Combination Building Inspector / Plans Examiner

City of Burien • Burien, WA

1d

About The Position

The City of Burien is hiring a journey-level Combination Building Inspector / Plans Examiner for its Building Division. The position handles plan reviews and inspections for residential and less complex commercial projects. The employee works independently on routine matters; complex or non-standard projects are referred to the Senior Combination Building Inspector/Plans Examiner or the Building Official.

The role includes reviewing plans and engineering calculations, inspecting construction, issuing corrections and violations, approving permits and certificates of occupancy for routine projects, and providing building-code and City-procedure guidance. It also performs permit-technician duties, such as responding to public inquiries, checking applications for completeness, routing blueprints, and issuing permits. The position may attend pre-construction meetings, assist Code Compliance Officers, and serve on employee committees.

Work is split between the office and the field. Field conditions may include construction noise, varied weather, rough terrain, ladders, scaffolding, heights, and open trenches. The job requires the ability to push, pull, lift, and carry 10 pounds. The recruitment is open until filled, with the first application review scheduled for November 17, 2026.

Requirements

• An associate degree in building inspection technology, or equivalent continuing education and training, and three years of responsible building, construction, and/or plan review experience; alternatively, a combination of experience and training that provides the necessary knowledge and skills.
• Current ICC Certification as a Residential Building Inspector.
• Ability to earn ICC Residential Plans Examiner certification within the 12-month trial period.
• Ability to earn ICC/IAPMO Residential Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector certification, or ICC Residential Combination Inspector certification, within six months of hire.
• A valid Washington driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
• Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish and/or Vietnamese.
• An engineering background.

Responsibilities

• Review plans for compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, energy conservation, and accessibility codes.
• Inspect residential and commercial construction at various stages to verify that work matches City-approved documents.
• Issue notices of correction and violations.
• Approve permits and certificates of occupancy for routine projects.
• Provide contractors, developers, architects, engineers, and the public with building-code guidance and information about City procedures.
• Answer public inquiries, check permit applications for completeness, route blueprints, and issue permits.
• Attend pre-construction meetings.
• Assist Code Compliance Officers.
• Serve on employee committees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree