Building Inspector I/II/III

City of Vancouver

2d•$73,416 - $121,236•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Vancouver is recruiting a Building Inspector I/II/III to perform field inspections throughout residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects. The position verifies that construction conforms to approved plans and construction documents and complies with applicable city and state codes, regulations, ordinances, and amendments. Inspections cover stages from grading and foundation through final completion, including structural integrity, life safety, mechanical and plumbing systems, energy efficiency, accessibility, site work, and overall site development. The inspector assists contractors, architects, engineers, and property owners with construction-code questions and the inspection process; documents inspection results and deficiencies in the city’s digital permit tracking system; issues correction notices and field occupancy approvals; and coordinates with city staff and external project participants to resolve compliance matters. The role also supports plan review and permitting teams, travels between job sites in an assigned city vehicle, and performs other assigned duties. This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt union position covered by an agreement between the City and the JLC union. The schedule is Monday through Friday. The position is subject to a pre-employment reference check, basic criminal background check, and driving abstract.

Requirements

Minimum high school diploma or GED.
Level I: At least two years of work experience in building construction or trades and working knowledge of essential building codes.
Level II: Two years of increasingly responsible experience in building construction, or one year of experience as a Building Inspector in municipal government.
Level III: Two years of increasingly responsible experience as a Building Inspector in municipal government.
Level I: Valid driver’s license.
Level II: Valid driver’s license and ICC certification in at least one building inspection area.
Level III: Valid driver’s license and ICC certification in at least two distinct building inspection areas.
Knowledge of International Building, Residential, Fire, and Mechanical Codes (IBC, IRC, IFC, IMC), the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and applicable Washington State and City amendments and municipal ordinances.
Knowledge of construction-material standards, specifications, and proper installation and use; municipal building department operations and inspection services; foundational structural design principles; and applicable federal, state, and local construction, public safety, and accessibility laws.
Ability to use field laptops, smartphones, and mobile inspection applications, and to operate a personal computer and appropriate software.
Competency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing, provide high-quality customer service, and maintain respectful, collaborative working relationships.
Ability to work as a team player, provide quality service, maintain regular and dependable attendance, and act consistently with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles.
Commitment to inclusion, valuing differences, and treating others with respect.
Ability to promote safety, recognize hazardous conditions, work responsibly, use personal protective equipment, follow safety policies and procedures, and report unsafe conditions.

Nice To Haves

Trade school or associate-level education in construction technology or a related field.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Assist contractors, architects, engineers, and property owners with technical aspects of construction codes and the inspection process.
Inspect residential, commercial, and industrial structures at various stages of new construction, alteration, and remodeling to verify compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and amendments.
Evaluate structural integrity, life safety, mechanical and plumbing systems, energy efficiency, accessibility, site work, and overall site development.
Issue formal correction notices when field construction deviates from approved plans, specifications, or adopted regulatory codes.
Record inspection results, field data, and technical notes in the city’s digital permit tracking system, and prepare administrative reports related to inspections and enforcement.
Document construction deficiencies and the actions required to obtain final approval.
Participate in project coordination meetings with city staff, contractors, architects, engineers, and building owners to clarify inspection workflows, code requirements, and compliance timelines.
Collaborate with plans examiners, the Fire Marshal’s Office, Public Works, and other city departments to coordinate inspections and resolve compliance issues.
Issue field occupancy approvals according to City policies and applicable codes.
Support plan review and permit teams by providing field information and site feedback and coordinating permit and inspection processes.
Safely and responsibly operate assigned city vehicles to travel between job sites.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.