Plumbing Inspector

Job Description

Job Description

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit today!

Summary Statement

As a Plumbing Inspector with the Division of Public Health, you'll be responsible for ensuring plumbing construction, alteration, repair, and installation work performed by licensed plumbers. You'll ensure private homeowners are in conformance with the State of Delaware plumbing code and related codes, ordinances, regulations and standards. You will report to an Environmental Health Specialist III in the Environmental Health Field Services office for Kent County.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Receives and approves applications for plumbing permits. Determines applicable codes, ordinances, regulations and standards for perspective work. Evaluates required plans, drawings and specifications to ensure all requirements are met. Issues permits and coordinates with plumbers and homeowners to determine timing of site inspections.
  
   
• Inspects the installation of underground and roughed-in plumbing to assure work is done according to approved plans, specifications and acceptable plumbing standards by authorized persons. Performs final plumbing inspection upon completion of work. Contacts and/or meets with plumbers and homeowners to notify of work not in compliance with codes, regulations, etc. and to advise of requirements.
  
  
• Performs facilitating inspection services to enable health officials to insure the control of water and sewage related diseases.
  
   
• Receives, investigates and documents complaints and incidents concerning dangerous or improper conditions and water seepage and/or sewage. Determines causes and confers with property owners and/or tenants to explain and resolve problems.  Notifies and/or coordinates with other appropriate enforcement/regulatory agencies, as necessary.
  
   
• Cites violation of codes, recommends and enforces corrective action. Conducts follow-up inspection(s). Works with superiors and the Attorney General's Office in cases that require legal action. Gathers evidence. Takes photographs of areas in violation. Testifies in court as necessary.
  
   
• Represents the agency in contacts with local, county and other State inspection and enforcement units on plumbing system issues.  Performs special investigations of plumbing systems and/or develops and recommends corrective action plans.
  
   
• Interprets and explains plumbing code and related regulations to registered plumbers and homeowners.
  
  
• Prepares reports and maintains records pertinent to inspections and enforcement.
  
   
• Keeps abreast of changes in applicable codes, ordinances, regulations and standards.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Plumbing Inspector
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Certificate of Registry as a plumber by the State Board of Health.
2. At least ten years experience performing plumbing and sanitation work.   
3. Six months experience in ensuring compliance with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.

Additional Posting Information

This posting may be closed on or before 06/8/2026 upon filling the vacant position(s).

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at 

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at  StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  TDD users may request an auxiliary aid or service by calling View phone number on ziprecruiter.com or by visiting delawarerelay.com.  You may also call View phone number on ziprecruiter.com or email  View email address on ziprecruiter.com for additional applicant services support.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.