Building Inspector

City-of-Lakewood,-W; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lakewood is seeking a Building Inspector to conduct inspections of commercial and residential projects to verify compliance with adopted codes and approved documents. This AFSCME represented position requires ensuring sites meet IBC, IRC, IMC, UPC, and local regulations.

Responsibilities include inspecting throughout construction stages, interpreting codes for on-site staff, and maintaining comprehensive inspection records and correspondence.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years post-secondary education AND three years building inspection experience AND four years of general construction experience.

Responsibilities

• Inspect commercial and residential buildings to ensure compliance with adopted codes and approved plans.
• Perform building, mechanical, and plumbing inspections during construction and upon completion.
• Review plans and provide interpretation of applicable codes to on-site personnel.
• Provide plan review backup for construction plans as needed to ensure code compliance.
• Maintain inspection records and generate notices, reports, and written materials.
• Attend seminars to stay current on code requirements and city ordinances.

Skills

Field inspections

Code interpretation

Communication

Independent work

Recordkeeping

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Under the supervision of the Building Official, perform inspections of commercial and residential projects for compliance with adopted codes and ordinances and verify that site construction work is in accordance with the approved project plans and documents.

This is an AFSCME represented position.

Responsibilities

Perform building, mechanical, and plumbing inspections of commercial/residential buildings; inspect construction sites, installation methods, and materials during construction and upon completion of commercial, industrial, multi-family and single-family structures to assure compliance with standards, codes, and regulations.

Inspect buildings at various stages of construction and upon completion for compliance to approved plans and the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), state amendments, local ordinances, and other applicable requirements.

Provide assistance to on‑site construction personnel, including interpretation and explanation of applicable codes.

Provide backup plan review for construction plans of various assigned projects to assure compliance with applicable building codes.

Answer questions by telephone, in person, or in the field regarding construction, plumbing, structural, insulation, plan requirements, and requirements for persons with disabilities; apply, explain, and enforce code requirements and ordinances.

Work with other departmental staff to improve the effectiveness of the City's inspection methods and residential building permits submittal.

Maintain inspection related records and files, and prepare related reports.

Operate computer equipment to maintain inspection records and generate notices and other written materials.

Monitor construction projects to detect conditions that may require changes in construction sequence; inform builders of code violations and necessary action for compliance.

Operate related equipment, including calculator, levels, gauges, light meters, rules, and tapes.

Investigate and resolve complaints concerning alleged violations of City ordinances; assist City departments with inspection concerns and related information as necessary.

Attend seminars and meetings and maintain current knowledge of code requirements and related City ordinances.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to at least two (2) years of relevant post‑secondary education AND three (3) years of experience in building inspection AND four (4) years of experience in general construction.

Required Knowledge

• International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Field inspection methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Construction procedures and methods.
• Mechanical and plumbing plans examination and review procedures.
• Report preparation and records maintenance procedures.
• Technical knowledge of specific systems inspected.
• Health and safety regulations.

Abilities

Abilities include the following:

• Perform field inspections of facilities under construction or alteration.
• Ensure compliance with state, local codes, ordinances, and applicable building codes.
• Work and communicate effectively with the public, contractors, developers, and co-workers.
• Resolve conflicts in a positive manner.
• Read and interpret codes, building plans, and specifications.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Organize and maintain accurate records.
• Prepare clear and concise correspondence and written materials.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and accurately.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Assure proper inspection of building codes and ordinances to protect lives and property.