Electrical Inspector ​/ Combination Inspector

Join the City of Bellingham as an Electrical or Combination Inspector in the Planning and Community Development Department and apply your technical expertise to ensure that construction projects meet strict safety and code requirements. This role supports high-quality development through thorough inspections, accurate documentation, and clear guidance to contractors, residents, and partner agencies. Inspectors help maintain the City’s commitment to safe, compliant, and well-constructed buildings across our community.

The series performs progressively responsible and complex inspections of new and existing industrial, commercial, multi-family and single-family buildings evaluating electrical systems installations. As additional experience and certifications are gained, this position is also responsible for inspecting building construction, mechanical systems, plumbing systems, to ensure minimum standards exist for fire and life safety, structural integrity and public welfare as well as ensuring compliance with laws, codes and regulations.

Reviews construction plans to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code and related codes, laws and regulations. Investigates compliance complaints. Approves or disapproves the work completed by a contractor or builder and makes recommendations to the contractor for making corrections to meet applicable codes.

For more information, please review the job classification.

Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service, we encourage you to apply.

This position will start at Step 1 ($44.97/hour). Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $44.97 - $58.69. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time:
Fri. 08/28/2026 4:30 PM Pacific Time

• High school graduation or equivalency (GED).
• Four (4) years of experience as a journey-level electrician or equivalent experience as defined by RCW 19.28.321.
• Possess and maintain a journey-level electrician license (or temporary license) issued by the State of Washington.
• Experience and/or training as an electrical inspector with a municipality preferred.
• Must secure and maintain International Code Council Residential Electrical Inspector (E1) Certification within one (1) year of hire
• Must secure and maintain International Code Council Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2) Certification within two (2) years of hire
• Must secure and maintain International Code Council Residential and Commercial Mechanical…