Plumbing Inspector

Statement of Duties:

Inspects and tests new and existing plumbing systems and water heating systems for conformance with laws. Inspects and tests water circulation, piping, fixtures, equipment, furnaces and gas boilers, and water storage systems. Examines plans for code-compliant plumbing and gas systems and provides comments to plumbers and builders. Issues permits for installation, alteration, repair, and connecting plumbing to sewers. Investigates complaints of violations, issues orders for corrections, and keeps necessary records.

Inspects and tests gas piping systems in process of construction, alteration, replacement and repair for adherence to regulations and codes, and the provisions of general laws. Inspects installation of appliances, fixtures, water heaters and boilers for proper installation and leaks. Investigates complaints of old and potentially dangerous gas fitting installations, violations of laws, and hazardous and defective materials. Interprets, provides review comments and enforces gas fitting laws. Issues permits and keeps records of inspections.

Answer calls for emergencies when requested by Fire Department. Perform other duties as assigned.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

• Master plumber’s license as required by the State of Massachusetts.
• Shall be certified by Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a plumbing and gas inspector, or have 5 years’ experience as a plumbing & gas inspector in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and have current certificate of continuing education.
• Knowledge of plumbing installation and ability to check services for safety and code requirements.
• Knowledge of gas installation and ability to check services for safety and code requirements.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts code for installation of gas appliances and gas piping.
• Must be capable of dealing pleasantly and efficiently with the public.
• Must be capable of understanding and following orders and/or request both written and oral.
• Must be able to prepare written reports and findings.
• Must possess a Massachusetts Class D Driver’s License and have access to a motor vehicle.
• Must have computer knowledge of Microsoft Office, and be willing to learn software required for performance of job duties.

Work Environment:

Work requires agility and physical strength, ability to function in close quarters, and is subject to outside environmental conditions, including wet, hot and cold weather. Worker is subject to noise, vibrations, hazards and atmospheric conditions including fumes, dust and air contaminants.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

Physical Skills

Ability to lift up to 50lbs, stand for long periods of time, navigate rough terrain, and walk up and down stairs. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, crawl, sit, talk, move about, hear, and speak. May be required to work in restricted spaces, from a prone position, and/or under difficult lighting and access conditions. Noise level may be high when operating power equipment. Employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions especially in emergency repair situations. 

Motor Skills

While performing the duties, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; and interact with City staff.

Visual Skills

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee is required to use properly use such safety equipment as is appropriate to the work to prevent injury to self or others.

Hours: Full-Time
Salary: $1,629.06 weekly, plus benefits
Union: SMEU B
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Pre-Employment Requirement: This is a safety-sensitive position and will be subject to a driver's history review and drug screen. 
Date Posted: October 22nd, 2026 

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The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.

Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:

• MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
• Completion of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees

Overview of Total Rewards:

• 4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions. Union positions vary by contract. Please note, police officers are members of the SPEA union. Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA).
• Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
• Dental coverage low and high plans through Delta Dental
• Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
• Long term disability through Sun Life
• Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
• Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
• Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
• Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
• Annual cancer screening & wellness release
• Somerville Retirement Pension System
• Tuition reimbursement
• MBTA pass program
• FREE Blue Bikes membership
• Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

Benefits listed are for benefits-eligible positions and the above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the City of Somerville and not a binding contract.