Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for conducting building inspections to ensure compliance with codes and ordinances. An incumbent in this position may be designated “Building Inspector III/Senior Building Inspector”.

Building Inspector I

This is the entry-level classification in the Building Inspector series. A Building Inspector I will perform more routine and standardized inspections under close supervision. Building inspection and plan review will mainly encompass the International Residential Code. Examples are, but not limited to, garages, carports, decks, residential additions, and residential remodels.

Building Inspector II

Employees within this class are distinguished from the Building Inspector I by the demonstrated proficiency in performing the full range of essential duties as assigned. A Building Inspector II must possess at least two appropriate ICC certifications. 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 and review 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. Advancement to this level is at the discretion of senior management.

Building Inspector III

This position serves as the Senior Building Inspector. In addition to the above-mentioned responsibilities, the Senior Building Inspector reviews the daily inspection workload and assigns them to the inspection staff. Advancement to this level is at the discretion of senior management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following essential functions are typical for this classification. Employees may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties as needed.

• Enforce and determine compliance through inspection, all state-adopted building codes, and other applicable local, state, and federal laws pertaining to building codes. Code requirements of the National Electrical Code are not enforced by the City of Moses Lake.
• Examine plans and specifications of new construction, additions, and alterations to residential, commercial, and industrial 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 inter-departmental 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.
• Assists the Building Official with residential, commercial, and industrial inspections and/or reviews as needed.
• Perform plan review duties as needed.
• Operate a variety of equipment such as radios, inspection tools, computers, and laptops.
• Assists in administering the permitting function, including applications, processing, fee assessments and collection, and permit issuance.
• This position will act as a backup to the permit technician in their absence.
• The Building Inspector III serves as the Senior Building Inspector. In addition to the above-mentioned responsibilities, the Senior Inspector pulls the daily inspections and routes them to the Building Inspector I/II.
• 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 Deputy Building Official assign 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.
• The work is typically performed in an office environment, and in the field and construction site environment when conducting inspections; work involves exposure to variable weather conditions and general construction hazards; travel from site to site; work at public counter; exposure to noise, dust, rain, and snow.
• Sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment; sit, stand, walk, climb, (i.e. ladders, scaffolds, slopes, roofs, trenches), crawl (in attics or under flooring), and/or kneel for prolonged periods of time; sufficient mobility to work in and around construction sites; requires operation of a motorized vehicle.
• See in the normal vision range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; visually inspect work in progress. Hear in a normal audio range with or without correction.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process which includes reference checks and criminal history checks, or other.

Building Inspector I

• Two years journey level experience in the building construction trades, building technology industry, or related field. Experience conducting building inspections is desirable.
• A valid Washington State driver's license is required.
• Possession of, or must obtain, an ICC Residential or Commercial Building Inspector certification within 12 months of employment as a requirement of the position.

Building Inspector II

• Two years of increasingly responsible building inspection experience with specialized training in the building codes, or college level course work in building technology, architecture, or engineering.
• A valid Washington State driver's license is required.
• Possession of an ICC Building Inspector certification. Must also possess a Plumbing or Mechanical Inspector certification within 1 year of employment.

Building Inspector III

• Five years of increasingly responsible building inspection experience with specialized training in the building codes, or college level course work in building technology, architecture, or engineering.
• A valid Washington State driver's license is required.
• Possession of an ICC Building, Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector certification. Must also possess not less than two additional related certifications within 1 year of employment.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Bluebeam a plus.
• Previous experience in municipal government sector.

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.

Benefits

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 and LifeFlight 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. Employees of the City receive eleven (11) paid holidays plus one (1) floating holiday annually. Vacation accrual begins at 12 days annually and increases with years of service. Sick leave is accrued at the rate of eight (8) hours per month.