Plumbing Inspector - SR-19

Posting number: 2026-00115

Department: Public Works

Division: Building

Job classification: Plumbing Inspector

Posting type: Open

Categories: Building & Safety, Code Enforcement, Public Works

Summary

Inspects and tests plumbing, gas, and sewer line installations and equipment in all types of buildings and structure including multi-storied buildings, for compliance with plans and specifications, plumbing code and other pertinent ordinances, and accepted safety and health standards, and performs other related duties as required.

There is one (1) immediate permanent full-time vacancy with the Department of Public Works - Building Division in Kailua-Kona.

(Appointment may be made at any rate within the salary range advertised above at which appropriate qualified applicants can be referred. Starting salary will be based on the qualifications of the person selected.)

The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment.

Examples of duties

• Inspects plumbing and gas installation in residential, commercial, and industrial  buildings, including multi-storied buildings.
• Checks installations and equipment such as sanitary plumbing systems, domestic water systems, lawn sprinkler systems, water heaters, gas piping, cesspools, and septic tanks.
• Inspects the installation of sewer lines, wet and dry standpipes, and fire sprinklers systems.
• Checks for defective materials and for size and type of pipes and fittings.
• Checks for grade and alignment.
• Checks installations of gas and hot water system for quality, capacity of tanks, pressure and leakage.
• Issues notices of violation of codes and ordinances.
• Follows up with reinspections and takes necessary steps to assure enforcement of the law.
• Assists in the prosecution of violators by appearing in court as a witness.
• Makes inspections of plumbing and gas installations and equipment in existing buildings.
• Furnishes information to contractors, owners, and others regarding plumbing materials, installation methods and specifications, and renders decisions and interpretations on provisions of the plumbing code.
• Checks and approves plumbing plans and specifications and issues permits for plumbing installations. 
• Inputs and checks permit status updates in the permitting software system and/or other applications.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Training and Experience: A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:

• graduation from high school, and
• four (4) years of experience in inspecting or supervising plumbing installation work of which,
• one (1)  year shall have been in plumbing code enforcement (regulatory agency) activities.

License/Certificate Requirements:  

• possession of a current State of Hawai'i Master Plumber or Journeylevel Plumber license at time of filing, (scan and attach a copy of your license to your application), and
• possession of a valid State of Hawai`i driver license (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver's license at time of filing. (You will be required to submit your valid driver's license at time of hire.)

Examination:   All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points.  An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education and experience as presented in the application.

Please read the minimum qualification requirements carefully.  Be certain to list all pertinent training and experience, as this may be important in determining your examination score.  It is essential that the applicant describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each position held, specify the date of each position held (from and to, month and year), and indicate the number of hours worked per week.   

Attach all required documentation (e.g. official transcript, professional license(s)/certification(s), DD-214, etc.) at the time of submitting your application. 

Note:   In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawai'i County may be required at the discretion of the hiring department/agency.  If in-person interviews and/or further testing are required, applicants who are referred to the hiring department/agency must be available to participate in person and at their own expense at that phase of the selection process.

Knowledge of:  the Hawai`i County Plumbing code, safety codes, and other pertinent ordinances, and legal p