Residence Requirements:

THIS EXAMINATION IS OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES OF THE ERIE COUNTY TOWNS AND VILLAGES. Successful candidates will be eligible for appointment *ONLY* in the municipality in which they were employed at the time of the written test. 

There is one anticipated vacancy in the Town of Amherst; the annual salary is $49,412 - $68,499. *Salaries vary among municipalities and districts. The eligible list resulting from this examination will be used to fill these vacancies and other appropriate vacancies which may occur in municipalities or districts under the jurisdiction of Erie County Civil Service while this list is active.  The eligible list resulting from this examination will not supersede currently existing promotional eligible lists for this title, if any. The duration of all promotional eligible lists is four years from date of establishment unless otherwise indicated.

Examples of Duties:

A Plumbing Inspector makes inspections of the installation and repair of plumbing facilities in buildings and structures, and enforces the provisions of the local plumbing code;

Reviews, checks and passes on plans and specifications submitted with plumbing permit applications for compliance with applicable codes;

Investigates complaints and assists in prosecuting violations of the plumbing codes;

inspects existing buildings and structures to insure their conformity with standards;

explains the requirements of codes, ordinances and related laws to plumbing contractors and general public;

prepares reports on inspections and maintains related records;

may issue plumbing permits and collects inspection fees.

Qualifications:

 QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE FOR TAKING THE TEST: Candidates must be permanently employed in the competitive class and must be serving and have served continuously on a permanent or contingent permanent basis in the competitive class for 12 months immediately preceding the date of the written test in a position as Assistant Plumbing Inspector. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: The municipality may also require possession of a Master Plumber Certificate and Plumber's License issued by the local municipality.

Notes:

None. 

The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However,candidates may find information in the publication "How to take a written test" helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available on line at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm

Subjects of Examination:

SUBJECTS OF EXAMINATION: A written test designed to evaluate knowledge, skills and /or abilities in the following areas:

1. Inspection procedures and principles

These questions test for knowledge of the appropriate practices and methods to use when inspecting various types of building facilities and projects, including proper adherence to plans and codes, dealing with residents, owners and contractors, and inspection record keeping.

2. Plumbing plans, installations, practices, materials and tools, including plumbing and sanitary codes

These questions test for the ability to read, analyze and perform computations based on plumbing-related diagrams and plans; for knowledge of the tools, materials and methods used when installing or repairing residential and commercial plumbing-related appurtenances; and knowledge of and the ability to apply provisions of the Plumbing Code of New York and other sanitary and health codes applicable to plumbing installations.

3. Water system components, including backflow preventers

These questions test for knowledge of the operation, installation, repair and testing procedures used for water-related outside mains, piping, building connections, valves, meters, drinking water protection devices (i.e., backflow preventers), and similar types of plumbing installations.

4. Understanding and interpreting written material

These questions test for the ability to understand and interpret written material. You will be presented with brief reading passages and will be asked questions about the passages. You should base your answers to the questions only on what is presented in the passages and not on what you may happen to know about the topic.

NOTICE TO CANDIDATES:  It is recommended that candidates use a quiet, hand held, solar or battery powered calculator.  Devices with typewriter keyboards, "Spell Checkers", “Personal Digital Assistants", "Address Books", "Language Translators", "Dictionaries", or any similar devices are prohibited.  You may not bring books or other reference materials.

INFORMATION FOR PROMOTION CANDIDATES

Unless otherwise indicated, the eligible list resulting from this examination will have a duration of four years and will not supersede existing promotional lists, if any.

RATINGS REQUIRED:  Test is rated on a scale of 100 with a passing mark at 70.  Test instructions may further divide the tests into parts and set minimum standards for each part.

Points will be added to scores of candidates who achieve a passing mark as follows: Seniority:  For each year of service in the classified service:

Less than 1 year……………………..................…0 points

1 year up to 6 years…………….…........................1 point

Over 6 years up to 11 years.....………......….........2 points

Over 11 years up to 16 years….…........….........…3 points

Over 16 years up to 21 years………..................…4 points

Over 21 years………………………..................…5 points

VETERANS:  Disabled and non-disabled veterans as defined in Section 85, New York State Civil Service Law, will have 5 and 2.5 points, respectively added to their earned scores if successful in the examination.  You must claim these credits when you file application but you have an option to waive them any time prior to appointment.  If you have already used these credits for a permanent position in NYS, you may not claim them again.

**IMPORTANT APPLICATION FEE - READ CAREFULLY**

A $20.00 filing fee is required for this exam. The required fee must accompany your application. Send or bring check or money order made payable to Erie County Personnel Department and write the examination number(s) on your check or money order. Do not send or bring cash, as the County cannot be responsible for cash payment. As no refund will be made, you are urged to compare your qualifications carefully with the requirements for admission and file only for those examinations for which you are clearly qualified.