Plans Examiner​/Building Inspector II

Salary and Benefits

Pay ranges from $42.71 to $49.54 per hour. Eligible for bilingual pay, increasing the base by 2% to $43.56 to $50.53. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. A Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account may also be provided. Retirement benefits offer a choice between PERS 2 or 3 and optional Deferred Compensation. The City recognizes 11 paid holidays and provides up to two personal holidays annually.

Vacation leave accrues at 0.0385 hours per straight‑time hour worked in the first two years, increasing thereafter. Employees earn 0.0462 hours of sick leave per straight‑time hour worked.

Under the direction of the Deputy Director Community Development, examine and review building construction plans to determine compliance with code requirements. May assist building inspectors and fill in for Building Inspector I to inspect construction sites to ensure compliance with applicable ordinances, regulations, and safety standards.

The Plans Examiner/Building Inspector II performs a variety of duties related to residential and commercial development, including plan check and review of proposed projects, and the interpretation of applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and environmental codes. Provides explanations and guidance regarding applicable codes to customers, citizens, City staff and other interested parties.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Will coordinate workload with Building Inspector I and/or outside consultants.

• Perform complex and technical review of construction plans and building proposals to ensure compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, accessibility, Washington State Energy Code and all applicable local, state, and federal standards.
• Review and evaluate proposed building plans and specifications to ensure compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, environmental, flood hazard, design, energy, barrier‑free requirements, grading, and related codes.
• Explain codes, policies, and procedures to developers, contractors, and the public over the phone, in the field, and in writing.
• Perform residential, commercial, and industrial on‑site inspections as needed at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with applicable codes and minimal safety standards.
• Prepare written documentation to advise applicants of plan and design requirements.
• Interpret and explain applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations to engineers, architects, developers, other agencies, and the public.
• Research problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings and construction.
• Evaluate, recommend, and prepare revisions to codes, ordinances, and local regulations as assigned.
• Maintain knowledge of changes in construction codes and review professional code books, journals, and ordinances.
• Respond timely and professionally to public and contractor questions concerning codes, construction issues, and City administrative procedure.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of approved plans and assigned inspections.
• Attend and represent the department at meetings as directed.
• Reliability and regular attendance are required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Will have contact with citizens, various City departments, planning groups and agencies, contractors, and design professionals.

Work is performed indoors and outdoors, possibly in confined spaces or noisy work areas. Workers may be exposed to extremes in temperature, chemicals, noxious fumes, machinery, construction zones, open trenches, traffic, and specialized equipment. Protective clothing or equipment may be required, including hard hats, safety glasses, and hearing protection. Overtime may be required.

Knowledge of construction codes including Washington state building codes, uniform plumbing code, and the 2018 International Building Code (IBC); applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures related to plans review, building inspection, and code…