Senior Building Official & Plans Examiner; Hybrid

Position: Senior Building Official & Plans Examiner (Hybrid)
Location: Northern

NOTE:The application period has now closed. Only Priority Placement Program participant applications will be added to the candidate pool.

The Department of Local Services, Permitting Divisionis recruiting for a Building Official (Engineer IV).This role provides supervision, technical leadership, and operational guidance will overseespecializedplan examination of building plans and supporting documentation for structures and developments; as well as field inspections of single family, multi-family, commercial buildings, and other structures to ensure compliance with structural, life safety, energy, mechanical, accessibility, and other applicable county, state, and federal building codes and regulations.

The Building Official applies codes in complex, real-world scenarios, navigates gray areas thoughtfully, and helps customers find safe, solutions-oriented outcomes. This position requires strong emotional intelligence, the ability to work with a diverse customer base, and the skill to streamline processes while fostering productive relationships across teams, divisions, and departments.

The ideal candidate has broad, end-to-end knowledge of permitting and is committed to delivering exceptional customer service. This role requires someone who can solve complex problems, communicate clearly with field staff and customers, and lead with a balanced combination of technical expertise, operational judgment, and collaborative relationship-building.

About the Department of Local Services:
King County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office, and the Road Services and Permitting Divisions. Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to all unincorporated areas.

Our Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice

The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity and Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.

To learn more about the Permitting Division please visit our website atKing County Permits.

Applying equity, racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will:

• Supervise and support building inspection staff, providing day-to-day guidance, coaching, and performance oversight while fostering strong, collaborative field operations.

• Provide technical leadership to plan review staff, ensuring consistent interpretation and application of building codes across the division.

• Interpret and apply building codes in complex, real-world scenarios, including situations with ambiguity, competing constraints, or incomplete information.

• Resolve complex permitting and construction challenges by applying codes thoughtfully in gray areas and identifying safe, compliant solutions.

• Respond to customer inquiries involving code interpretation, construction feasibility, and permitting requirements, providing clear, accurate, and empathetic guidance.

• Conduct site visits and make field determinations on complex or sensitive projects, including identifying unsafe conditions, determining…