Plans Examiner/Building Inspector II

Salary : $88,836.80 - $103,043.20 Annually
Location : 720 Prospect Street, Port Orchard, WA
Job Type: 40 hours per week, eligible for benefits
Job Number: 26-00038
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

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Pays $42.71 to $49.54 per hour.
This position is eligible for bilingual pay, which would increase the base pay by 2% for a range of $43.56 to $50.53.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. HRA VEBA account may also be provided. Retirement benefits include a choice between PERS 2 or 3 and optional Deferred Compensation. The City recognizes 11 paid holidays and provides up to 2 personal holidays annually. Vacation leave is accrued at 0.0385 hours per straight time hour paid in the first 2 years of employment, with increases thereafter. Employees earn 0.0462 hours of sick leave per regular straight-time hour paid. More benefit details are available by clicking on the "Benefits" tab of this job posting.

Major Function and Purpose
Under the direction of the Deputy Director Community Development, examine and review building construction plans to determine compliance with code requirements. May assist with and fill in for the Building Inspector I to inspect construction sites to ensure compliance to applicable ordinances, regulations, and safety standards.

General Function
The Plans Examiner/Building Inspector II performs a variety of duties related to residential and commercial development including plan check and review of proposed projects, and the interpretation of applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and environmental codes. Provides explanations and guidance regarding applicable codes to customers, citizens, City staff and other interested parties.


Supervision Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Will coordinate workload with Building Inspector I and/or outside consultants.


Job Duties and Responsibilities
This job description reflects general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. These listed duties and responsibilities in no way imply these are the only duties to be performed. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to: working in other function areas to cover absences or provide relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload. Accordingly, individuals occupying this position will be required to follow any job-related instructions, tasks, or other duties as assigned by the Director or designee, and must be able to proficiently perform all assigned duties.

• Perform complex and technical review of construction plans and building proposals to determine and ensure compliance with building, plumbing mechanical, accessibility, Washington State Energy Code and all applicable local, state, and federal standards
• Review and evaluate proposed building plans and specifications blueprints to ensure proposed construction complies with building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, environmental, flood hazard, design, energy, barrier free requirements, grading, filling and related codes
• Explain codes, policies, and procedures to the developers, contractors, and other members of the public at the front counter, over the phone, in the field and in writing
• Perform residential, commercial, and industrial on-site inspections as needed at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with applicable codes and minimal safety standards
• Prepare written documentation with clearly organized thoughts in order to advise applicants of plan and design constructions
• Interpret and explain applicable ordinances, codes and regulations to provide information and technical assistance to engineers, architects, developers, other agencies and the public
• Research problems and complaints regarding commercial and residential buildings and building construction
• Evaluate, recommend, and prepare revisions to codes, ordinances, and local regulations, as assigned.
• Maintain knowledge of changes in construction codes and review professional code books, journals, and ordinances to verify and interpret applicable codes
• Respond timely and professionally to members of the public and contractor questions concerning interpretation of building codes, construction issues, and City administrative procedure
• Maintain complete and accurate records of approved plans and assigned inspections
• Attend and represent the department at meetings as directed
• Reliable and regular attendance is required
• Other duties as assigned

Contacts and Relationships
Will have contact with citizens, various City departments and their personnel, planning groups and agencies, contractors and design professionals.

Working Conditions
Work is performed indoors and outdoors. May need to work in confined spaces or noisy work areas. May be exposed to hazards including but not limited to: extremes in temperature, chemicals, noxious fumes, machinery or its moving parts, construction zones, open trenches, traffic, and specialized equipment. Protective clothing or equipment may be required for completion of some job requirements, including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May be required to work overtime.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of construction codes including the Washington state building codes, uniform plumbing code, and 2018 International Building Code (IBC); applicable federal, state, and local laws, cods, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures related to plans review, building inspection, and code enforcement; design and structural engineering principles, techniques, and practices; plans examination and review procedures; interpersonal skills including tact, patience, and courtesy; construction tools, equipment, materials, safety standards and modern methods of building construction; and modern office procedures, methods, and equipment.

