Building Inspector I, II and III; Clark County Community Development

Job Summary Inspects residential construction sites to assure that construction and materials conform to plans, local zoning, building, fire, gas, heating and plumbing codes. Notifies builders of corrections required. Inspections are frequently of residential construction, but may also include commercial structures such as schools, churches, apartment houses, retail stores and office buildings. Examines routine residential building plans. This position may be filled as a Building Inspector I, II or III depending on experience. Qualifications Building Inspector I: Education and Experience: High school or vocational school graduation or GED certificate. Two (2) years of experience as a journey-level in building trades. – or – Completion of a recognized four-year building trades apprenticeship program, which may be substituted for work experience. – or – Certification as either a building inspector or plumbing inspector through ICC, IAPMO or other approved organization at the time of hire. Must possess, or have ability to obtain, a valid driver’s license at the time of hire. Knowledge of: local fire, building, heating and plumbing, gas and zoning codes related to residences and commercial structures; principles, procedures and practices of construction, building materials and quality standards; varying capacities of supports and crossmembers. Ability to: read and interpret residential and commercial building plans and specifications; identify code deficiencies resulting from faulty design or construction; interpret and explain code and remedial work required; enforce codes and ordinances firmly, tactfully and impartially; maintain harmonious relationships with customers; diffuse difficult or highly charged situations; keep accurate records of calls and findings; operate automobile safely. Building Inspector II Must possess certification for building inspector (both residential and commercial) inspector, and plumbing inspector (both residential and commercial) through ICC, IAPMO or other approved organizations upon hire or promotion to the position. Must possess, or have ability to obtain, a valid driver’s license at the time of hire. Knowledge of: all phases of either plumbing or building inspection for commercial structures; International Building Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, other adopted construction codes, commercial, and local zoning ordinances. Ability to: accomplish all stages of building inspection for standard residential structures; interpret residential and commercial building plans and specifications; tactfully deal with the general public; engender a cooperative attitude in owners and builders work he/she inspects; and effectively diffuse difficult or highly charged situations. Building Inspector III Must possess certification for building inspector, plumbing inspector and mechanical inspector through ICC, IAPMO, IMC or other approved organizations upon hire or promotion to the position. Must possess, or have ability to obtain, a valid driver's license at the time of hire. Knowledge of: All phases of plumbing, building and mechanical inspection for commercial and residential structures; Uniform Building, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes and local zoning ordinances. Ability to: Interpret residential and commercial building plans and specifications; conduct, proficiently, all phases of plumbing, building and mechanical inspection for commercial and residential structures; communicate clearly and tactfully, orally and in writing; effectively maintain harmonious relationships with customers, and diffuse difficult or highly charged situations. Continuing Qualifications for Building Inspector Job Family Incumbents must be able to successfully perform inspections of building, plumbing, and mechanical facilities to be considered fully effective in the Building Inspector job family. Incumbents may be hired at a lower level, but are expected to reach the full journey-level – Building Inspector III level – within the timeframes outlined below. The Building Inspector I is the entry-level into the Inspector job family. An incumbent hired at the entry level is expected to obtain the qualifications to move to Building Inspector II. Building Inspector II qualifications require certification as a residential building inspector, commercial building inspector, and plumbing inspector through ICC, IAPMO, or other approved organizations. An incumbent at the mid-level must obtain the qualifications to move to Building Inspector III. Qualifications for a Building Inspector III require the additional certifications of residential mechanical inspector and commercial mechanical inspector through ICC, IAPMO, or other approved organizations. Employees are required to meet the following minimum criteria within the timeframe outlined below: Obtain their plumbing certification and at least one building certification within 12 months of hire or promotion. Obtain at least one mechanical certification within 18 months of hire or promotion. Incumbents who fail to meet these minimum qualifications will be considered “below expectations” in performance and will be subject to corrective action and/or discipline, up to and including termination, for failure to achieve performance standards. Examples of Duties Building Inspector I: Duties may include but are not limited to the following: Conducts on-site inspections during construction; verifies location of lot, dimensional and structural conformity to approved plans, proper installation of plumbing and heating equipment, and use of approved building materials of the proper size and quality for that application. Authorizes minor as-built variations from plans when safety, durability, and function are not impaired. Notifies builders and installers of code violations and stipulates correction required. Writes and posts stop-work orders when code violations necessitate complete work stoppage. Notifies supervisor of