Building Inspector

Pay

Pays $38.48 to $44.62 per hour. This position is eligible for bilingual pay, which would increase the base pay by 2% for a range of $39.25 to $45.51.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; an HRA VEBA account may also be provided; retirement benefits include a choice between PERS 2 or 3 and optional Deferred Compensation. The City recognizes 11 paid holidays and provides up to 2 personal holidays annually. Vacation leave is accrued at 0.0385 hours per straight‑time hour in the first 2 years of employment, with increases thereafter.

Employees earn 0.0462 hours of sick leave per regular straight‑time hour paid.

Ensures minimum safety standards are met for all structures within the City by reviewing plans and specifications for code compliance, inspecting construction, and enforcing municipal and building codes.

Performs a variety of duties to accommodate growth within the City, including interpretation of various codes, providing and communicating alternatives to bring a structure into conformity with applicable codes, and conducting plan check reviews of proposed projects.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

• Conduct physical inspections of construction projects at each phase of completion to ensure compliance with applicable codes and safety standards.
• Review construction applications and plans to verify code compliance.
• Review construction plans and specifications for compliance prior to issuance of permits and during the construction project.
• Approve permits for new construction and for remodeling projects on existing structures.
• Approve occupancy permits upon completion of construction projects.
• Answer questions and inquiries from the public, contractors, and other parties in an accurate and timely manner; provide code interpretations as requested.
• Coordinate with all involved parties during ongoing construction projects.
• Assist with preparation of monthly and quarterly reports to inform various state and local agencies of building activity.
• Conduct inspections on City facilities as needed.
• Document and retain files of customer questions related to coordination of projects or activities.
• Remain current on all code changes through continuing education.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy Director, Community Development.
• Dependable and regular attendance is required.

The position will have a variety of contacts in person, via telephone, electronic communication, or mail correspondence with citizens, various City departments and personnel, planning groups and agencies, contractors, and design professionals.

Work is performed indoors and outdoors, may require confined spaces and noisy work areas, and may expose the employee to hazards such as extreme temperatures, chemicals, noxious fumes, machinery, construction hazards, open trenches, traffic, and specialized equipment. Protective clothing or equipment may be required, including hard hats, safety glasses, and hearing protection. The employee may be required to attend meetings outside normal work hours.

Telecommuting is permitted at the supervisor’s discretion.

Knowledge of building plan review, building codes (international, Washington State, uniform plumbing code), modern construction methods, structural engineering concepts, inspection techniques, recordkeeping and permit system procedures, and office equipment and procedures. Ability to interpret and apply codes, read blueprints, perform on‑site inspections, basic math, maintain accurate records, respond professionally to requests, communicate clearly, establish effective relationships, prioritize workload, multitask, exhibit fairness, and work with little direction.

Ability to stand or walk for long periods, work in and on structures under construction, climb, bend, operate in tight or confined areas, with close vision, color vision, depth perception, and far vision. Must hear alarms and identify hazard presence. Corrective lenses may be used.