Building Inspector

Overview

In this primarily field‑based position, you will inspect a wide variety of permitted and un‑permitted construction projects and buildings focused on safety and code compliance across Pierce County. The building inspection process will have you developing and sustaining relationships with a diverse group of customers and property owners. You will determine and guide appropriate courses of action while ensuring corrections are completely addressed in a timely manner.

Your reports, logs, and data will be tracked by internal permitting software and shared by others to also follow up on. Your efforts will ensure safe facilities and housing for all across the County.

• Inspects and evaluates buildings or other structures to determine compliance with County code, etc. Initiates and follows through on actions to correct situations of noncompliance.
• Responds to phone calls from the public requesting information regarding County codes and legal specifications or requirements. Handles complaints regarding inspectional work.
• Reviews and/or prepares detailed and accurate reports of inspections, investigations and field visits, maintains and reviews records, prepares correspondence, assists office staff, etc.
• Inspects buildings under construction, alteration or repair for compliance with building, energy and accessibility, and zoning requirements.
• Inspects plumbing installations during construction and examines completed installations for workmanship, etc. Checks appropriate licenses, etc.
• Inspects and evaluates heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning unit installations for compliance with mechanical codes.
• Inspects mobile homes and mobile home parks to ensure compliance with County codes.

• Three or more years of experience in building/construction inspection, general construction, plans examining or related field.
• An Associate of Arts degree in Construction Technology or related field.
• I.C.C., I.A.P.M.O., or equivalent state certification in building, plumbing or mechanical inspection is required.
• Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements, however not the I.C.C., I.A.P.M.O., or equivalent state certification in building, plumbing or mechanical inspection requirement.
• A valid driver’s license is required for this position.

Steps 1 through 6 of the pay range are merit increases based upon performance evaluation. Step 7/8 is a merit increase based upon performance evaluation and receipt of a 2nd ICC/IAPMO certification in one of the three areas, Plans Examiner, Plumbing, and Mechanical. Step 9/10 is a merit increase based upon performance evaluation and receipt of a 3rd ICC/IAPMO certification in the areas of Plans Examiner, Plumbing, and Mechanical.

An employee at step 9 may progress to step 10 upon satisfactory completion of 26 accruable pay cycles. Failure to maintain required certification(s) and/or failure to maintain acceptable performance shall result in loss of merit pay at either steps 7/8 or 9/10.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case‑by‑case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Pierce County is committed to fostering a welcoming workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service. Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected.

This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.