builders' failure to correct violations as notified. Investigates complaints about system failures in residential buildings; determines cause and corrective action needed; notifies installers and owners of remedial action necessary. Advises supervisor when health hazards or code violations are not corrected. Inspects abandoned buildings to see if owners should be required to demolish or bring them up to building standards. Answers complaints on zoning code violations such as over-height fences, improper location of mobile homes and out buildings constructed without permits. Advises owners of building code and zoning ordinances and stipulates corrections required. Performs inspections of residential public curbs, driveways, sidewalks and construction sites as directed to ensure conformance with County standards, zoning codes and specifications and to assure proper drainage. May check residential plans for construction or alteration to ensure that type of building, dimensions, and set-backs are in compliance with zoning code; checks construction features to assure proper foundation and support, use of acceptable materials, compliance with minimum fire, heating, plumbing and gas standards; advises builders about problems of drainage, water hammer, pipe expansion, and similar design items which are frequently overlooked. Maintains a positive, professional approach to builders, installers, staff, and/or other interested parties. Performs other related work as required. Building Inspector II: Duties may include but are not limited to the following: Conducts on-site building inspections during construction; verifies location on lot, dimensional and structural conformity to approved plans and use of approved building materials of the proper size and quality for the specific application. Performs plumbing inspections and observes tests of all plumbing and sewage disposal systems, repairs, alterations, renovations and installations. Notifies builders and installers of building and construction code violations and stipulates corrections required. Writes and posts stop-work orders when code violations necessitate complete work stoppage. Provides code interpretations when required. Inspects abandoned and dangerous buildings, mobile home installations and answers complaints on zoning code violations. Inspects buildings for code compliance. Performs inspections of residential, commercial, and public curbs, driveways, sidewalks and construction sites as directed to assure conformance with County standards, zoning codes, and specifications and to assure proper drainage. Employees in this classification, if determined to be qualified, may be assigned to perform mechanical inspections to verify compliance with the requirements of the International Mechanical Code. May review building plans with respect to the requirements of the International Building Code and other applicable laws and ordinances in order to correct code errors and advise permit applicant. Maintains a positive, professional approach to builders, installers, staff, and/or other interested parties. Building Inspector III: Duties may include but are not limited to the following: Conducts on-site building inspections during construction; verifies location on lot, dimensional and structural conformity to approved plans and use of approved building materials of the proper size and quality for the specific application. Performs plumbing inspections and observes tests of all plumbing and sewage disposal systems, repairs, alterations, renovations and installations. Inspects mechanical installations such as air handling units, furnaces, air conditioners, evaporator coolers, ventilation systems, refrigeration systems, incinerators, and gas piping. Notifies builders and installers of building, plumbing and mechanical code violations and stipulates corrections required. Writes and posts stop-work orders when code violations necessitate complete work stoppage. Provides plumbing, building and mechanical code interpretations when required. Inspects abandoned and dangerous buildings, mobile home installations and answers complaints on zoning code violations. Inspects buildings for plumbing, building and/or mechanical code compliance. Performs inspections of residential, commercial, and public curbs, driveways, sidewalks and construction sites as directed to assure conformance with County standards, zoning codes, and specifications and to assure proper drainage. May review building, plumbing and mechanical drawings as required to establish code compliance. Maintains a positive, professional approach to builders, installers, and/or other interested parties. Salary Salary Grade Local 307.8A - Local 307.9A Salary Range $30.58 - $44.90- per hour Close Date Open Until Filled Equal Opportunity Equal Opportunity Employer Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at Employee Benefits and additional compensation Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation. Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation. More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at Retirement Information All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io; Relay View phone number on click.appcast.io. Community With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and businesses. We welcome those who visit and settle here, providing fresh perspectives, growing diversity and vibrant energy. Our forward-looking community is framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west. The area is a picturesque place to work, play, and live. Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition fame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. Today, more than 467,000 people call Clark County home. Clark County government works to enhance the quality of life for all of our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness, and accountability. We are one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of rewarding careers for about 1,570 people. #J-18808-Ljbffr Clark County Washington