Lead Mechanical/Plumbing Inspector

Job Description

Job Description:\n\n Job DescriptionMechanical & Plumbing Lead Position Summary The Mechanical & Plumbing Lead provides discipline leadership for mechanical and plumbing inspection, inspection readiness, code compliance verification, deficiency management, reinspection coordination, and field execution support. This position leads mechanical and plumbing inspectors and coordinates with project leadership, construction teams, quality personnel, engineers, contractors, owners, and authorities having jurisdiction as required. The Mechanical & Plumbing Lead is responsible for ensuring mechanical and plumbing work is reviewed and inspected against approved drawings, specifications, applicable codes, standards, permit conditions, manufacturer requirements, and project requirements. The role requires strong field leadership, mechanical and plumbing trade knowledge, documentation discipline, communication skills, and the ability to identify and escalate code, quality, safety, and schedule risks.Key ResponsibilitiesMechanical & Plumbing Discipline Leadership · Lead mechanical and plumbing inspection activities and provide technical direction to mechanical and plumbing inspectors assigned to the project or program. · Coordinate inspection priorities, active work fronts, hold points, readiness walks, reinspection needs, and discipline-specific field support. · Support the Program Manager, Project Manager, or Construction Manager with staffing needs, inspection forecasts, resource loading, and issue escalation. · Promote consistent inspection practices, technical judgment, documentation quality, and professional conduct across the mechanical and plumbing inspection team. · Interface with mechanical contractors, plumbing contractors, design representatives, owners, project stakeholders, and jurisdictional representatives as required.Inspection Execution and Code Compliance · Perform and oversee inspections for HVAC systems, ductwork, air distribution, mechanical equipment, exhaust systems, hydronic systems, piping, insulation, plumbing systems, sanitary waste and vent, domestic water, storm drainage, fuel gas, specialty piping, equipment connections, and related mechanical/plumbing systems as applicable. · Verify work is installed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, applicable adopted codes, manufacturer requirements, listing requirements, permit conditions, and project standards. · Confirm inspection hold points, rough-in inspections, pressure or leak test witness points, above-ceiling inspections, close-in inspections, equipment setting verification, final inspections, and turnover-related inspections are properly coordinated and documented. · Identify incomplete, noncompliant, unsafe, inaccessible, or not-ready work and ensure proper documentation and follow-up. · Support deficiency tracking, correction verification, and reinspection closure.Plan Review and Constructability Support · Support constructability reviews, inspection-readiness reviews, and field-enforceability checks for mechanical and plumbing scope where requested. · Review approved drawings, specifications, schedules, details, equipment data, permit requirements, inspection matrices, and installation requirements to support field execution. · Identify potential conflicts, code concerns, missing details, coordination gaps, access issues, maintenance clearance concerns, or field execution risks and elevate them through the proper channels. · Coordinate with engineering, design, quality, commissioning, and construction stakeholders regarding technical questions, design clarifications, system interfaces, and field conditions.Documentation, Reporting, and Records · Prepare, review, and maintain accurate mechanical and plumbing inspection reports, field notes, deficiency logs, reinspection records, photo documentation, punch lists, test records, and closeout records. · Ensure inspection documentation is complete, traceable, professional, and suitable for audit or turnover requirements. · Support weekly or periodic reporting of inspection activity, failed inspections, open deficiencies, reinspection volume, aging items, risk items, and staffing needs. · Maintain consistent use of approved forms, inspection systems, logs, dashboards, and document control processes.Safety and Quality Expectations · Reinforce safe inspection practices, site safety requirements, access control, equipment safety, ladder and lift safety, confined space awareness, pressure testing precautions, and other project-specific safety expectations. · Identify and escalate unsafe conditions, pressure or stored-energy concerns, access limitations, incomplete work, or other conditions that may prevent safe inspection. · Support a proactive quality culture focused on early issue identification, clear communication, corrective action, and prevention of repeat deficiencies. · Participate in onboarding, safety training, quality meetings, inspection readiness meetings, and lessons-learned discussions as required.Required Qualifications · Minimum 12 years of experience in mechanical construction, plumbing construction, mechanical/plumbing inspection, quality control, commissioning support, AHJ support, or mechanical/plumbing field leadership. · Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience leading mechanical inspectors, plumbing inspectors, trade crews, quality teams, or discipline-specific field personnel preferred. · Strong working knowledge of applicable mechanical, plumbing, fuel gas, energy, and related building codes, including adopted local codes and inspection practices. · Experience with large commercial, industrial, mission-critical, advanced manufacturing, data center, semiconductor, healthcare, utility, or complex technical construction environments preferred. · Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, plumbing