Electrical Inspector / Combination Inspector

City of Bellingham • City of Bellingham, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Join the City of Bellingham as an Electrical or Combination Inspector in the Planning and Community Development Department and apply your technical expertise to ensure that construction projects meet strict safety and code requirements. This role supports high-quality development through thorough inspections, accurate documentation, and clear guidance to contractors, residents, and partner agencies. Inspectors help maintain the City’s commitment to safe, compliant, and well-constructed buildings across our community. JOB SUMMARY: This series performs progressively responsible and complex inspections of new and existing industrial, commercial, multi-family and single-family buildings evaluating electrical systems installations. As additional experience and certifications are gained, this position is also responsible for inspecting building construction; mechanical systems; plumbing systems; to ensure minimum standards exist for fire and life safety; structural integrity and public welfare as well as ensuring compliance with laws, codes and regulations. Reviews construction plans to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code and related codes, laws and regulations. Investigates compliance complaints. Approves or disapproves the work completed by a contractor or builder and makes recommendations to the contractor for making corrections to meet applicable codes.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalency (GED).
• Four (4) years of experience as a journey-level electrician or equivalent experience as defined by RCW 19.28.321.
• Possess and maintain a journey-level electrician license (or temporary license) issued by the State of Washington.
• Must secure and maintain International Code Council Residential Electrical Inspector (E1) Certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Must secure and maintain International Code Council Commercial Electrical Inspector (E2) Certification within two (2) years of hire.
• Must secure and maintain International Code Council Residential and Commercial Mechanical Inspector Certification (M1 & M2) within three (3) years of hire.
• Must secure and maintain International Code Council Residential and Commercial Plumbing Inspector (P1 & P2) or International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) Plumbing Inspector Certification within four (4) years of hire.
• Must secure and maintain International Code Council Residential and Commercial Building Inspector Certification (B1 & B2) within five (5) years of hire.
• Three (3) years of experience as an Electrical Inspector with the City of Bellingham or an equivalent position with another jurisdiction subsequent to obtaining ICC Residential Electrical Inspector (E1) Certification (for Combination Inspector role).
• ICC Residential and Commercial Electrical Inspector (E1 and E2) certification (for Combination Inspector role).
• ICC Residential and Commercial Building Inspector (B1 and B2) certification (for Combination Inspector role).
• ICC Residential and Commercial Mechanical Inspector (M1 and M2) certification (for Combination Inspector role).
• International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) Plumbing Inspector Certification or ICC Residential and Commercial Plumbing Inspector (P1 and P2) certification (for Combination Inspector role).
• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check, child and adult abuse records check and local background check.
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license at time of hire and good driving record.
• A three-year driving record abstract must be submitted at time of hire.
• Failure to secure required certifications or skill standards within established time limits will result in dismissal.

Nice To Haves

• Experience and/or training as an electrical inspector with a municipality preferred.
• Other recognized certifications from ICC, Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), etc., preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs progressively responsible and complex inspections of new and existing industrial, commercial, multi-family and single-family buildings evaluating electrical systems installations.
• Inspects building construction, mechanical systems, and plumbing systems to ensure minimum standards for fire and life safety, structural integrity, and public welfare.
• Ensures compliance with laws, codes, and regulations.
• Reviews construction plans to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code and related codes, laws, and regulations.
• Investigates compliance complaints.
• Approves or disapproves work completed by a contractor or builder.
• Makes recommendations to contractors for corrections to meet applicable codes.

Benefits

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

What This Job Offers

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