Building Inspector II (2026)

Job Description Job Summary This position is responsible for conducting building inspections to ensure compliance with the adopted codes and ordinances. Essential Functions Examine plans and specifications of new construction, additions, and alterations to residential and light commercial buildings to determine compliance with the provisions of applicable city, state, and federal construction codes. Perform inspections of buildings and structures at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair for adherence to the approved plans and specifications and compliance with all building codes. Interpret and explain building regulations and codes to owners, tenants, contractors, and others. Investigate and resolve complaints from the public and explain and interpret requirements and restrictions. Maintain records of building inspections and activity and complete any related reports. Issue certificates and permits as appropriate. Assist in researching problems and complaints regarding residential and commercial buildings, building construction, and code compliance. Respond to complex and sensitive building issues. Assist in resolving complex and sensitive customer service issues, either personally, by telephone, or in writing. Maintain records and documents of customer service issues and resolutions. Provide guidance to customers for the permit application process; assist in calculating review fees; advise citizens, builders, developers, or others regarding areas of non‑compliance, and actively assist in resolving issues. Assist in maintaining a library of handouts, brochures, and technical data sheets to provide information on current regulations. Respond to inquiries regarding difficult and complex aspects of the adopted building codes, including referenced codes and standards; assist and advise division, departmental and interdepartmental staff on technically difficult and complex aspects of construction and code compliance. Provide research, input, and resolution on codes and amendments. Consult with Building, Engineering, and Fire Department staff on processes, projects, interpretations, and inquiries. Assist with front counter coverage as directed. Perform additional related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required by the Position Knowledge of construction methods and materials common to commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects. Knowledge of relevant building codes and comprehensive plan requirements. Knowledge of basic engineering standards and codes. Knowledge of the procedures and processes used in the establishment of codes and ordinances. Skill in interpreting codes accurately and effectively. Skill in enforcing regulations with fairness, tact, and impartiality. Skill in verbal and written communication. Skill in reading and interpreting plans and specifications. Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with external customers, employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations. Use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate situations; anticipate, identify, and evaluate potentially dangerous, unusual, or deviating situations; diffuse emotional situations and exercise appropriate judgment to establish priorities and take prompt action for problem resolution. Supervisory Controls The Building Official assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot‑checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results. Guidelines State and City codes and guidelines, which require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. Complexity/Scope of Work The work consists of varied professional inspection duties and plan review. Strict regulations, combined with the unique nature of each case in question, contribute to the complexity of the work. Contacts Contacts are typically with co‑workers, other city employees, architects, engineers, contractors, builders, homeowners, business owners, and members of the general public. Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, motivate persons, and negotiate, defend, or settle matters. Physical Demands/Work Environment The work is typically performed in the field when conducting inspections; work involves exposure to variable weather conditions and general construction hazards; subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching. Supervisory and Management Responsibility None. Minimum Qualifications Employees within this classification are distinguished from the Building Inspector I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the department’s operating procedures. This position will inspect all the items listed under the Building Inspector I position as needed, along with residential, multi‑family, commercial, and industrial projects. Positions at the Building Inspector II level are normally filled by advancement from the Building Inspector I level. In addition to the ICC Residential or Commercial Building Inspector certifications, certification as a Plumbing Inspector and ICC Mechanical Inspector is required within 12 months employment. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Washington for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. Working knowledge of Bluebeam a plus. Previous experience in municipal government sector preferred. All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process which includes reference checks and criminal history checks, or other. The statements contained herein reflect general details necessary to describe principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility; and such statements should not be considered all‑inclusive. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance workloads. Management reserves the sole right to add, modify or exclude any duties at any time with or without notice. Nothing in this job description, nor by completion of any job requirements by the employee, is intended to create a contract of employment. At its sole discretion, the City of Moses Lake may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein. Company Description Moses Lake is a diverse, connected and supportive community of innovation and opportunity that values its namesake lake, small town vibe, growing arts and cultural scene, aerospace, manufacturing and agricultural heritage, and an abundance of sunshine and outdoor activities. Working for the City will afford you the opportunity to support the vision of Moses Lake, grow professionally, and work among diverse and dedicated staff with a goal to provide a service‑oriented government that works with all interests in the community to implement our vision. Our location and climate allow our residents to enjoy a variety of interests surrounding the Moses Lake community. Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway I‑90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes, vineyards and popular recreational destinations. Moses Lake boosts active community parks and events, athletic venues and tournaments, a campground, and the popular Surf ’n Slide water park. The surrounding Columbia Basin area is filled with wine tours, a wildlife refuge, the Gorge Amphitheater, local fresh markets with direct‑from‑the‑farm produce, and boutiques. The City of Moses Lake is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our objective is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status or status as a covered veteran. Benefits This is a union position represented by Washington State Council of County and City Employees AFSCME - AFL‑CIO. The City of Moses Lake offers a comprehensive benefits package. Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage. In addition to basic life insurance coverage, AD&D, dependent life, additional life insurance, long‑term disability, EAP, LifeFlight, and Airlift NW are also offered. Retirement is through the Department of Retirement Systems - Public Employees Retirement System. Optional deferred compensation is offered with a City match of up to 2% of the employee's base salary. The City also offers an optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care. Employees within the represented group of the City receive eleven (11) paid holidays plus two (2) floating holidays annually. Vacation accrual begins at 12 days annually and increases to 24 days annually with over 20 years of service. Sick leave is accrued at the rate of eight (8) hours per month. An annual longevity payment begins at 6 years of service. Employees are eligible for a $300 per year boot allowance per the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. Payments will be made through payroll, subject to payroll taxes. #J-18808-Ljbffr