drawings, piping plans, isometrics, riser diagrams, equipment schedules, details, specifications, submittals, RFIs, test packages, and installation requirements. · Ability to communicate technical issues clearly with contractors, inspectors, project leadership, engineers, owners, and jurisdictional representatives. · Proficiency with Microsoft Office, inspection management systems, electronic reporting tools, digital drawings, and document control platforms.Education Requirement · High school diploma or GED required. · Completion of a recognized mechanical, plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC, or related trade apprenticeship program, trade school program, vocational program, or equivalent technical training required. · Associate degree or bachelor degree in Mechanical Technology, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, Building Inspection Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred. · Equivalent combinations of education, trade experience, inspection experience, leadership experience, and professional licensing may be considered, provided the candidate satisfies any required licensing or certification requirements for the assigned scope. Required Licenses and Certifications · Active Texas plumbing license is required where the role includes plumbing inspection leadership or where required by the governing jurisdiction, client, or assignment. Acceptable licensing may include Texas Master Plumber License, Texas Plumbing Inspector License, or other Texas plumbing credential approved for the assigned scope. · ICC Commercial Mechanical Inspector certification preferred and may be required based on assignment requirements. · ICC Commercial Plumbing Inspector certification preferred and may be required based on assignment requirements. · Valid driver license required where travel or field mobility is part of the assignment. · OSHA 30 preferred; OSHA 10 may be acceptable depending on assignment requirements. · Additional mechanical, plumbing, fuel gas, medical gas, process piping, commissioning, quality, safety, or jurisdiction-specific certifications may be required based on assignment scope.Preferred Certifications and Credentials · ICC Commercial Mechanical Inspector. · ICC Commercial Plumbing Inspector. · ICC Mechanical Plans Examiner or Plumbing Plans Examiner. · Texas Master Plumber License or Texas Plumbing Inspector License. · Medical Gas Inspector certification where applicable. · HVAC, TAB, commissioning, quality, construction management, or safety credentials relevant to the assignment.Core Competencies · Mechanical and plumbing discipline leadership and mentoring. · Code compliance and inspection judgment. · Mechanical, HVAC, piping, and plumbing installation knowledge. · Inspection readiness planning and field coordination. · Deficiency identification, documentation, and closure tracking. · Safety awareness and recognition of stored energy, pressure testing, access, and equipment hazards. · Clear written and verbal communication. · Documentation discipline and reporting accuracy. · Professional coordination with contractors, engineers, owners, and jurisdictional stakeholders.Working Conditions · Work may be performed in active construction environments, office environments, field trailers, industrial facilities, commercial facilities, or other project locations. · May require walking active work areas, climbing stairs or ladders, accessing elevated areas, wearing PPE, and working around mechanical equipment, plumbing systems, piping systems, pressure testing activities, and construction equipment. · May require extended work hours, night shift coordination, weekend support, or schedule-driven overtime depending on assignment requirements. · Must comply with all safety, access, onboarding, training, badging, and PPE requirements applicable to the assignment.Position Authority The Mechanical & Plumbing Lead has authority to coordinate mechanical and plumbing inspection activities, provide technical direction to assigned inspectors, review inspection documentation, escalate deficiencies, and support discipline-level reporting. This position does not assume final design authority, engineering-of-record authority, or jurisdictional authority unless expressly authorized in writing by the governing organization or authority having jurisdiction. Requirements COMPETENCIES: Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time. Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality. Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly. Promotes a cooperative Safety Team environment culture of mutual support. Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others. Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: Occasionally (less than 1/3 of the job) Frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the job) Continually (more than 2/3 of the job) Frequently required to stand. Frequently required to sit. Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity. Continually required to talk or hear. Continually required to walk up to 5 miles per day. Continually required to climb multiple flights of stairs. Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl. Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision; Distance vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment, including protective eye wear, hard hat, lab coat, gloves, steel-toed shoes, hearing protection, and respirators. Must be able to safely access and traverse indoor and outdoor obstacles for site inspections, including climbing ladders, walking on stairs, catwalks, and other types of uneven surfaces where activity inspections are needed. BenefitsHealth Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)Life InsuranceFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Disability InsurancePaid Time OffTraining & Development