State Inspector of Wires

About the Organization:

The Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL), an agency within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), protects consumers by making sure the professionals they hire comply with state licensing laws. DOL oversees 26 boards of registration, which license and regulate more than 500,000 individuals and businesses to practice over 100 trades and professions. DOL also licenses and regulates the Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI), and the Office of Private Occupational Schools.

The mission of DOL is to protect the public health, safety and welfare by licensing qualified individuals and businesses to provide services to consumers. In addition, it is the duty of the DOL to ensure fair and consistent enforcement of the licensing laws and regulations. DOL seeks to promote consumer protection, a fair and competitive marketplace, and education and outreach.

The Division of Occupational Licensure is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. The Division of Occupational Licensure values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

The Division of Occupational Licensure is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens.

About the Role:

The State Inspector of Wires supervises the enforcement and implementation of the Massachusetts Electrical Code, 527 CMR 12.00; inspect new and occupied building and structure electrical systems and equipment; assist with investigating complaints and violations; witness the conducting of tests on various electrical and\or building safety devices; provide technical assistance to others; solicit information regarding pre-construction requirements; respond to inquiries from public and/or private individuals and groups; establish and maintain liaison with federal, state and municipal agencies and other personnel involved in construction; and perform related work as required.

The basic purpose of this work is to ensure the safe and adequate functioning of electrical systems and equipment in compliance with 527 CMR 12.00, applicable laws, rules and regulations relative to construction and maintenance as such applies to electrical matters and determine enforcement action. A state electrical inspector is statutorily required for certain state buildings and, in addition to those requirements, DOL operates under an MOU with the MBTA that has been in place for almost a decade assigning electrical inspections to a state electrical inspector.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Inspect electrical systems and equipment as required by law and as otherwise authorized by the DOL during and after construction for compliance with 527 CMR 12.00 and its referenced standards, and related laws, rules and regulations.
• Work with state and local officials on issues specific to the enforcement, interpretation, and implementation of 527 CMR 12.00.
• Assist with investigations of code violations and enforces all of the provisions of the 527 CMR 12.00 and referenced standards, and other state statutes, rules and regulations by issuing notices of violation or exercising powers to halt construction.
• Witness the conducting of tests of various electrical systems, fire protection systems, emergency lighting and generator systems and other safety systems to ensure compliance with 527 CMR 12.00, general laws and regulations and to cite violations when appropriate.
• Review information stated on permit applications and\or plans concerning proposed electrical systems and equipment or maintenance requirements in order to approve or disapprove such permits or plans based on conformance to 527 CMR 12.00, referenced standards, and other related laws.
• Establish and maintain liaison with engineers and other professionals, legislative groups, and other interested parties in the planning and review of projects and the investigation and resolution of problems to provide uniformity in the interpretation of applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Respond to inquiries by explaining policies, rules and regulations, and interpreting codes or laws and recommends appropriate referral resources if unable to provide requested service.
• Perform related duties such as preparing reports and correspondence; providing notice to appropriate parties as required, and serving on committees, commissions or boards as a representative of the agency. May help write technical specifications, attend meetings, seminars and workshops to exchange information with state and local officials and other interested parties concerning the conformance to applicability of 527 CMR 12.00, referenced standards, and other related laws.
• May provide technical assistance to electrical contractors, local officials, and the general public regarding the 527 CMR 12.00 and other related laws and regulations by responding to questions, researching and interpreting such, and by providing technical information to agency legal counsel in the preparation of legal documents.
• May assist with resolving differences between local officials and permit holders regarding interpretation of 527 CMR 12.00, laws, rules and regulations.
• May assist with investigating electrical issues concerning manufactured building complaints and identify, through inspections and investigative interviews, issues pertaining to compliance or noncompliance with 527 CMR 12.00 and other applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• May help determine causes amusement ride accidents as such relates to 527 CMR 12.00 by interviewing witnesses and injured parties and by contacting engineers, officials, insurance adjusters, attorneys, and other appropriate sources.

Working Conditions:

Electricians are exposed to the hazards of high voltage; climb and work from ladders and scaffolds; may drive for job related travel; and may work varied hours.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of 527 CMR 12.00, the Massachusetts Electrical Code, and other related codes.
• Knowledge of the principles and theory of electricity.
• Knowledge of basic algebra and arithmetic.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of small hand tools and equipment, including testing equipment, used in electrical work.
• Knowledge of safety practices and precautions observed in the electrical trade.
• Knowledge of inspection techniques used in the electrical trade. 
• Knowledge of safety practices and precautions observed in the electrical trade.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of testing fire alarm systems.
• Knowledge of the procedures and methods followed in the installation of fire alarm systems.
• Skill in the use of precision measuring equipment, gauges and instrumentation used in electrical work.
• Ability to write clearly, concisely, and to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to understand, explain and apply laws, rules and regulations concerning electrical practice.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as electrical plans, schematics, drawings, etc.
• Ability to climb ladders.  
• Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluations; determining subordinates’ training needs and providing or arranging for such training; motivating subordinates to work effectively.

​​​​​​All applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to their online submission for this position.

The successful candidate will be required to pass a criminal background check (CORI) and a physical exam, prior to hire.