Electrical Inspector

City of Mountlake Terrace; Mountlake Terrace (WA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Mountlake Terrace is seeking an Electrical Inspector for a part-time, non-union role in the Community and Economic Development Department. The position emphasizes complex review of construction plans and on-site inspections to ensure compliance with NEC and municipal codes.

You will interpret electrical codes, issue correction notices, and coordinate with other city agencies. Strong diagnostic ability, safety focus, and the ability to work on active construction sites are essential.

Qualifications

• Must understand NEC and state/city codes.
• Experience reviewing construction plans and on-site inspections.
• Background check and valid WA driver's license.
• Ability to work outdoors on active construction sites.
• Pass identity and work authorization verification.

Responsibilities

• Review complex construction plans for code compliance.
• Conduct field inspections to verify licenses and permits.
• Prepare reports and maintain inspection records.
• Inspect residential, commercial and industrial installations for safety and code adherence.
• Issue correction notices and Stop Work orders when needed.
• Coordinate with fire, law enforcement and other city agencies; respond to inquiries.

Skills

NEC knowledge

Code interpretation

Inspection experience

Public sector

Documentation skills

Communication

Reading plans

Tools

Permit software

Inspection software

Mobile devices

MS Office

Job description

Summary:

This is a part-time and non-union position within the Community and Economic Development Department. The Electrical Inspector is responsible for conducting complex and technical review of construction plans and specifications, construction sites, installation methods and materials to determine and assure compliance with State and City electrical codes. The position also includes providing information concerning electrical codes and requirements, performing on-site inspections, approving and maintaining electrical inspection documents, and investigating complaints related to electrical code compliance.

Essential Functions:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review complex and technical construction plans to verify compliance with State and City electrical and energy conservation codes.
• Conduct field inspections to ensure contractors and subcontractors hold proper licenses and permits; evaluate electrical permit applications for regulatory conformity; investigate technical issues or disputes at job sites.
• Research electrical and energy code requirements; prepare related reports and maintain records associated with electrical permits, inspections, and code compliance.
• Inspect residential, commercial and industrial electrical installations at various stages of construction, alteration and repair to assure adherence to applicable codes and ordinances, safety standards and the National Electrical Code.
• Re‑inspect to verify corrections of noted electrical violations; identify and address illegal construction activities; issue Stop Work orders when necessary; approve final installations prior to occupancy.
• Interpret and explain electrical codes and regulations; coordinate with fire, law enforcement, water and sewer and other community and governmental agencies.
• Evaluate electrical installations in commercial and residential buildings to ensure safe and code‑compliant practices.
• Review plans for electrical code requirements and, when directed, assess non‑residential energy code compliance.
• Respond to inquiries from the public and contractor regarding electrical code interpretations and City administrative procedures; provide guidance via telephone, in person or in the field regarding electrical installations. Interpret, apply and explain electrical code requirements.
• Prepare detailed correction notices for code violations; draft letters clarifying policies, documenting inspections, and outlining plan review comments.
• Maintain a variety of records and reports, including inspection logs, correction notices, Stop Work orders, Unsafe to Enter notices and approved plans.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties, essential functions and qualifications contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions, the level of knowledge, and scope of the responsibility typically required of the job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements

• Must be a E01 with at least 5 years’ experience as a Journeyman Wireman (JW); experience in public sector environment is preferred but not required.
• Continued professional development is expected.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license (or be able to attain at time of appointment) and a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be complete as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC); State and City electrical codes; and related construction, permitting, and code-enforcement requirements.
• Knowledge of electrical construction methods, materials, safety standards, and modern practices for residential, commercial, and industrial installations.
• Knowledge of building inspection procedures, plan review practices, and development review processes.
• Skill in preparing accurate reports, maintaining organized records, and using permit and inspection software systems.
• Skill in operating computers, mobile devices, and standard office software (e.g., email, spreadsheets, word processing) for documentation and communication.
• Ability to obtain knowledge of City operations, policies, and procedures related to permitting, development review, and code enforcement.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, engineering specifications, permits, maps, and technical data.
• Ability to conduct thorough field inspections, identify code violations, evaluate installation methods, and determine compliance with applicable regulations.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with contractors, property owners, design professionals, City staff, and the public.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and enforce codes consistently, including issuing correction notices, documenting findings, and resolving disputes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and interact professionally with a diverse public, including in situations involving conflict or dissatisfaction.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, prioritize workload, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing field conditions.
• Ability to safely navigate and work on active construction sites, including driving to various locations and using standard hand tools or inspection equipment as required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

Some work must be performed outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Prolonged sitting is often required for certain office work. This position typically requires walking over rough terrain, climbing, bending, pulling and/or pushing, sitting, carrying equipment, climbing ladders, occasional lifting, balancing, grasping, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. When working in the field the incumbent is subject to exposure to direct sunlight, water, loud noises and hazards from automobile traffic and construction sites.

The work environment can be stressful when trying to balance customer needs and code compliance and/or issuing correction and stop-work notices for non-compliance. There is some exposure to noise, fumes, odors, and dust as well as to poor ventilation, slippery work surfaces, and hazards related to water and electricity during inspections. Use of protective clothing such as hard-hat, steel-toed boots, safety vest, and rain gear may be required at times. Eye-hand coordination and fine manipulation skills are necessary to operate computers and office equipment.

Tools and Equipment Used:

Various types of materials, equipment, and reference materials are used. These include, but are not limited to, paper and electronic records, building documents, plans and specifications, site, building and area maps, local, county, state and federal codes, shoreline regulations, legal notices, land use planning documents, construction and design requirements, development standards, computers, mobile phones, meters, testers and communications systems.

Future work practices may necessitate the use of different tools and equipment.

Supervision Received:

Supervision received from the Building Official or their designee.

Supervision Exercised:

None.

Compensation and Benefits:

Hourly rate for 2026: $44.37–$54.54

The full pay range is posted for transparency purposes. New hire’s compensation is placed between the start and midpoint of the range, based on qualifications, skills and experience. This approach ensures internal equity, as well as room for growth and progression within the pay band over time.

This part-time position is non-benefitted.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and the requirements of the job change.

The City of Mountlake Terrace is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce and community.