Construction Code Inspector (Plumbing)

Salary: $33.02 Hourly

Location : 1 Gary K Anderson Plz Decatur, IL

Job Type: Full-Time Benefited Employee

Job Number: 18-00400

Department: Economic & Community Development - Union

Opening Date: 10/06/2025

Job Summary

Starting Pay: $33.02/hour

Increases to: $36.03 /hour after six months

Join the City of Decatur as a Construction Code Inspector (Plumbing), where you'll play a vital role in protecting public health and safety through professional plumbing code enforcement. This position offers the opportunity to work independently in the field, collaborate with diverse construction professionals, and directly impact community standards across residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

If you're a licensed plumbing professional seeking a rewarding career that combines technical expertise with public service, this role provides both professional growth and meaningful community impact.

Enjoy a generous package of perks including:

Competitive Benefits: 14.5 paid holidays (including 2 personal days), paid vacation and sick leave, excellent health insurance, and a strong retirement pension plan

Dedicated Health Center: Free check-ups, chronic care, bloodwork, immunizations, and many free prescriptions for employees and their dependents.

Key Responsibilities

Code Enforcement & Field Inspections

Conduct comprehensive on-site inspections of plumbing systems for new construction, alterations, repairs, and upgrades across residential, commercial, and industrial properties

Investigate code violations and issue correction notices or stop work orders to ensure compliance

Testify in hearings or court proceedings related to code violations or permit disputes as needed

Plan Review & Permitting Support

Review construction plans for code compliance during the permitting process

Approve or reject work based on Illinois plumbing codes and local/state regulations

Maintain detailed inspection records through the City's permitting and inspection software

Technical Guidance & Collaboration

Provide expert technical guidance to contractors, engineers, and the public regarding plumbing code requirements and safety standards

Collaborate with building, electrical, mechanical, fire, property maintenance, and public works inspectors on multi-disciplinary projects

Foster voluntary compliance through clear communication and professional consultation

Qualifications and Preferred Skills

Required Credentials

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid Illinois driver's license

State of Illinois plumbing license

International Fuel Gas Code Inspector certification (must obtain within 12 months of appointment)

Illinois Plumbing Inspector certification (must obtain within 12 months of appointment)

Technical Expertise

Comprehensive knowledge of plumbing systems, installation methods, and design review

Working knowledge of International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC)

Ability to interpret construction drawings and identify hazardous conditions

Proficiency with computer systems and inspection software

Professional Competencies

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences

Strong attention to detail and observational skills

Sound independent judgment and decision-making in field conditions

Ability to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and fairness

Commitment to consistent and equitable code enforcement

Working Conditions

This position requires regular fieldwork in all types of weather and terrain conditions. You'll work independently across various job sites throughout the City's jurisdiction while maintaining regular communication with the Building Official and departmental team.

Sponsorship for Employment

The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis.

More Details

Examination Process

Oral Interview Applicants must pass an oral interview with a minimum score of 70.00%.

Veteran Points Applicants passing the oral interview may be eligible to receive 5.00 veteran preference points added to their final examination score.

Seniority Points Applicable persons passing the oral interview will receive 0.50 seniority preference points for each full year of continuous City of Decatur AFSCME service. A maximum of 10.0 points may be added to the final examination score.

The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace. This includes marijuana. Candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, and background check post offer.

ResidencyThe Construction Code Inspector (Plumbing) position is covered under the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) collective bargaining agreement. AFSCME employees shall reside within 50 miles of the corporate limits of City of Decatur. An appointee may reside outside said limits but must comply no later than 90 days after the completion of the probationary period.

About Decatur:

Central Illinois: Discover affordable living with easy access to Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.

Land of Lincoln: Explore Abe's legacy with visits to the nearby Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln's Tomb, and the family's first Illinois home.

Shopping and Dining: Browse locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops and savor diverse delights at unique restaurants and quaint eateries.

Entertainment Abounds: Enjoy concerts at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, performing arts at Millikin University, and shows in the historic Lincoln Theatre downtown.

Outdoor Recreation: Revel in Lake Decatur with boating and kayaking or explore the City's 2,000 acres of parkland for golfing, walking, biking, dog exercising, or playing disc golf.

Enriched by Art: Appreciate murals gracing city walls and sculptures stretching from the Scovill Zoo to the Children's Museum.

Family Fun: Cool off at Splash Cove waterpark or head to Overlook Adventure Park for mini golf or the ropes course.

To Apply

Are you a licensed plumbing professional ready to make a meaningful impact in your community? This position offers the perfect blend of technical challenge, professional autonomy, and public service in a role that directly protects the health and safety of Decatur residents.

SICK LEAVE: 1 day per month granted, accumulative to 240 days.

VACATION: 10 days after 1 year of service; 15 days after 7 years of service; 20 days after 14 years of service; 25 days after 20 years of service; 1 additional duty day per year after 25 years of service (to a maximum of 30 duty days)

HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King's Birthday Veterans Day

Presidents' Day Thanksgiving Day

Good Friday Day After Thanksgiving

Juneteenth Christmas Eve (half day)

Memorial Day Christmas Day

Independence Day Two Unscheduled Holidays

PENSION: Employees of the City of Decatur contribute to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) at the rate of 4.5% per pay. The City of Decatur also contributes a percentage for the employee each pay. Employee contributions are refundable if employment ends before retirement.

OTHER: The City offers a three-tier health insurance plan for employees and their dependents. Employees contribute toward the monthly premium for single coverage and/or family coverage through payroll deduction. The City provides group life insurance in the amount of $20,000 for each employee at no cost to the employee. Dependent coverage is offered. Employees may purchase additional term life on a voluntary basis.

Employees may also purchase additional term life insurance sponsored by IMRF. Employees may participate in a voluntary group dental and vision insurance plan. Deferred compensation is also available.

To learn more details click to view AFSCME Local 268 collective bargaining agreement.