Building Inspector

Pierce County; Washington; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County is seeking a field-based Building Inspector to inspect a wide range of construction projects and buildings across the county for safety and code compliance. You will develop relationships with property owners and customers, guide corrective actions, and document findings in internal systems.

The role emphasizes independent work, adherence to policies, and ongoing professional development. Opportunities for career growth exist within the Planning and Public Works Department, with

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in building/construction inspection or related field.
• Associate degree in Construction Technology or related field.
• ICC, IAPMO, or equivalent state certification in building, plumbing or mechanical inspection is required.

Responsibilities

• Inspect buildings or structures to determine compliance with County code; initiate and follow through on corrections.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding codes and requirements; handle complaints about inspections.
• Prepare detailed reports of inspections and field visits; maintain records and correspondence.

Skills

Field inspection

Code compliance

Education

AA in Construction

Job description

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'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.
• Inspects plumbing installations during construction and examines completed installations for workmanship, etc. 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

• Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements, however not the I.C.C., I.A.P.M.O., or equivalent state certification in building, plumbing or mechanical inspection requirement.
• 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.
• A resume and cover Letter are required for this position.
• A valid drivers license is required for this position.

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". As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Supplemental Information

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive's Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.