Building Inspector

Description Summary

Why it's a great opportunity: In this primarily field based position, you will inspect a wide variety of permitted and un-permitted construction projects and buildings focused on safety and code compliance all across Pierce County. The building inspection process will have you developing and sustaining relationships with a diverse group of customers and property owners. You will determine and guide appropriate courses of action while ensuring corrections are completely addressed in a timely manner. Your reports, logs, and data will be tracked by internal permitting software and shared by others to also follow up on. Your efforts will ensure safe facilities and housing for all across the County.

Why it's a great department: PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few! Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.

How to be successful in the role

Your success will come from providing excellent and positive customer service as you act independently, balancing your time and workload. Staying on top of policy and procedural changes, Learning the Pierce County code, and consistently training with the team will further ensure your success.

Your future in this role

You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core Daily Responsibilities

• Inspects and evaluates buildings or other structures to determine compliance with County code, etc.
• Initiates and follows through on actions to correct situations of noncompliance.
• Responds to phone calls from the public requesting information regarding County codes and legal specifications or requirements.
• Handles complaints regarding inspectional work.
• Reviews and/or prepares detailed and accurate reports of inspections, investigations and field visits, maintains and reviews records, prepares correspondence, assists office staff, etc.
• Inspects buildings under construction, alteration or repair for compliance with building, energy and accessibility, and zoning requirements.
• Checks appropriate licenses, etc.
• Inspects and evaluates heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning unit installations for compliance with mechanical codes.
• Inspects mobile homes and mobile home parks to ensure compliance with County codes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in building/construction inspection, general construction, plans examining or related field.
• An Associate of Arts degree in Construction Technology or related field.
• I.C.C., I.A.P.M.O., or equivalent state certification in building, plumbing or mechanical inspection is required.

Special Note

• Steps 1 through 6 of the pay range are merit increases based upon performance evaluation.
• Step 7/8 is a merit increase based upon performance evaluation and receipt of a 2nd ICC/IAPMO certification in one of the three areas, Plans Examiner, Plumbing, or Mechanical.
• Step 9/10 is a merit increase based upon performance evaluation and receipt of a 3rd ICC/IAPMO certification in the areas of Plans Examiner, Plumbing, and Mechanical.
• An employee at step 9 may progress to step 10 upon satisfactory completion of (26) accruable pay cycles.
• Failure to maintain required certification(s) and/or failure to maintain acceptable performance shall result in loss of merit pay at either steps "7/8" or "9/10."