What are the responsibilities and job description for the Building Supervisor position at City of Lake Stevens?
Now hiring for the new position of Building Supervisor!
The effective date of this position will be January 1, 2026.
Recruitment will remain open until filled with the first review date of November 24, 2025.
To be considered in the first review of applicants you must apply prior to this date.
Position Purpose
The Building Supervisor is an integral member of Planning and Community Development who is responsible for the supervision of the Plans Examiner and Building Inspectors. The incumbent is a working supervisor who will perform plan review and approval, building inspections, and serve as the Building Official as needed. The incumbent will support innovative and progressive ideas to accomplish tasks in the building division in support of a growing city. The incumbent is part of a collaborative team that responds to inquiries from the public, fire district, contractors, developers, and co-workers. This is a highly visible position that requires the highest levels of professionalism and customer service.
The incumbent will utilize professional independent judgement to review and recommend changes and additions to city building codes; review and coordinate work flow improvements; approve the issuance of public and private building and construction permits to assure compliance with adopted code requirements; perform independent fieldwork of a regular, recurring, new and complex nature; respond to and enforce code-related complaints and violations through collaborative efforts and corrective actions as necessary; and resolve unusual or difficult situations encountered by Inspectors and Permit Specialists. The incumbent will supervise, assign, and evaluate the work of assigned employees.
Work is performed under the supervision of the Building Official. The Building Official sets the overall objectives and resources available. The incumbent and Building Official work together to develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be completed. The incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies using their own initiative in terms of established objectives and independent judgement. The incumbent keeps the Director informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, and effectiveness of results.
About The City Of Lake Stevens
Lake Stevens is a vibrant and growing community - the second fastest-growing city in Snohomish County - with a population of over 40,000 makes us the 4th largest city in the county.
Lake Stevens is generally a residential community with access to numerous commercial, retail and recreational opportunities. Of course, the crown jewel of the community is the lake itself, which boasts some of the greatest water recreational opportunities in the county. Lake Stevens is also uniquely situated, being close to the lake, ocean, and Cascade mountains, to take advantage of many outdoor activities. The Lake Stevens Schools are excellent and coupled with a city priority of parks and increased walkability, makes Lake Stevens an ideal place to raise a family.
The City of Lake Stevens operates under the mayor-council system. The city’s motto, “One Community Around the Lake”, embodies our quality of life, top-ranked school district, and the City Council’s commitment to providing excellent services and amenities for its residents.
Why City of Lake Stevens?
The physical demands described here and on the attached form are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; taste or smell; and constantly required to talk or hear. While in the office environment, the employee frequently is required to sit for extended periods of time and type on a keyboard for extended periods of time. The employee must frequently lift up to ten (10) pounds; occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds; and seldom lift up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
Work is based in an office environment, but there is frequent travel to field sites inside city limits to perform work outdoors in all types of weather conditions and perhaps potential hazards from unconfined animals, dilapidated structures, construction sites, and litter. Walking over rough, uneven terrain and some climbing may be required. Work may also be performed indoors in extreme cold environments including but not limited to walk-in freezers, and extreme hot environments including but not limited to manufacturing facilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to individuals who may be irate or hostile, in both an office, indoor, and a field environment. The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet to moderate, and the field environment varies from moderate to loud
Evening or variable hours may be required.
Education
Associate in Arts (AA) in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering or related field is preferred;
Experience
Any combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job, may be substituted for these qualifications.
Knowledge Of
Applications For This Recruitment Will Be Accepted Electronically. Your Relevant Experience May Be Evaluated To Determine Salary. Therefore, It Is Very Important That The “Work Experience” Portion Of The Application Be Completed In As Much Detail As Possible. In Order To Be Considered For This Opportunity, Please Include The Following With Your Online Application
The effective date of this position will be January 1, 2026.
Recruitment will remain open until filled with the first review date of November 24, 2025.
To be considered in the first review of applicants you must apply prior to this date.
Position Purpose
The Building Supervisor is an integral member of Planning and Community Development who is responsible for the supervision of the Plans Examiner and Building Inspectors. The incumbent is a working supervisor who will perform plan review and approval, building inspections, and serve as the Building Official as needed. The incumbent will support innovative and progressive ideas to accomplish tasks in the building division in support of a growing city. The incumbent is part of a collaborative team that responds to inquiries from the public, fire district, contractors, developers, and co-workers. This is a highly visible position that requires the highest levels of professionalism and customer service.
