Building Inspector / Plans Examiner Apprentice

City of Bend; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee health benefits (limited)

Paid sick leave

Job summary

The City of Bend is offering a temporary, full-time Building Inspector / Plans Examiner Apprentice in the Building Safety Division of the Community Development Department. This on-site position provides hands-on training, job shadowing, and opportunities to pursue state certifications while learning building safety procedures.

You will work under supervision to learn permit tracking software, conduct plan reviews, and perform inspections.

Qualifications

• Providing efficient and effective customer service to a diverse population.
• Computer usage and navigating various programs and portals.
• Decision making and routine or procedural problem solving.
• Managing a high volume of tasks at one time, including organizing and prioritizing own work.

Responsibilities

• Learn the technical aspects of building inspections and plan reviews.
• Enforce building code on jobsites and verify design compliance on plans.
• Demonstrates professionalism and willingness to learn as a team member.
• Participate in college/technical courses during the apprenticeship period.
• Obtain building code certifications as outlined in job description.

Skills

Customer service

Computer skills

Decision making

Task management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) temporary, full-time Building Inspector / Plans Examiner Apprentice in the Building Safety Division of the Community Development Department. This is an hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible), non-represented position. The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end.

Are you interested in becoming a Building Inspector / Plans Examiner but don’t yet have the experience or training to qualify for an entry-level role? This developmental position is designed to help you build the foundational skills and gain hands-on training. It’s a unique opportunity to learn on the job, grow professionally, and prepare for a rewarding career in building safety. Reporting to the Assistant Building Official in the Building Safety division of the Community Development Department, the Building Inspector / Plans Examiner Apprentice will be trained in Building Safety Division processes and procedures, use of software for tracking permits, conducting plan reviews, conducting building inspections and any other applicable Building Safety Division activities. Assigned duties may include job shadowing, supervised inspections and plan reviews, participation in Oregon Building Codes Division inspector certification training courses, and participation in college level classes in Building Inspection Technology.

The Building Inspector / Plans Examiner Apprentice will spend time learning from Permit Technicians, Plans Examiners and Building Inspectors to build a solid foundation of Building Safety programs and practices. They will learn to apply and enforce State Specialty Codes, City ordinances and other related regulations. This apprentice position is temporary, not to exceed one year. At the end of the apprenticeship, a successful apprentice will have the certifications and experience required to apply for Building Inspector / Plans Examiner I positions.

Classification Framework

Building Inspector Apprentice Classification.

The following duties are a sample of major duties performed in this role and not intended to be an exhaustive list.

• Learn the technical aspects of building inspections and plan reviews.
• Enforce building code on jobsites and verify design compliance on plans with an emphasis on consistency, customer service, and education.
• Demonstrates professionalism, respect, and a willingness to learn as a team member.
• Participate in college/technical courses as available during the apprenticeship period.
• Obtain building code certifications as outlined in job description.

We're looking for someone who is motivated to learn the building inspection and plans examination trade and has a background in construction and customer service, especially in difficult conversations. We value public safety and are looking for candidates that share that value. Highly qualified candidates will have a working knowledge of materials and phases of construction and have experience working with the public with an emphasis on enforcement and customer service. They will be comfortable working as part of a team and individually.

Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information about your education, relevant paid and unpaid work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in the job duties section of the application.

Qualified candidates will bring working knowledge and skills in:

• Providing efficient and effective customer service to a diverse population having a wide range of expertise.
• Computer usage and navigating various programs and portals.
• Decision making and routine or procedural problem solving.
• Managing a high volume of tasks at one time, including organizing and prioritizing own work.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined in this job description.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Current and valid Driver's License per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Ability to obtain the following certifications within the 12-month program.
  • OIC - Oregon Inspector, AND
  • CAX - Residential Plans Examiner /or/ CAS - Residential Structural Inspector

Desired (but not required) Attributes

• Ability to obtain the following certifications within the 12-month program:
  • CAP - Residential Plumbing Inspector
  • CAE - Residential Electrical Inspector
• 2 years of building construction experience or equivalent education

Applications must be received by October 16, 2026, 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time to be considered for this selection process.

Veterans’ Preference

Applicants seeking Veterans’ Preference as a qualified veteran or disabled veteran must attach appropriate documentation to their application. For more information.

Equity Statement

The City of Bend remains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers. A more extended version of the City of Bend’s Organizational Equity Statement is available upon request.

Benefits

This temporary position is eligible for a limited benefits package including employee-only health benefits and paid sick leave. Details are available on the benefits tab of the job posting under the Temporary Medical Only Benefits heading.