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Code Technician IV / Plans Examiner

Cowlitz County
Kelso, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 2/24/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/24/2025

This position ensures and enforces building compliance according to county ordinances and building codes. This position reviews building plans and larger scale building/construction/remodeling projects and investigates these building sites/projects prior to and after the issuance of required permits as required by county codes and ordinances. 


First review of applicants will take place on February 20th, 2025.

Benefits Information:
Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:
  • Medical/Dental/Vision  (includes dependent coverage)
  • VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
  • Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
  • Life Insurance 
  • Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
  • Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Reasonable work hours

The County
Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work. Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas.
  1. Assume the lead in more complicated field inspections, and examine and reviews plans for more complex, large, commercial and industrial sites/projects to ensure compliance with county codes and ordinances.
  2. Compute beams, analyze strength of materials, and evaluate truss design to ensure the structural integrity of structures in accordance with recognized engineering assumptions.
  3. Examine and review plans and specifications, especially on the more complex commercial and industrial structures to assure compliance with county codes and ordinances.
  4. Perform field inspections of commercial, industrial and large scale or complicated projects by visually inspecting new construction and alteration projects for compliance to building codes, approved plans and specifications, requirements relating to soil conditions, property line setbacks, foundations, structure assembly, and fire/life safety requirements.
  5. Secures evidence in cases of violation and recommends possible remedial procedures to gain code and ordinance compliance. Assist and advice builders, contractors, engineers, architects and/or owners on methods and ways to achieve compliance.
  6. Respond to complaints from the public under the direction of the Senior Building Inspector and/or the Building Official.
  7. Prepare reports of inspections and investigations and maintain records of such. Perform a diversity of clerical and administrative duties to maintain and perform the permit process and maintain its efficiency and timeliness.
  8. Attend and participates in staff meetings. Provide input and recommendations to improve own work processes and the general operation, performance and services provided by the department.
  9. Attend to training and maintain up to date in ordinance, codes, and legal changes pertaining to the trade and related subjects.
  10. Provide back-up support for public counter duties.

Non-Essential Duties:

  1. Perform other duties and projects as assigned by supervisors.
  1. Possess and maintain certifications issued by the International Code Council for residential and commercial classes of Building Inspector and residential and commercial Plumbing Inspector and residential and commercial Mechanical Inspector, and residential and commercial Building Plans Examiner.
  2. Four (4) years of experience in all types of construction inspection and code enforcement (except electrical). Two (2) years of experience may be substituted for two (2) years of technical, trade or college education or schooling in construction, structure design, building codes or related field, or a combination of education, training and experience which would provide the necessary skills and abilities to perform the job as determined by the department.
  3. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
  1. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with the public and others requiring services.
  2. Work in a cooperative and teamwork environment, as well as able to perform work in a multi-task work environment.
  3. Work under deadline requirements and handle public pressure or disgruntled public.
  4. Skills to effectively and clearly communicate and explain processes and legal aspects to the public, and those served by the department. Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing and in a professional business-like manner.
  5. Possess a good general understanding of the codes and ordinances that related to the functions of the department and codes division, and able to interpret and apply them. Read, understand and interpret plans, drawings and specifications.
  6. Ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.

Salary : $82,452 - $96,996

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