Inspector/Plans Examiner

Under the direction of the Building Official perform complex inspections of residential,  commercial, multi-family, and industrial construction projects, installation methods, and materials to ensure compliance with city, state, and building codes, ordinances and regulations; examine construction drawings and specifications; provide information concerning building codes and requirements; approve, sign and maintain building inspection documents; conduct other inspections as directed by the Building Official; investigate public complaints to assure compliance with City building and related codes; perform technical review of construction plans, specifications and materials to determine compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical and related City, State and International building codes, ordinances and regulations and safety standards.

Perform residential, commercial, multi-family,  and industrial on-site inspections at various stages of construction, alteration and repair to assure compliance with City codes and ordinances, safety standards and State and national codes and regulations, including the International Building Code (IBC), Uniform Plumbing Code, (UPC), 
International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC), Washington State Energy Codes and regulations for barrier-free facilities.

Write detailed correction notices whenever code violations are discovered during inspections.

Conduct re-inspections to assure correction of noted violations; locate and resolve illegal construction; suspend work at construction sites if violations have not been corrected within allotted time lines; approve final construction prior to occupancy.

Inspect sites for grading, soil excavation and other proposed land modifications for compliance with approved site plan; inspect and monitor temporary erosion control measures on residential properties, monitor damage to city infrastructure from construction related activity in residential developments and take appropriate action to correct.

Interpret and explain ordinances, codes and regulations; communicate with fire, law enforcement, water and sewer and other community and governmental agencies.

Perform technical review of construction plans to determine and assure compliance with building, fire, plumbing, mechanical, energy conservation, accessibility and related City, State and national construction codes, ordinances and regulations.

Evaluate construction plans, specifications, soils reports and engineering calculations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards; provide processing and request technical information from engineers, architects, developers and the public, related to code compliance.

Conduct technical code research, prepare reports and maintain records related to special projects as assigned.

Respond to public and contractor questions concerning application of building codes, construction issues and  the City’s administrative procedures. Answer questions by telephone, in person or in the field regarding construction, land use and development related regulations.

Perform permit specialist duties at front counter as required; answer public inquiries and review permit applications for completeness; route Plans and other documents to City departments for review and approval.

Maintain knowledge of changes in construction codes and code development improvements to technological, architectural and installation of building materials; review professional codebooks, technical journals and ordinances.

Investigate and resolve complaints concerning alleged violations of City ordinances such as unlawful cutting of trees; litter on property; unlawful grading and clearing; and, initiate required actions to remedy these situations.

Prepare and maintain a variety of records, reports and orders including inspection records, correction, Stop Work and Do Not Occupy notices.

Operate a variety of office equipment, including a personal computer and permit tracking system software, word processor, engineering scales and calculator; operate vehicles and use power and hand tools in order to perform assigned duties.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination equivalent to: Experience as construction worker, or two years college-level or trade school course work in construction technology, construction management, architecture, building inspection technology or related field; or, experience as a building inspector or plans examiner or trade school course work, construction technology, construction management, architecture, building inspection technology or related field.

Licenses and other requirements
Incumbents must obtain ICC certifications for commercial or residential Building Inspector within one year in this classification and obtain ICC certifications for commercial or residential Plans Examiner within the first two years in this classification; valid Washington State driver's license.
Current ICC certification as a residential or commercial Inspector, and residential or commercial Plans Examiner, preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures related to plans review, building inspection and code enforcement.
• Design and engineering principles, techniques and practices.
• Federal, State and local building, plumbing and mechanical codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Building tools and materials, accepted safety standards and modern methods of building construction, alteration and repair.
• Methods, techniques, policies and procedures used in building inspection.
• Plans examination and review procedures.
• Report preparation and records maintenance procedures.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• City organization, operations, policies and objectives. 
• Construction tools, equipment, materials, safety standards and modern methods of building construction, alteration and repair.
• Operation of a computer and related permitting and engineering software.

Ability to:

• Perform complex and technical review of construction plans to determine and assure compliance with building, fire, plumbing, mechanical, energy conservation, accessing and related City, State and International construction codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Perform a variety of inspections of construction sites, installation methods and materials to assure compliance with Federal, State and City codes and ordinances, State and national codes and regulations and safety standards.
• Evaluate construction plans, specifications, soils reports and engineering calculations to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards.
• Provide information concerning construction codes and requirements and investigate public complaints to assure compliance with City building and related codes.
• Perform field inspections of buildings under construction or alternation.
• Work and communicate effectively with the public, contractors, developers and co-workers, both orally and in writing.
• Provide information and technical assistance to engineers, architects, developers and the public related to code enforcement.
• Read, interpret, apply and explain regulations, codes, plans, policies and procedures.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. 
• Prepare clear and concise correspondence and written materials.
• Work independently with little direction. 
• Physical ability to perform the essential job functions.
• Demonstrated ability to positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal.

Environmental Conditions/Physical Effort:
Work is performed in both office and field environments and requires travel to a variety of locations to perform work.  Employee may be exposed to noise from basic office equipment operation, all weather conditions, and to conditions and hazards from obstacles, heights and open trenches associated with construction sites. May also be exposed to potentially hazardous materials and equipment, fumes or vapors.  Walking over rough terrain and some climbing will be required.

Salary : $88,092 - $111,564