Plumbing Inspector (AFSCME, Non-Exempt)

Position Type:
Community Development/Plumbing Inspector


Date Posted:
9/29/2026

Location:
New Civic Center

Closing Date:
10/20/2026


$39.616-$50.925/Hourly

*Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.

NATURE OF WORK:

This is a customer service-oriented position that inspects plumbing installations for conformance to governmental codes, sanitation standards, and construction specifications. The work also involves maintaining written reports on each inspection and complaint, and entering the data into the City's computerized tracking system. Additionally, this position performs plan reviews of plumbing systems in proposed projects submitted to the City for building permits.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

• Inspects residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems for conformance to laws and codes and approved plans and specifications, and provides contractors or owners with written Field Inspection Reports.
• Inspects water-supply systems, drainage and sewer systems, water heater installations, fire sprinkler systems, HVAC systems, and air and gas piping systems for approved materials, specified pipe size and connections, required grade and fitting, approved backflow prevention devices, required bracing, ventilation, air-and-water-tightness, and thorough penetration fire stopping systems.
• Performs minor structural and mechanical inspections as needed.
• Reviews plumbing permit applications, building plans, and specifications, and composes plan review comments, utilizing standard word processing software and plan review software.
• Reviews complaints concerning alleged violations of the plumbing code, gathers evidence, and appears in court as a witness.
• Keeps records of inspections performed, and corrections recommended and secured. Enters inspection results and complaints into City's computerized permit tracking system.
• Responds to plumbing-related questions via phone, email or in person.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Must possess a High School Diploma, GED, or higher.
• Must possess seven (7) or more years of work experience as a licensed Plumber.
• Must possess a State of Illinois Plumbing License and maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Must possess a State of Illinois Plumbing Inspector Certification.
• Certification by the Illinois Environment Protection Agency as a Cross-Connection Control Device Inspector is preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
• Considerable hands-on plumbing experience and code knowledge.
• Ability to interpret and apply plumbing codes in a variety of situations, including but not limited to commercial, residential, etc.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form.
• Ability to perform deductive axiomatic geometry, plane and solid, and rectangular coordinates.
• Ability to use practical application of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion, measuring, logarithms, slide rule, practical algebra, geometric constructions, and essentials of trigonometry.
• Ability to read periodicals, professional journals, manuals, dictionaries, thesauruses and encyclopedias, blueprints/building plans, and municipal codes and ordinances.
• Ability to prepare business letters, summaries, plan reviews and reports, inspection records, and court documents when necessary.
• Ability to speak on professional matters to a variety of people, including, but not limited to, residents, contractors, architects, and co-workers, relating to inspections and plan reviews performed during the course of business in order to identify deficiencies, so that the appropriate corrections can be made in compliance with all municipal codes and professional regulations.
• Familiarity with the current edition of the State of Illinois Plumbing Code, the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Residential Code, the 2021 International Building Code, and the current edition of the Illinois Accessibility Code.
• Ability to be on call to respond to emergencies during non-working hours.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Ability to lift medium weight objects, open and close building windows and doors, and apply pressure to building components as part of an inspection.
• Ability to use and operate inspection tools and equipment.
• Ability to work indoors with possible exposure to human, animal, and rodent fecal matter; rodents and pests; inadequate ventilation, lack of light, filth, and other unsanitary conditions.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to perform moderate manual work daily, including sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping and climbing.
• Ability to distinguish odors with a degree of accuracy, including differences or similarities in intensity or quality of odors, using the nose.
• Ability to focus on small and distant objects, recognize depth of objects, stand for long periods of time, work outdoors at night with reduced lighting, speak, and hear.
• Ability to use machines, tools, equipment, and work aids of those commonly associated with this type of work, including, but not limited to, an automobile, flashlight, room thermometer, cellular telephone, code books, personal computer, software, measuring devices, hammer, screw driver, shovel, awl, camera, electrical devices, and personal protection equipment.

SUPERVISION:

The employee is supervised by the Building Inspections Supervisor in the Department of Community Development. The employee is responsible for completing work according to City work rules and safety regulations. Guidance is provided via the City Code, City policies and procedures, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Performance is reviewed through observation, completion of projects, status reports, and meetings. Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to job knowledge, communication skills, customer service, ability to work productively and effectively with co-workers at all levels in the organization as well as the community, businesses and other similar groups, and the general public, and performance in accordance with this classification standard.


PUBLIC CONTACT:

The employee has daily contact with other City employees, property owners, agents, and contractors. The employee will work with other departments in the course of permit processing, which may include Public Works, the City Collector, the Health Department, and the Fire Department, as well as other Departments or Divisions as appropriate. Excellent customer service skills are paramount.

SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST

Structured Oral Interview


Qualifications Assessment

To apply for this position, please apply online at on or before the closing date.

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility orcommunications access assistance should contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io (voice) or View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY).