Description/Distinguishing Features

Performs skilled inspections work in securing compliance with City ordinances and regulations governing the installation and operation of electrical systems and equipment; performs plan review and provides a written report; does related work as required.

Employees in this class inspect a variety of electrical installations.  The objective of the work is the maintenance of standards of electrical work with regard to quality of material, workmanship, and safety precautions as set forth in City, State, and National electrical codes.  Employees normally work independently on field inspections, making decisions requiring the use of technical judgment and discretion.  The work is performed under the general supervision of the Building Official

Examples of Duties

• Examines and approves or disapproves plans and specifications for electrical construction, alterations, and repairs.
• Makes inspections of new and existing wiring and electrical installations in residential, commercial, industrial and other buildings for conformance with safety standards, laws, and ordinances.
• Checks plans and workmanship to see that electrical work complies with ordinances and regulations and recommends methods for improvement.
• Checks existing wiring installations prior to their use for installations of special electrical devices in order to determine the ability of the installations to carry the additional load without danger.
• Orders corrections or stops work as required and appears in court as an expert witness on violation of the city codes.
• Receives applications for and schedules and administers examinations; prepares reports and maintains records of work performed.
• Attends special courses to keep abreast of new techniques and developments.

Essential Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the methods and practices involved in constructing, installing, maintaining, and operating a variety of electrical installations, equipment, and appliances. 
• Good knowledge of possible defects and faults in electrical wiring and appliances and of standard testing devices and effective corrective measures.
• Good knowledge of City ordinances relating to electrical appliances and installations and of National electrical codes 
• Ability to detect and locate defective electrical wiring during construction or installation when defects are most easily found and remedied
• Ability to consult with building owners, contractors, electricians, and others and to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships on inspections and regulatory matters
• Ability to understand and work from construction and wiring plans, blueprints, drawings, and diagrams 
• Ability to carry and use a handheld computer and camera and document deficiencies while performing inspections 
• Ability to walk through, as well as climb up and down, and stoop and crawl in construction sites 
• Ability to move up to 60 pounds
• Stand by work may be required.

Acceptable Training and Experience

Extensive experience as a Master Electrician, preferably including work on a wide variety of construction and installation jobs and graduation from a high school or vocational school, including or supplemented by courses in electricity and mechanics; or any equivalent combination of experiences and training which provides the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and encouraged.  Studies have shown that women and people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications listed. The City of Kalamazoo is most interested in f