Ability to operate a personal computer and related word processing, permitting, and engineering software; perform complex and technical review of construction plans; perform a variety of inspections at construction sites; work independently with little direction; communicate effectively with the public, contractors, developers and co-workers, both orally and in writing; act in a professional and courteous manner; explain technical items and problems in a layperson's terms, and read, interpret, apply, and explain regulations, codes plans, policies, and procedures.
Physical Requirements
Must have the overall stamina and ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical activity, including the ability to stand or walk for long periods of time, to work in and on structures under construction, to climb, bend, and work in tight or confined areas. Close vision, color vision, depth perception, and distance vision are essential to performance of the position. Corrective lenses may be utilized. Must be able to hear alarms and have the ability to audibly identify the presence of a danger or hazard.

Minimum Requirements
High School diploma or GED is required. Four (4) years of experience in construction, building inspection, plan review, or code enforcement is required. Current, valid, unsuspended driver's license is required upon hire. Out of state candidates are required to obtain a WA state driver's license in accordance with state law.
Preferred qualifications include previous experience in municipal government and ICC certification as either a Residential Building Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, or Plans Examiner.


Any combination of experience and training that provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Requirements outlined in this job description may be subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment in this position. However, some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
his job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the Employer and requirements of the job change.
Benefits Package
Non-union FLSA non-exempt
As of 01/01/2026
Medical Insurance: Employees have a choice between four medical plans for themselves and eligible dependents: Association of Washington Cities (AWC) HealthFirst 250 (Regence), Regence High Deductible Plan, Kaiser Permanente $20 copay/200 deductible plan, or Kaiser Permanente High Deductible Plan. Employees pay 10% of the cost of the monthly premium on the HealthFirst 250 or Kaiser 20/200 plans. The City pays the full cost of the high deductible plan options. Rates are available upon request. Medical insurance is effective the first of the month following date of hire provided that at least 40 hours are worked in the month of hire.


Dental Insurance: Dental insurance for the employee and eligible family members is provided through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) with a choice between Delta Dental Plan F or Willamette Dental $15 Copay plan. The City pays 100% of dental insurance premiums. Dental benefits are effective the first of the month following date of hire provided at least 40 hours were worked in the month of hire. Both plan options include an orthodontia plan for children.


Vision Insurance: Vision insurance for the employee and eligible family members is provided through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Vision Services Plan (VSP). The City pays 100% of vision insurance premiums. Vision benefits are effective the first of the month following date of hire provided at least 40 hours are worked in the month of hire.


Life Insurance: The City provides a $50,000 life insurance and $50,000 accidental death and dismemberment policy for the employee.


HRA: The City of Port Orchard may pay into an HRA VEBA account, depending upon the insurance plan selected and the number of family members insured. The account is available to use for qualified health care expenses of the employee and eligible dependents while employed and upon separation of employment. Some departments have elected to make an additional monthly contribution. All employees in those departments must participate.


Vacation Leave: Full-time employees earn 80 hours during their first year of employment and increase thereafter based on additional years of service in accordance with City policy, up to a maximum of 240 hours.


Sick Leave: Employees earn 8 hours of sick leave for each calendar month of employment up to a maximum accrual of 960 hours.


Holidays: The City of Port Orchard recognizes 11 holidays and provides for up to two personal holidays.


Retirement: The City of Port Orchard is a participant in the Washington State Retirement System. New employees may choose between PERS Plan 2 and PERS Plan 3.

• Plan 2 provides a defined benefit. Currently employees contribute 5.38% of their pay to the retirement plan. Employees are vested after 60 qualifying months.
• Plan 3 provides a combination defined benefit and defined contribution benefit. Employees choosing Plan 3 elect to contribute between 5 and 15% of their pay. Employees generally vest in the defined benefit portion after 120 qualifying months.

Deferred Compensation Plan: The City participates in the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (457 plan) or DCP. DCP allows employees to defer a portion of their paycheck for investment for retirement similar to a 401(k).


Working Hours: Regular work hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Evening, weekend and overtime work may be required.


Probation: New employees serve a 12-month probationary period.


Social Security: The City of Port Orchard participates in Social Security.


Direct Payroll Deposit: The City of Port Orchard requires paychecks to be directly deposited into a bank account of your choosing.
Benefit offerings are subject to changes in the insurance plan and action by the City Council. Benefits may vary for part-time employees. This document is a summary and not a guarantee of benefits. The actual plan document, ordinance, resolution or policy will prevail if there are differences between this document and those documents.
01


Do you have a current, valid, unsuspended driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02


How many years of experience do you have in construction, building inspection, plan review, or code enforcement?

• Less than 1
• Between 1 and 3
• Between 3 and 4
• 4 or more

03


Please list any ICC certifications you currently hold.
Required Question