Description
Job Summary:
NOTE: Inspection Role is fully remote requiring travel to the office every Wednesday. Work Schedule is Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 4:00pm, Friday 7:30am - 1:00pm.
The position allocated to this class is responsible for inspection and enforcement of the International Residential (IRC), Building (IBC), Fire (IFC), Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes (IMG, IFGC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), Existing Building (IEBC), Washington State Energy (WSEC), 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings (UCAB), County land use regulations and other relevant codes, laws and statues as may be applicable to construction and development projects. The incumbent performs as a combination Building Inspector and is responsible for the inspection and enforcement of multiple codes. Work requires physical inspection of construction works for new and existing structures/appurtenances, ensuring code compliance; notification and correction of violations; application of technical knowledge of the referenced codes pertinent to construction and installations. Duties require knowledge of building design, construction and inspection techniques for residential, commercial and industrial buildings/projects. The incumbent must use judgement in identifying deviations from plans and work effectively with contractors, architects, engineers, suppliers, property owners and trades personnel to achieve compliance. Work is performed within stated department guidelines and applicable policies and procedures. Incumbents within this classification may be assigned to specific inspection districts by the Building Director and/or their designee.
Building Inspector 2 classification is distinguished from the Building Inspector 1 classification by the emphasis on independent field inspections and the plan reviews of more complex residential and commercial projects. Building Inspector 2 incumbents perform duties with minimal supervision, have greater in-depth knowledge of applicable codes and exercise independent judgement regarding the interpretation and application of code requirements to complex projects. Work requires greater knowledge of building, plumbing, mechanical, accessibility, energy, zoning, critical areas and other County codes than the Building Inspector 1 class.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Conducts in-progress and final on-site inspections involving footings, foundations, rebar, concrete, masonry, fire sprinkler/fire alarm systems, framing, fire resistive construction, plumbing, mechanical, heating, ventilation, insulation, roofing and similar work primarily in structures constructed under the IRC; interpret application of codes; verifies manufacturer’s specifications/installation of listed appliances and products suitable to conditions; issues written approval/correction notices, and stop work notices; performs other function necessary to ensure that the building construction, materials, installation, alteration, or repair work is in conformance with the approved building plans, specifications and applicable building, fire, mechanical, plumbing, energy and other County codes, regulations, and ordinances.
Performs related inspection activities such as: fire separation/zoning setbacks, grading, cutes and fills, soil characteristics, occupancy, egress/exiting, addressing, energy code compliance, emergency vehicle access. Inspector 1 positions are generally assisted by personnel with specific expertise in determinations involving: zoning issues, shoreline, stream and wetland buffers/setbacks, silt and erosion control measures, storm water/site drainage requirements, flood zone and other local or State requirements applicable to construction permits.
Performs inspections entailing special actions; ensures compliance with imposed conditions set forth by the department or other County agency (e.g. Hearing Examiner decisions).
Conducts inspections of Factory Assembled Structure (FAS) installation, including review of manufacturer’s installation instructions, setup including footings, blocking, shims, duct work, water lines and tie downs, and final inspection for skirting, ventilation, crawl access, guardrails, and installer certification requirements.
Reviews proposed routine residential construction plans for conformance with the requirements of the IRC and other applicable laws and ordinances, denoting any necessary plan revisions and follow-ups with applicants, architects, engineers, contractors, or owners, securing necessary plan revisions.
Coordinates inspections and related activities with contractors, property owners, architects, engineers, department staff, County officials, and other outside agencies.
Accompanies Building Inspectors 1 — 2 in both the Building and Specialty classifications, and Senior Inspectors in more complex residential and commercial inspections for training/development purposes.
Investigates public complaints pertaining to new and existing residential structures and their associated systems regarding alleged violations of County codes and ordinances; initiates resolution of the issue(s) and notification of parties of record or refers to appropriate individual or agency of authority.
Prepares and maintains required records and reports; notifies builders, installers, property owners of code violations and necessary corrective actions; follows up on notices to ensure compliance; notifies supervisor of failure to correct violations.
Works with Prosecuting Attorney staff in coordinating and preparing case files and affidavits for future enforcement actions; provides testimony in court/legal actions.
Authorizes minor as-built variations during construction when life-safety, durability, and function are not compromised.
Educates, supervises, and works with the construction industry to continue improvements to building safety.
Provides technical and educational information, assisting department customers by phone, electronic communication, or in person with code requirements, permit application procedures, review of building plans; provides written or verbal information pertaining to code interpretations, occupancy/construction type, department policy, on-site deviations revealed as result of inspection or enforcement action.
Shares information and experiences with other inspectors/staff in an effective, collaborative team environment.
May be temporarily assigned to permit processing, or commercial plan review functions as part of ongoing career development.
Inspection functions focus on commercial and complex residential structures, requiring an increased knowledge and awareness relative to building accessibility, landscaping, storm waters/site drainage, commercial refrigeration, and ventilation equipment typically associated with these types of structures.
May be called upon to assist in the mentoring of individuals within the Building Inspector 1 class.
Assists individuals within the Building and Specialty Inspector 1 — 2 and Senior Inspector classifications, in the performance of inspection and enforcement activities, as workloads demand.
Maintains an elevated knowledge of Federal, State, and County regulations, and legislative processes.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Requirements
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma or GED equivalent, and
Three (3) years of applicable full-time industry work experience relevant to the assigned field of responsibility, which includes a minimum of one (1) year experience equivalent to Building Inspector 1; or an equivalent combination of industry work experience and college level and/or professional training in construction inspection and building code enforcement.
Certified — ICC Residential Building Inspector.
One (1) additional certification requirement (other than electrical) from the following:ICC Commercial Building Inspector
ICC Mechanical Inspector (Res. or Comm.)
ICC/IAPMO Plumbing Inspector (Res. or Comm.)
ICC Plans Examiner (Res. or Comm.)
ICC Fire Inspector (I or II)
Note: For all license requirements, ICBO Legacy Certifications sanctioned by ICC in the categories of Building Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Plans Examiner, Uniform Fire Code Inspector, IAPMO Plumbing Inspector are considered the equivalent of: one (1) commercial and one (1) residential certification in the respective disciplines.
Possession of a valid driver’s license at time of application and must be maintained throughout employment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of codes, ordinances and regulations relative to general construction/land use practices as demonstrated by experience and certifications relative to the assigned area(s) of expertise.
Knowledge of various stages of construction to identify violations and defects.
Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with subordinates, county officials, contractors, engineers, architects, property owners and the general public.
Skilled in using personal computers and related software applications.
Ability to analyze and prepare a variety of legal documents and instruments.
