Construction Inspector - Residential Plan Review / Inspector

Kitsap County•Port Orchard, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Kitsap County’s Department of Community Development is hiring a Construction Inspector, which may be filled at the Construction Technician, Construction Inspector 1, or Construction Inspector 2 level depending on experience and qualifications. The position supports safe, affordable, structurally sound, and environmentally safe homes and developments by reviewing plans, inspecting construction, and ensuring compliance with applicable codes and ordinances. The department offers an auto-progression program with training, education, certification support, and advancement opportunities within the Construction Inspector series. Duties vary by level. Construction Technicians assist with residential plan reviews, inspections, compliance activities, permit-related public inquiries, calculations, site evaluations, records, and code research. Construction Inspector 1 employees review plans, inspect construction, authorize or deny permits, identify and communicate corrections, address deficiencies and safety hazards, conduct compliance inspections and site evaluations, and maintain permit records and certifications. Construction Inspector 2 employees perform journey-level reviews of residential plans and inspections of residential and commercial construction, investigate complaints, identify code compliance issues, recommend abatements or condemnations when warranted, and may train or supervise staff and lead process-improvement efforts. The position is eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is covered by an AFSCME 1308 collective bargaining agreement. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The successful candidate must reside and work in Washington State, meet the position’s driving requirements, and obtain a valid Washington State driver’s license before hire. Depending on assignment, the employee may operate a County-owned vehicle. A medical evaluation, including physical, fitness, and audiometric testing, is required. The position is open until filled.

Requirements

Construction Technician: Two years of general office work, permit issuance, and/or person-to-person public service in an office environment. Related education may substitute for up to six months of experience.
Construction Inspector 1: Three years of experience related to permitting, plan review, inspection, or code compliance; alternatively, one year as a Construction Technician at Kitsap County, or related education may substitute for up to one year of experience.
Construction Inspector 1: Current International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Residential Plans Examiner or Inspector.
Construction Inspector 2: Associate’s degree in Construction Technology or a closely related field from an accredited college or university and two years of code compliance, construction plan review, or construction project inspection experience; alternatively, one year as a Construction Inspector 1 at Kitsap County.
Construction Inspector 2: Relevant work experience may substitute for educational requirements, but work experience is essential and cannot be replaced by additional education.
Construction Inspector 2: At least two approved ICC certifications.
All candidates must provide a complete application demonstrating relevant experience and qualifications; the application must include total years of relevant experience quantified on a full-time-equivalency basis.
Successful candidate must authorize and complete a criminal background check and pass a medical evaluation that includes physical, fitness, and audiometric testing.
Successful candidate must meet driving requirements, provide a current driving record or abstract for review, obtain a valid Washington State driver’s license before hire, and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
Construction Technician must satisfactorily complete an in-house training program and obtain at least one ICC Residential Plans Examiner or Residential Building Inspector certification within 12 months of employment.
Construction Inspector 1 must satisfactorily complete an in-house training program and obtain at least one additional ICC Residential Plans Examiner, ICC Residential Construction Inspector, or other approved certification within 12 months of employment.
Construction Inspector 2 candidates must have at least two ICC certifications at hire and complete an in-house training program.

Nice To Haves

One year of supervisory or lead worker experience.
Additional years of experience.
Additional ICC certifications.
Experience in residential building plan review or inspection in a County or City jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

Assist with or perform residential plan reviews and inspections for compliance with applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, energy, fire, flood hazard, and accessibility codes and ordinances, as appropriate to the position level.
Perform mathematical calculations related to building height, stories, heat loss, structural components, soils, stress compliance, and load-bearing capacity.
Prepare and communicate plan-review corrections, clarifications, and post-inspection correction lists to applicants, contractors, engineers, and builders.
Authorize or deny permits at the Construction Inspector 1 level.
Notify property owners of deficiencies and safety hazards, issue notices of non-compliance, establish time limits, and write follow-up letters.
Respond to public inquiries about construction, permits, codes, application procedures, and available alternatives in person, in writing, and by phone.
Consult with applicants about code requirements and potential construction problems; maintain office hours and meet with applicants and the public.
Perform site evaluations and inspections, including inspections supporting code-compliance activities.
Investigate complaints and verify whether site conditions or uses comply with County ordinances and whether required permits have been obtained.
Recommend abatements or condemnations when public health, safety, or welfare may be at risk, and direct or support abatement and cleanup actions.
Use the department’s record-keeping and permit management system to track permit activities, inspection results, permit files, and permit status.
Keep current on changing codes and building practices through continuing education and relevant publications; maintain required certifications.
At the Inspector 2 level, may assign, delegate, coach, develop, and train staff; contribute to performance appraisals and employee selection or discipline; and participate in or lead process-improvement efforts.