10/08/1993 10720

MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR

DEFINITION: This is advanced technical work in the construction inspection and testing of mechanical and plumbing systems and materials.

An employee in this class performs a wide variety of technical duties related to the inspection of mechanical and plumbing systems in a construction or renovation project. Work involves working alone during the early stages of construction and as a member of a team of multi-disciplinary inspectors during the latter stages of construction. Work requires the understanding of contract requirements thorough analysis of specifications and drawings; the knowledge and application of a variety of inspection techniques and testing procedures; participating in job conferences; resolving construction and materials problems with builders, and providing basic inspection coverage of mechanical installations and structure construction on small projects. Work is received in the form of general instructions and overall objectives, and the employee exercises considerable freedom of judgement in making technical decisions related to work assignments. Work is reviewed by a technical supervisor while in progress and upon completion for adherence to established standards and required results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Serves as an inspector on the mechanical and plumbing phase of a construction or renovation project.

Checks stakeouts, elevations, grades, slopes, excavations, compaction of soil, and placement of materials as they relate to mechanical or plumbing systems construction, installation and renovation.

Performs inspection of materials, methods and workmanship involved in the alteration, renovation, or installation of mechanical or plumbing systems.

Reads and interprets plans, blueprints, specifications, shop drawings, and catalog cuts.

Ensures that construction is in conformance with approved plumbing, and mechanical codes, plans, and specifications.

Receives, identifies, and inspects materials samples for acceptability.

Prepares periodic progress reports and forms, detailing and summarizing project work activities including records of labor, material and equipment used.

Observes and documents a variety of testing procedures associated with the installation of mechanical systems.

Performs other work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and methods applied in the inspecting and testing of the installation and renovation of mechanical and plumbing systems.

Knowledge of flows, pressures, and capacities of water tanks, lines, and related plumbing equipment or materials.

Knowledge of the use of general construction methods and materials and their placement in construction.

Knowledge of the stages in mechanical and plumbing construction, so that defects and violations may be observed and corrected.

Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions of mechanical and plumbing installations.

Knowledge of mathematics at the high school, vocational,or technical school level.

Knowledge of the methods of mechanical and plumbing testing and testing equipment.

Skill in the application and utilization of mechanical and plumbing testing and testing equipment.

Skill in the understanding of appropriate construction codes, and interpreting plans, specifications, standards and procedures.

Ability to observe, verify and document the results of mechanical or plumbing systems tests performed by the contractor.

Ability to explain appropriate construction codes, plans, specifications, and standards to construction workers.

Ability to prepare progress reports and related forms.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and construction workers.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form.

Sufficient physical stamina to work under adverse weather conditions and on hazardous terrain.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of progressively responsible experience as a plumber, steamfitter, pipefitter, refrigeration mechanic or HVAC technician which has included one year of experience in the inspection of mechanical and plumbing construction and systems installation, and an associate's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or a closely related field;

                                                                                                                                                       or

Two years of progressively responsible experience in the inspection of commercial construction and/or major renovation work which required reading and interpreting plans and specifications involving mechanical and plumbing systems, and an associate's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology;

                                                                                                                                                       or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.