, and master plumbers;

Issues permits for plumbing and heating projects;

Collects fees for permits and licenses issued;

Directs individuals to correct violations within a specified period of time;

Investigates complaints and assists in the prosecution of violations by compiling information relevant to the case;

Issues applications and permits for zoning variances;

Issues applications and permits for sign installation and alterations;

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PLUMBING INSPECTOR/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

 

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TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  (Illustrative only):

Prepares and maintains a variety of written records and reports such as inspections             performed, permits issued, and investigations conducted;

Schedules hearings and prepares information for the prosecution of code violations;

Conducts housing surveys to assess present physical condition and the extent of      deterioration;

Explains various aspects of laws, codes, and ordinances to property owners, building          contractors, and other interested parties.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Thorough knowledge of the modern practices, tools, materials, and terminology of the plumbing trade and building construction trade; through knowledge of state and local laws, codes, and ordinances dealing with plumbing, sanitation, and building construction; good knowledge of inspection procedures; ability to read and interpret plans and specifications; ability to conduct inspections; ability to communicate effectively with others; ability to prepare and maintain written records and reports; ability to follow oral and written instructions; good powers of observation; sound professional judgement; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Possession of a certificate of competency as a master plumber issued by the Examining Board of Plumbers*;  AND EITHER

 

A.        Graduation from a regionally accredited of NYS registered two year college or university with an associate's degree in Building Technology, Architecture, Engineering Technology or a closely related field:  OR

 

B.        Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two years of experience in general building construction, building inspection, or code enforcement activities; OR

 

C.        An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.

           

*Eligibility requirements for master plumber:

No person shall be examined by the Examining Board of Plumbers unless he shall have had experience at least eight (8) years total.  Five (5) years as a journeyman plumber must be inclusive in the eight years experience.  Documented proof of such experience is mandatory.  The Board of Examiners may, in its discretion, waive the requirements of the subsection where a person's training and experience shall be the substantial equivalent of the foregoing requirements.  A person who passes the examination shall be eligible to receive a certificate of competency provided that the Board is satisfied that he is a person of good repute, character, and responsibility and otherwise qualified to engage in the business of plumbing in the City of Cortland.

 

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SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

1.         Possession of a NYS operator's license (Class D) at time of appointment.  Failure to maintain a valid operator's license will result in disciplinary action or dismissal.

 

2.         The incumbent must obtain a state certificate to perform the duties of the Code Enforcement Officer within the legally prescribed time frame as defined in the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code - Chapter C.