Building Inspector (General Inspector II)

King County; Newark (DE); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading county as a Building Inspector (General Inspector II) in the Permitting Division. You will perform inspections and ensure compliance with building codes while providing excellent customer service. This role offers the opportunity to impact the community positively and work within a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Construction experience or education in related field.
• Knowledge of national, State and local building codes.
• Skill in reading and interpreting construction drawings.

Responsibilities

• Inspect building projects for compliance with codes.
• Review permit applications for safety and structural integrity.
• Communicate with the public about codes and regulations.

Skills

Communication

Customer Service

Problem Solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

In order to hire and maintain a quality workforce that reflects the diversity of the community and works well within our True North values-based organization, the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for the career-service position ofBuilding Inspector (General Inspector II).

The Permitting Division is seeking a Building Inspector (General Inspector II). The person in this role will perform field inspections of single family, multi-family, commercial buildings and other structures to ensure compliance with adopted building codes and other applicable codes and regulations. This position works within a team of six Inspectors, each independently conducting field inspections throughout the county daily. Due to its independent nature, this role requires keen ability to use professional judgement to make prompt decisions and necessitates a high level of customer service skills. This role leads and participates in multi-disciplinary pre-construction conferences and is responsible for researching code requirements and permit histories. The ability to maintain a positive relationship with a diverse customer base, superior record keeping, and communication skills are key aspects of this position.

About the Department of Local Services:
King County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office, and the Road Services and Permitting Divisions. Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to all unincorporated areas.

To learn more about the Permitting Division please visit our website atKing County Permits.

Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering equity, racial and social justice in every aspect of our work. Our commitment to “True North” values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.

Applyingequity, racial and social justice principlesis a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.As theBuilding Inspector (General Inspector II), you will:

• Inspect building projects to ensure compliance with National, State, and local building codes and applicable regulations. Perform final inspections and authorize certificates of occupancy, coordinating with other disciplines such as Site/Fire Inspectors.
• Perform erosion control, drainage and critical areas inspections on single family residences and small development projects. Recognize erosion concerns and take effective action to keep sediment on site and from entering draining system.
• Act as an Ambassador for the County by working collaboratively with team members, colleagues, permit holders and residents in a positive and open manner.
• Review building and related permit applications documents to ensure construction proposals meet code requirements for life and safety, structural integrity, energy performance, accessibility, mechanical and other applicable codes.
• Issue correction notices and stop work orders for non-conforming conditions. Initiate code enforcement action including notification and documentation.
• Perform damage investigations and advise on permitting requirements to resolve.
• Provide public with information on codes, regulations, and permit requirements. Receive and respond to complaints about buildings/construction from citizens, other agencies and jurisdictions, King County Council and Executive staff.
• Interpret and apply codes and regulations for architects, engineers, developers, contractors, and property owners. Provide direct customer assistance for the public, design professionals, property owners on building code questions and their application and the permit process.
• Offer alternatives and initiate problem-solving conferences with owners, contractors, and design professionals.
• Coordinate inspection approvals with other sections and agencies.
• Communicate on the job in ways that reflect well upon King County, the County Executive, the department, and the incumbent.
• Exhibit and support a culture of superior customer service.
• Scrupulously honor commitments made to customers and others.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Construction experience or education and experience in related field such as architecture, engineering, construction management, trades or building code administration.
• High school diploma, GED or equivalency.
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience in the application and interpretation of national, State and local building and fire codes and standards.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in the application of construction methods and materials and construction sequencing as they relate to code requirements.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience of the permitting process.
• Knowledge of site development and land use regulations including earthwork, soil types and characteristics, erosion and sedimentation control.
• Knowledge of structural materials, systems and engineering.
• Knowledge of fire prevention systems, hazardous material control and life safety systems.
• Skill in reading, interpreting and explaining construction drawings, specifications, codes, ordinances and policies.
• Skill in recognizing defects in construction materials and techniques and recommending alternative methods.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize a high volume of work and handle multiple tasks with changing priorities while meeting deadlines and team goals
• Skill in working effectively and cooperatively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working in a municipal environment as a building inspector and/or plans examiner.
• International Code Council (ICC) certifications including building inspector and/or plans examiner
• Certified Erosion/Sedimentation Control Lead (CESCL)

Requirements:

• An offer of employment will be contingent on the success of a pre-employment physical examination.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle throughout the county.
• Must be able to climb, crawl into tight and confined spaces, walk on steep and uneven terrain, kneel, bend and lift up to 50 lbs.

Applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in a 15-minute phone interview the week ofJuly 7, 2025.

If selected to move forward after the phone interview, you will be invited for a virtual interview the week of July 14, 2025.

This recruitment will be used to fill one career service position and to create an eligibility pool to fill additional career service vacancies that may occur within the next six months.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all qualified applicants. First consideration will be given to current PROTEC17 members in the same classification that are eligible for lateral transfer.

Forms and Materials:A completed King County Application is required. We highly recommend that you also provide a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position.

Selection Process:Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Interviews will be conducted via Teams. Reference checks and file reviews will be conducted.

Work Schedule:The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but may at times require work outside of normal business hours. This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standard Act and is eligible for overtime pay, with prior supervisor approval

Emergency Designation Status:This position has been designated as:

Non-Mission Critical - Employees who staff county functions or services that may be delayed, suspended, or diverted in an emergency while essential functions are prioritized Mission Critical.

Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather. For more detailed information, please visitHR Policy County Operations During Emergency Situationsand theKing County Guidelines for Workforce Management in an Emergency.

Union Membership: PROTEC17

Work Location:
The work associated with this position will be performed through a hybrid work schedule of teleworking, onsite work and meetings as needed.

Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Your primary onsite workspace will be at 919 SW Grady Way, Suite 300, Renton, WA 98057.

Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

King County has a robust collection oftools and resourcesto support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work in a hybrid environment.

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference?Come join the teamdedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply:
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Vivienne Swai, HR Analyst, by email [e-mail], or by phone at 206-477-1538.