Plumbing Inspector - Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department

Full Job Description

We create safe environments for city residents.

The BSEED mission is to provide for the safety, health and welfare of the general public as it pertains to buildings and their environs in an efficient, cost-effective, user-friendly and professional manner.

BSEED enforces construction, property maintenance, environmental compliance and zoning codes, which preserve and enhance property values and promote quality of life to make Detroit a preferred place to reside and conduct business.

Under general supervision, inspects plumbing and drainage systems to assure compliance with pertinent codes and city ordinances, approves plans, specifications, and accepted standards and methods of work; and examines plans for compliance with pertinent codes, laws, and ordinances for the approval of applications for permits.

Requirements

• Approve applications for permits when necessary.

• Complete daily inspection activity reports accurately and neatly.

• Examine construction plans prior to the issuance of permit to determine conformance with pertinent City and State codes /ordinances.

• Prepare code violation cases for court and appears and testifies regarding code violations in court cases.

• Investigate complaints of code violations and prepares notices of violation to be sent to appropriate person(s).

• Assist in the training of new employees.

• Inspect plumbing and drainage installations in and around new, existing, renovated, remodeled building of all types for compliance with pertinent codes, and ordinance requirements.  

• Determine if installations conform to the code and approved plans.

• Perform witness test of plumbing systems for leaks, examines fixtures, appliances and special fittings to see if they are code approved types.

• Perform related office duties as needed.

• Work with supervisor(s) and management to improve efficiencies within the division and department.

• Prepare and present lectures, speeches, and demonstrations on plumbing issues.

Qualifications

LICENSE, CERTIFICATION AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid State of Michigan Journey and/or Master Plumber License required.
• Employees in this class will be required to provide their own automobile for transportation on a reimbursed mileage basis; a valid State of Michigan Operator License required.

EQUIVALENCY

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Additional Information

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point

LRD: 11/12/2025

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Materials, operations, construction and maintenance of plumbing and drainage systems.
• Sanitary and mechanical principles and their application to the field of plumbing.

SKILL IN:

• Physical and mechanical dexterity.
• Observation.
• Performing inspections.
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing with tact and diplomacy.
• Use of personal computers and common office software.

ABILITY TO:

• Read and interpret construction plans and specifications for compliance with all related codes, ordinances, and laws.
• Detect potential hazards to public safety.
• Climb ladders and enter manholes, narrow openings and crawl spaces, and to move along narrow, exposed platforms and beams, and to climb in and out of trenches and other excavations.
• Work in high places and confined spaces.
• Work in hot, dusty places.
• Withstand noxious and unpleasant odors.
• Interact with tact and courtesy in contacts with workers, supervisors, contractors, owners, and the general public.
• Refer customers to the appropriate department division or other City agencies.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Work involves the ability to climb ladders and enter manholes, narrow openings, and crawl spaces, and to move along narrow, exposed platforms and beams, and to climb in and out of trenches and other excavations, work in high places and confined spaces, and work in hot, dusty places.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in the specification. Essential duties may vary from position to position.