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City of Port Townsend Job Description
Building Inspector
Classification title: Building Inspector Working title: Building Inspector
Department: Planning and
Community
Development
Union: Teamsters General
Government
FLSA status: Non-exempt Wage Classification: 23
Hours: Full time Effective date: Mar. 2016; Apr. 2020; Apr.
2026
Reports to: Building Official Civil Service: No
JOB SUMMARY
This position works under the direction of the Building Official. The Building Inspector assists in
providing interpretations on the application of code provisions related to alternate materials, design and
methods by researching and making recommendations to the Director. The incumbent is responsible to
ensure that any special inspections and testing provisions are properly documented and followed. This
position assists with code enforcement activities and ensures that all processes and notices are in
accordance with the municipal code and pertinent laws and regulations. This is a mid-level non-
supervisory position that, through technical competence and experience, provides assistance and
direction to other staff members.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizes, plans and administers the work related to building permit plan reviews and inspections
to ensure compliance with the building and construction codes as adopted by the City.
Administers and coordinates the issuance of building and related permits and of certificates of
occupancy.
Performs plan review of residential and commercial projects to ensure compliance with applicable
codes.
Performs building inspections.
Assists residents, contractors and designers in the application of project specific code provisions.
Works as a member of the City development review team to facilitate the efforts of customers in the
preparation and design of project submittals.
Attends industry meetings, seminars and other informational sessions to maintain knowledge of
building systems.
Maintains a working knowledge of the current trends in construction and in building codes, both on
the State and National levels.
Assists in the tracking and documentation of the code change process of the State Building Code
Council related to RCW 19.27 and assists in the development of appropriate code language for
adoption by the City.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of International Codes as adopted and amended by the State.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the design, construction and inspection of public,
commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
Knowledge of municipal government organizational concepts
Knowledge of development and construction principles and practices
Knowledge of architectural and engineering design concepts and terminology
Understanding of performance-based regulations
Basic GIS skills
Research skills
Proficiency with computers and software, particularly for permitting and electronic plan review
Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people
Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, such as shifting priorities, unexpected challenges, or
variations in the workload, while maintaining composure and effectiveness
Ability to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, peers,
management, elected officials, customers, and members of the public
Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with team members, managers, the general public,
and other departments, both verbally and in writing, using tact, patience and courtesy to convey
instructions, provide feedback, receive feedback, and resolve issues
Ability to understand and write technical code language
Ability to inspect buildings under construction, alteration or repair for compliance with uniform codes
and City ordinances
Ability to participate in the examination of plans and specifications for residential buildings to be
constructed or remodeled for compliance with the uniform codes, City ordinances, and other
pertinent regulations
Ability to read and interpret architectural and/or construction plans, blueprints and sketches
Ability to identify code deficiencies and to assist with enforcing corrective actions necessary to
remedy same
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
High School diploma or GED.
At least five years of plan review and inspection experience, or a combination of education and
experience that demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge and ability. Education and
experience should demonstrate a trend of increasing technical knowledge and responsibility.
A positive attitude and a strong desire to assist the public.
ICC Building Inspector certification.
ICC Building Plans Examiner certification.
Valid Washington State driver’s license and ability to maintain a driving record acceptable to the
City’s insurance carrier.
Preferred
Two years of post-secondary education
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office environment and outdoors. Duties include reaching, pushing, grasping,
finger dexterity, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Effective verbal communication with public is
essential. Plan review and inspection responsibilities require correctable vision, an ability to drive an
automobile and to walk over varied terrain and conditions at construction sites. Inspections frequently
require climbing ladders or crawling into restricted spaces. Heavy lifting is not required.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The City of Port Townsend is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains,
promotes, disciplines and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants strictly on the basis of job-
related qualifications and competence. These policies and all employment practices shall be applied
without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation
(including gender identity), pregnancy, age, marital status, military status, disability, genetic information,
or any other characteristic protected by law.
This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The employee
occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any
other job-related duties requested by their supervisors. All employees must comply with all City
policies and procedures relevant to their position as a condition of City employment.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee
and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.