Cross Connections Inspector (Code Specialist I)

Job Announcement

Fairfax County boasts a top-notch school system, safe neighborhoods, thousands of acres of parkland, and bustling town centers. County government sits at the heart of this dynamic community of almost 1.2 million residents and seeks employees eager to bring their energy, enthusiasm and skills to serve Fairfax residents and to shape the county's future. Land Development Services (LDS) is the steward of the county's land development and building construction codes and regulations, and its staff members embrace their essential role as "first preventers." Every day, through careful review, permitting and inspection of site and building construction, our staff protect the health, safety, welfare, and environment for those who live in, work in, and visit Fairfax County. Our department also serves as the gateway to much of the county's economic development, reviewing over 30,000 building and site plan submissions, issuing nearly 70,000 building permits, and conducting over 220,000 building and site inspections each year. If you would like to join a creative, collaborative, innovative team doing meaningful work, then LDS is the place for you.

Under the supervision of Cross Connections Section Supervisor, investigates, examines and evaluates cross connections and backflow prevention devices for conformance with Virginia Department of Health (VDH) standards, the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and other state and county codes and ordinances. Prepares, processes and records documentation related to site visits and device testing. Responds to complaints related to cross connections and backflow prevention devices in new construction and existing structures. Communicates regulations to building owners, tenants, contractors, developers, architects, engineers and the public. Maintains mandatory certifications and technical proficiency in backflow prevention devices, related codes and standards and corresponding plumbing systems. Position requires incumbent to operate a motor vehicle to drive to/from construction sites, offsite meetings, training and/or conferences. Complies with county, agency, and job specific training, including but limited to Emergency Management and Safety related courses. Complies with LDS s safety program and guidelines. Provides exceptional customer support for services performed by the Department of Land Development Services and ensures compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and standards related to various activities within the agency's scope. A key responsibility is delivering timely and effective customer service through in-person, phone, and virtual channels, with staff offering expertise to address real-time inquiries. Additionally, this position proactively collaborates with colleagues both within and outside the business unit to ensure efficient service delivery and timely resolution of customer needs.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

Implements policies related to the issuance of permits, the conduct of inspections and the enforcement of applicable codes, ordinances, and county or state regulatory requirements;

Assists other staff by researching specific provisions of codes, ordinances, and related internal policies;

Assists in the development of technical training concerning applicable codes, ordinances, policies, and regulatory requirements;

Assists others in conducting inspections of projects installed by contractors, developers or individuals to verify compliance with applicable contracts, agreements, county and state codes and regulations;

Conducts investigations of violations and/or complaints of applicable county and state regulatory requirements;

Acts as liaison or mediator between individuals, businesses, groups, contractors, developers, or other stakeholders in resolving minor or less complex disputes;

Prepares appropriate notices of violations, summonses and subpoenas;

May serve on multiple agency and departmental management teams, committees, or task forces;

Prepares routine reports concerning issues related to permits, contractor licenses, plans and specifications, conduct of routine inspections, investigations and resolution of simple complaints and inquiries concerning alleged violations of codes, ordinances, or state regulatory requirements;

Performs routine assignments in reviewing and analyzing less involved complaints to determine adherence to departmental policy and appropriate codes, ordinances and regulations;

Assists more senior staff with preparations for and prosecutions of criminal and civil court cases;

Assists more senior Code Specialists in dealing with code violations, assisting with the preparation of appropriate notices of violations, summonses and subpoenas;

Engages in safe working practices and complies with safety programs and guidelines;

Reports unsafe working conditions;

Complies with safety competencies.

Required Knowledge Skills And Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Basic knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations related to assigned area;

Knowledge of Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and other state codes and local ordinances which apply to building construction in Fairfax County;

Knowledge of routine inspection methods;

Knowledge of basic environmental testing methods;

Basic knowledge of the process by which violations in the county are resolved and the legal procedures for prosecuting such violations;

General knowledge of permitting and licensing;

Ability to comprehend and comply to safety practices;

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others;

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to speak effectively in front of a group;

Ability to handle interpersonal conflict situations with tact and diplomacy;

Ability to negotiate and solve routine problems.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in a field of study directly related to the industry being regulated such as engineering, architecture, urban planning, biological or environmental science, public administration, law enforcement, legal studies or a related field.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

Valid Driver's license.

VDHCD Commercial Plumbing Inspector (Required within 9 months)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

The appointee is required to complete a criminal background check, Driving Record Check, and Pre-Employment Physical to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3 - 5 years’ Experience as a Plumbing Contractor, Plumbing Inspector, or in other related construction fields.
• 2- 3 to 5 years’ Customer Service Experience.
• 1 - 2 years’ Experience using Database or Permitting Management Software.
• Tradesman Certifications through the Virginia Department of Professional Occupation and Regulation (DPOR) Board of Contractors, Residential Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD) or ICC certifications (Plumbing Inspector and/or Commercial Plumbing Inspector.).
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to Crawl, Crouch, stoop and work in uncomfortable conditions. Ability to reach with arms extended above the head. Ability to walk and adequately maneuver in an outside/inside environment. Ability to walk/traverse through and over various terrain. Ability to work in adverse weather. Successful completion of a Pre-Employment Medical exam is required. All duties are performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

Panel interview and may include exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home ( Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others ) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.