The incumbent will utilize professional independent judgement to review and recommend changes and additions to city building codes; review and coordinate work flow improvements; approve the issuance of public and private building and construction permits to assure compliance with adopted code requirements; perform independent fieldwork of a regular, recurring, new and complex nature; respond to and enforce code-related complaints and violations through collaborative efforts and corrective actions as necessary; and resolve unusual or difficult situations encountered by Inspectors and Permit Specialists. The incumbent will supervise, assign, and evaluate the work of assigned employees.
Work is performed under the supervision of the Building Official. The Building Official sets the overall objectives and resources available. The incumbent and Building Official work together to develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be completed. The incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies using their own initiative in terms of established objectives and independent judgement. The incumbent keeps the Director informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, and effectiveness of results.
About The City Of Lake Stevens
Lake Stevens is a vibrant and growing community - the second fastest-growing city in Snohomish County - with a population of over 40,000 makes us the 4th largest city in the county.
Lake Stevens is generally a residential community with access to numerous commercial, retail and recreational opportunities. Of course, the crown jewel of the community is the lake itself, which boasts some of the greatest water recreational opportunities in the county. Lake Stevens is also uniquely situated, being close to the lake, ocean, and Cascade mountains, to take advantage of many outdoor activities. The Lake Stevens Schools are excellent and coupled with a city priority of parks and increased walkability, makes Lake Stevens an ideal place to raise a family.
The City of Lake Stevens operates under the mayor-council system. The city’s motto, “One Community Around the Lake”, embodies our quality of life, top-ranked school district, and the City Council’s commitment to providing excellent services and amenities for its residents.
Why City of Lake Stevens?
- Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle.
- Work Where you Live!
- The City of Lake Stevens offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Retirement- through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
- Deferred Compensation- with city match.
- Excellent healthcare options-including medical, dental, vision insurance, city-paid life insurance and long-term disability, health savings accounts (HSA), and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA/VEBA).
- Paid leave- including paid sick leave, paid vacation, flexible holidays, paid holidays, and bereavement leave.
- See our benefits page for a complete list of all the benefits available to City of Lake Stevens employees.
- Ensures residential, public and commercial buildings and other structures within the city are reviewed, permitted and inspected to conform to the appropriate construction and structural code requirements
- Plans, organizes and directs activities related to inspection and enforcement of building codes for residential and commercial buildings
- Supervises Plans Examiner and Building Inspectorr
- Participates in the selection, training, mentoring, and evaluation of assigned employees; works with staff to correct deficiencies; implements corrective action and discipline within scope of authority
- Provides technical building code advice and prepares forms and educational materials on construction and code requirements
- Interprets construction codes and decisions to staff, developers, builders, and the public
- Determines the legal and regulatory procedures that apply to building projects and provides professional building and code enforcement advice and assistance; recommends revisions to city building, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and electrical codes
- Conducts on-site inspections as necessary; creates, updates, and maintains inspection files throughout the inspection process
- Drives a city vehicle to and from various locations within city limits to conduct on-site inspections, and within the State to attend meetings and trainings
- Responds to and resolves unusual, difficult or sensitive inspections, citizen inquiries and complaints
- Administers and coordinates building and enforcement codes, regulations, and activities with other city departments, city attorney, fire district, other jurisdictions, and regional, state, and federal agencies
- Enforces department policy and procedures
- Enforces building, zoning, land use, and nuisance codes
- Oversees the implementation and maintenance of an online permitting system
- Conducts research, writes letters and prepares written reports
- Develops or maintains assigned budget items including approval of the forecast of funds for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies
- Participates in professional group meetings; stays informed of new trends and innovations in the field of community development; encourages division staff to do so as well
- Participates in developing agendas, organizing meetings, preparing staff reports and other correspondence, and making presentations to the City Council and various technical committees and commissions
- Performs other duties as assigned
The physical demands described here and on the attached form are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; taste or smell; and constantly required to talk or hear. While in the office environment, the employee frequently is required to sit for extended periods of time and type on a keyboard for extended periods of time. The employee must frequently lift up to ten (10) pounds; occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds; and seldom lift up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
Work is based in an office environment, but there is frequent travel to field sites inside city limits to perform work outdoors in all types of weather conditions and perhaps potential hazards from unconfined animals, dilapidated structures, construction sites, and litter. Walking over rough, uneven terrain and some climbing may be required. Work may also be performed indoors in extreme cold environments including but not limited to walk-in freezers, and extreme hot environments including but not limited to manufacturing facilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to individuals who may be irate or hostile, in both an office, indoor, and a field environment. The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet to moderate, and the field environment varies from moderate to loud
Evening or variable hours may be required.
