Building Inspector / Plans Reviewer

City of Gig Harbor • Gig Harbor, WA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Building Inspector / Plans Reviewer is responsible for reviewing plans and inspecting construction projects, and enforcing construction codes adopted as Chapter 15 of the Gig Harbor Municipal Code. The position ensures that plans and projects comply with city codes and ordinances for building, fire, plumbing, mechanical, energy, ventilation, and indoor air quality. It combines office-based plan review with field inspections and public service, involving direct interaction with property owners, contractors, designers, developers, and community members throughout the construction process.

The position is primarily performed outdoors, including at construction sites and occasionally at emergency scenes, with some work in a climate-controlled office or conference room. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a one-hour meal break. Alternative work arrangements may be available after the probationary period, as decided by the building official/fire marshal. Driving typically requires 20 or more hours per workweek, and local travel is more than 50% of the time. Overnight travel is possible a few times per year for conferences related to the position.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Two years of increasingly responsible work experience in construction plan review and/or inspection of construction projects.
• One International Code Council (ICC) certification as a building plans examiner or building inspector upon hire; both certifications must be obtained within one year of hire and maintained during employment.
• Valid Washington State driver's license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and at least two years of driving experience.
• History of and ability to maintain safe and responsible driving that meets the city's motor vehicle record minimum driving requirements.
• Ability to pass position-relevant pre-employment screening.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of building construction materials and methods; building, fire, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes; and the legal aspects of code enforcement.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with employees, the public, and other stakeholders; prepare technical papers and reports; and use a computer for documents, records, data entry, email, and internet access.
• Ability to collaborate and maintain effective working relationships with the public, development community, city employees and officials, and allied agency personnel.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, calculations, and code provisions, and relate them to actual site conditions.
• Ability to perform effectively in high-stress, emergency, and time-critical situations, and to follow through on assignments in a timely and efficient manner.
• Ability to wear protective clothing and equipment as needed, including a hardhat, weather gear, boots, goggles, gloves, knee pads, and respiratory and ear protection.
• Ability to meet the position's physical demands, including prolonged sitting, keyboard use, standing, walking, occasional climbing, balancing, bending, squatting, stooping, crawling, reaching, and lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying objects up to 10 pounds occasionally and up to 30 pounds infrequently.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and around construction activity, noise, moving vehicles, heavy machinery, dust, mud, unstable or damaged structures, hazardous environments, and potentially angry customers.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with construction software such as Bluebeam.
• Both ICC building plans examiner and building inspector certifications within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Consult with the public, designers, developers, and others in the construction industry about code requirements before, during, and after construction.
• Review plans, specifications, calculations, and other documents for compliance with code requirements.
• Inspect construction work to verify compliance with adopted codes, approved plans, and specifications.
• Investigate work being conducted without an approved permit and issue stop-work orders when appropriate.
• Prepare clear, concise requests for additional information, correction reports, and inspection notes for projects under review and construction.
• Maintain accurate reports and records of plan-review and inspection activities.
• May support leading part-time, temporary, or intern personnel within the division.
• Maintain punctual and reliable attendance.
• Perform field inspections and travel to work sites, meetings, trainings, and conferences as needed.

What This Job Offers

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