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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBuilding Inspector I June 2026 City of Port Townsend Job Description Building Inspector I Classification title: Building Inspector I Working title: Building Inspector I Department: Planning and Community Development Union: Teamsters General Government FLSA status: Non-exempt Wage Classification: 15 Hours: Full time Effective date: June 2026 Reports to: Building Official Civil Service: No JOB SUMMARY This position works under the direction of the Building Official, to perform residential and commercial building plan reviews and on-site field inspections of properties to ensure compliance with safety standards, codes, and regulations. Responsible for ensuring 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 non-supervisory position that, through technical competence and experience, provides assistance and direction to other staff members. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Employee shall meet all requirements of group A of the Core Competencies, and the tasks described in these select competencies are considered part of the essential functions for Building Inspector I.  Conduct inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and multifamily construction projects to verify compliance with adopted building codes, approved plans, permits, and applicable regulations.  Perform inspections at various stages of construction, including footing and foundation, framing, structural systems, insulation, energy code compliance, final occupancy, and other required inspections.  Interpret and enforce adopted building, residential, energy, accessibility, existing building, and related codes, as well as local ordinances and regulations.  Review construction plans, specifications, engineering documents, and permit records to verify compliance with approved plans and code requirements.  Identify code violations, unsafe conditions, and non-compliant construction practices; document findings and communicate corrective actions to contractors, property owners, and design professionals.  Assist in providing interpretations on the application of code provisions related to alternate materials, design and methods by researching and make recommendations to the Director.  Prepare and maintain accurate inspection reports, records, notices, and correspondence using departmental software and recordkeeping systems.  Issue correction notices, stop-work orders, and other enforcement actions as authorized and necessary to achieve code compliance.  Respond to inquiries from contractors, architects, engineers, property owners, and the public regarding code requirements, permitting procedures, and inspection processes. Building Inspector I  Coordinate and communicate with other department staff, agencies, utility providers, fire officials, and public works personnel regarding project reviews and inspections. Provide technical assistance and code interpretation to department staff, contractors, and members of the public.  Operate department vehicles, computers, tablets, cameras, measuring devices, and other equipment necessary to perform inspections and maintain records. Attend meetings, training sessions, and professional development programs as required. CORE COMPETENCIES: To show competency for these skills, the employee must have worked in an equivalent position for another agency or worked for the City for a minimum of one year demonstrating the skills for this position. The groups below provide a list of competencies for career path development. GROUP A COMPETENCIES  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  Basic GIS skills  Research skills  Proficiency with computers and software  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 Washington State Building 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  Ability to perform duties in a safe manner and comply with departmental safety policies and procedures GROUP B COMPTENCIES  Ability to prioritize inspections, plan reviews, and permit workloads to meet departmental service levels and project deadlines  Proficiency with software for permitting and electronic plan review Building Inspector I  Ability to use Bluebeam to markup redlines, and construction sketches using PDF markup tools  Ability to analyze construction-related problems and develop practical, code-compliant solutions  Ability to investigate complaints, code violations, and unsafe conditions and determine appropriate corrective actions  Ability to coordinate effectively with other departments, agencies, utilities, and outside stakeholders to facilitate project review and compliance  Ability to review and evaluate engineering reports, technical studies, product approvals, and supporting documentation related to permit applications  Thorough understanding of ADA standards and the ability to apply accessibility requirements to projects  Ability to exercise independent judgment in interpreting and applying building codes, regulations, and policies to complex or unique construction projects  Ability to evaluate alternative materials, methods of construction, and performance-based design proposals for code compliance  Ability to assess construction site conditions and determine when immediate action is necessary to address life-safety concerns  Ability to prepare and issue correspondence and conduct outreach related to code enforcement activities, in coordination with the Code Compliance Officer GROUP C COMPTENCIES  Ability to make defensible code interpretations and communicate the basis for regulatory decisions  Ability to identify recurring code, permitting, or process issues and recommend improvements to departmental procedures and customer service  Ability to manage difficult interactions and resolve disputes between property owners, contractors, design professionals, and the public  Ability to represent the department in meetings with contractors, architects, engineers, public officials, and community members  Ability to provide technical guidance and mentoring to less experienced inspectors and permit staff  Ability to contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of departmental policies, procedures, and standards  Exhibits a high level of effectiveness in written and verbal communication across all levels of the organization and with the public  Demonstrates emotional intelligence by recognizing and responding to the needs, concerns, and perspectives of team members  Skilled in resolving conflicts or disagreements using diplomacy, sound judgment, and constructive problem-solving techniques  Effectively manages time and resources to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and optimize organizational performance QUALIFICATIONS Required  High School diploma or GED.  At least three 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. Building Inspector I  ICC Building Inspector certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.  ICC Building Plans Examiner certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.  ICC Fire Inspector I or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire  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.