Education
Associate in Arts (AA) in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering or related field is preferred;
Experience
- Five (5) years of experience in increasingly responsible positions with a city or county government including code enforcement, commercial and residential building inspector, plans examiner, building official, or comparable private sector position(s) with a minimum of two (2) years of experience reviewing building plans for conformance with all the applicable building codes, ordinances and national standards.
- Experience as an Electrical Administrator is preferred
- Supervisory experience is preferred
Any combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job, may be substituted for these qualifications.
Knowledge Of
- Principles, practices, methods, current trends, and standards of building construction practices, materials and methods
- Structural, plumbing, and mechanical fields of applicable codes, regulations, and building plans
- Applicable city codes, international codes, state laws, and regulations governing construction and design structures
- Structure, organization and interrelationships of city departments, agencies and related governmental agencies and offices affecting assigned functions
- Project management principles and techniques
- Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration
- Supervisory and training principles, methods, best management practices and
- techniques
- Ability to manage complex assignments independently and make decisions or recommend course of action basked knowledge and established procedures
- Public Records Act, specifically the creation, storage, maintenance, and response to public records in the state of Washington
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
- Effective oral and written communication principles and practices to include public relations, public speaking, and professional business letter writing
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment
- Utilizing computers and applications including MS Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook; statistical databases and permitting databases
- Research methods and report preparation and presentation
- Project management techniques and principle
- Lean Management System or Six Sigma principles
- How AI and emerging technologies can be leveraged to improve departmental operations, service delivery, and decision-making.
- Maintain regular, predictable and reliable attendance during scheduled hours
- Interpret architectural plans and specifications, engineering calculations and property descriptions
- Effectively learn and utilize supervisory principles and practices
- Maintain records and respond to records requests in accordance with the state’s Public Records Act and city’s records policies
- Develop, implement and administer goals, objectives and procedures
- Capable of reliably and accurately completing multiple, high-priority assignments while meeting timelines and deadlines in a busy and demanding work environment
- Ability to think creatively about process and means for accomplishing high profile projects with limited resources
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
- Communicate effectively with tact, patience and diplomacy, orally and in writing, including the ability to listen effectively and to explain complex issues and applicable legal requirements, policies, and procedures to internal and external customers
- Learn applicable computer applications, software, and peripheral equipment quickly and effectively
- Conduct technical research, gather and analyze data, and present findings or recommendations
- Participate as a contributing member of a service-oriented team
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with team, city staff and elected officials, contractors, developers, outside agencies, community groups and the general public
- Correctly use English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
- Effectively schedule and prioritize workload, individually and with other staff members
- Maintain confidentiality and communicate with tact and diplomacy
- Understand and follow instructions
- Work independently and conduct construction compliance inspections in all types of terrain and weather conditions
- Detecting structural faults, and the stages of construction when violations and defects may most easily be observed and corrected
- Administering and enforce applicable building, zoning, and other codes, regulations, and policies
- Demonstrate positive and effective interaction and communication with individuals of diverse social and economic backgrounds
- Effectively delegating tasks and workload assignments
- Mentoring staff of varying abilities and personalities
- Developing skills in public speaking and personnel management
- Organizing, prioritizing, and time management
- Analyzing situations accurately and adopting an effective course of action
- Communicating effectively, orally and in writing, including the ability to listen effectively and to explain complex issues and applicable legal requirements, policies, and procedures to internal and external customers
- Evaluating and selecting appropriate AI tools or digital solutions to meet operational or strategic goals.
- Valid State of Washington Driver’s License and a driving record that meets the city’s requirements
- Current ICC Plans Examiner or Combination Inspector certification is required
- Completion of position-relevant background check
Applications For This Recruitment Will Be Accepted Electronically. Your Relevant Experience May Be Evaluated To Determine Salary. Therefore, It Is Very Important That The “Work Experience” Portion Of The Application Be Completed In As Much Detail As Possible. In Order To Be Considered For This Opportunity, Please Include The Following With Your Online Application
- An attached resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- A cover letter explaining your qualifications and why you believe you are a viable candidate for this position
- Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.