Backflow Inspector

Under general supervision of the Senior Backflow Inspector, the Backflow Inspector performs a variety of tasks in support of the utility function including backflow inspection, reviewing and verifying plans and specifications for installation and maintenance of backflow devices; and compiling reports of annual testing by contractors as well as written notifications to businesses and home owners for required testing of backflow devices.

The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this position. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.

• Reviews and evaluates specifications and drawings as needed.

• Attends and participates in public services meetings including pre-construction meetings, and meetings with customers as needed.

• Conducts site inspections in order to assure commercial businesses are code compliant and their backflow devices are inspected and in working order.

• Compiles reports and databases for all inspections.

• Establishes and maintains working contact with customers and contractors; answers questions and provides information to the public, city staff, contractors and customers.

• Prepares, reviews and updates a variety of reports including daily inspection logs and code compliance files.

• Works closely with the construction engineering and building inspection divisions to assure inspection reports are completed.

Other Important Duties:

• Travels to construction sites, meetings, conferences and training.

• Appears in court and testify as necessary on code enforcement violations.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.

• Knowledge of construction project management techniques.

• Knowledge of construction materials and supply plan specifications and standards.

• Knowledge of civil construction methods, practices and procedures.

• Knowledge of customer service practices and procedures.

• Knowledge of computers and related equipment, hardware and software.

• Knowledge of City policies and procedures.

• Skill in effective oral and written communications.

• Skill in inspecting, reviewing, evaluating, and modifying construction plans.

• Skill in using measuring instruments, probes and hand excavation tools.

• Skill in analyzing technical reports for compliance with material specifications.

• Skill in resolving customer complaints and concerns.

Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D., and two (2) years Backflow Inspection experience.

• Must possess and maintain a Backflow Protection Assembly Tester (BPAT) license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

• Customer Service Inspection Certification required within one (1) year from entering position.

• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, physical agility test, criminal background check, and MVR check.

• Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver's License.

• Work is performed in office and construction site environments.

• May be subject to walking over rough terrain, bending, reaching, kneeling or climbing ladders into trenches or up on heavy equipment when inspecting or monitoring franchise utility construction sites.

• May be subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions, hazardous materials and chemicals, heavy construction equipment, moving traffic, confined spaces, heights, air and water borne pathogens.

• Balancing - maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.

• Climbing - ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps, requires body agility.

• Crawling - moving about on hands, knees, or hands, feet.

• Crouching - bending body forward by bending leg, spine.

• Feeling - perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.

• Fingering - picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.

• Grasping - applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.

• Handling - picking, holding, or working with whole hand.

• Hearing 1 - perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.

• Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees.

• Lifting - raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back.

• Mental Acuity - ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.

• Pulling - use upper extremities to exert force, haul or tug.

• Pushing - use upper extremities to press against objects with force, or thrust forward, downward, outward.

• Reaching - extending hands or arms in any direction.

• Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.

• Speaking - expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.

• Standing - for sustained periods of time.

• Stooping - bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back.

• Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word.

• Talking 2 - shouting to be heard above ambient noise.

• Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.

• Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.

• Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.

• Visual Acuity 4 - operate motor vehicles/heavy equipment.

• Visual Acuity 5 -close acuity for inspection of small defects, machines, use measurement devices, or fabricate parts.

• Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.

Work Environment:

• Work performed is primarily medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Equipment and Tools Utilized:

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, copier, calculator, fax machine, other standard office equipment, cellular telephone, heavy equipment, hand and power tools, and department vehicles.