Building Inspector I

Franklin County • Franklin County Courthouse Campus - Pasco WA, WA

6d

About The Position

Reviews construction plans and performs and completes inspections of buildings and structures in accordance with department and County policies and procedures and applicable regulations and codes. The role conducts inspections of commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and supports code compliance through notices, reports, correspondence, technical guidance, and recordkeeping. It also includes processing permit invoices and payments, monitoring changes to relevant rules and codes, and pursuing continued professional development.

The position requires daily travel within the County to perform inspections using a County vehicle. Work may occur outdoors in varying weather, at active construction sites, and in an office environment. Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required occasionally for disaster response and building safety inspections. Regional or state travel may occasionally be needed for conferences or training.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Vocational or college coursework in building construction and the International Building Codes.
• One year of experience in building construction or inspection.
• Experience working with the public.
• Alternatively, a combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.
• Basic knowledge of County business and financial processes, County and department policies and procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
• Proficient knowledge of inspection principles, practices, procedures, techniques, terminology, and related tools and technology, including construction stages and materials for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
• Proficient troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, including analyzing information, identifying alternatives, interpreting compliance documentation, assessing consequences, and implementing recommendations.
• Proficient time-management and organizational skills.
• Basic data-entry and typing skills, and basic ability to use Word, Outlook, and the internet for research.
• Ability to learn the County’s current plan-review software.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, maps, and engineered drawings and compare them with construction in progress.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information, policies, requirements, and procedures to colleagues and the public.
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain courteous, tactful, and discreet working relationships with colleagues, other agencies, vendors, public officials, and the public.
• Ability to present information, findings, proposals, or training effectively to varied audiences.
• Eligibility for coverage by the County’s liability insurance carrier and successful completion of the required background check.
• Valid driver’s license if driving a vehicle for County business.
• Ability to meet the described physical demands, including handling or operating tools or equipment, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, and carrying or transporting loads.

Nice To Haves

• Residential and Commercial Building Inspector Certification from the International Code Council (ICC).
• Ability to earn continuing education credits and pass testing to maintain certification.

Responsibilities

• Inspect commercial, industrial, and residential buildings in accordance with applicable codes, procedures, and approved building plans.
• Create, provide, and file notices and take related actions based on inspection results to support compliance with codes and regulations.
• Complete routine inspection reports and correspondence and respond to requests, inquiries, complaints, and questions by researching and communicating policy or code interpretations, technical information, recommendations, advice, reports, or answers within the role’s authority; refer matters as appropriate.
• Provide code interpretations, advice, and alternative solutions to contractors, departments, and property owners.
• Create and maintain code-enforcement records, including files, lists, logs, and other documentation systems, using computerized and manual systems.
• Create invoices and process payments received for permits in accordance with department and County practices.
• Monitor and communicate trends and changes in relevant federal, state, and local rules, laws, appeals, regulations, codes, and ordinances; recommend updates to policies, procedures, manuals, forms, workflow documents, and recordkeeping practices.
• Develop professional skills and knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing technical publications, and establishing professional networks.
• Drive a County vehicle and travel within the County to perform inspections; occasionally travel regionally or statewide for conferences or training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED