Code Technician II - IV

General Position Summary

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assume the lead in more complicated field inspections, and examine and reviews plans for more complex, large, commercial and industrial sites/projects to ensure compliance with county codes and ordinances.
• Compute beams, analyze strength of materials, and evaluate truss design to ensure the structural integrity of structures in accordance with recognized engineering assumptions.
• Examine and review plans and specifications, especially on the more complex commercial and industrial structures to assure compliance with county codes and ordinances.
• Perform field inspections of commercial, industrial and large scale or complicated projects by visually inspecting new construction and alteration projects for compliance to building codes, approved plans and specifications, requirements relating to soil conditions, property line setbacks, foundations, structure assembly, and fire/life safety requirements.
• Secures evidence in cases of violation and recommends possible remedial procedures to gain code and ordinance compliance. Assist and advice builders, contractors, engineers, architects and/or owners on methods and ways to achieve compliance.
• Respond to complaints from the public under the direction of the Senior Building Inspector and/or the Building Official.
• Prepare reports of inspections and investigations, and maintain records of such. Perform a diversity of clerical and administrative duties to maintain and perform the permit process and maintain its efficiency and timeliness.
• Attend and participates in staff meetings. Provide input and recommendations to improve own work processes and the general operation, performance and services provided by the department.
• Attend to training and maintain up to date in ordinance, codes, and legal changes pertaining to the trade and related subjects.
• Provide back-up support for public counter duties.

• Perform other duties and projects as assigned by supervisors.

Minimum Qualifications

Code Tech II:

• Possess and maintain certification issued by the International Code Council for Building Inspector B1, B2, or B5.
• Two (2) years of experience as a Permit Specialist or as a Building Inspector; two (2) years of college education with emphasis on building codes or related field; or four (4) years experience in a construction or building design field/trade.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and maintain a good driving record.

• Possess and maintain certifications issued by the International Code Council for Building Inspector B1 and B2, or B5; and Plumbing Inspector P1 and P2, or P5; or Mechanical Inspector M1 and M2, or M5. It is desirable that the third certification (plumbing or mechanical) be acquired within two years.

• Possess and maintain certifications issued by the International Code Council for Building Inspector B1 and B2, or B5, and Building Plans Examiner B3.Must possess and maintain certifications issued by the International Code Council for either Plumbing Inspector P1 and P2, or P5, or the Mechanical Inspector M1 and M2, or M5.The fourth certification must be acquired within two years of employment.
• Four (4) years of experience in all types of construction inspection and code enforcement (except electrical).Two (2) years of experience may be substituted for two (2) years of technical, trade or college education or schooling in construction, structure design, building codes or related field.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and maintain a good driving record.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with the public and others requiring services.
• Work in a cooperative and teamwork environment, as well as able to perform work in a multi-task work environment.
• Work under deadline requirements, and handle public pressure or disgruntled public.
• Skills to effectively and clearly communicate and explain processes and legal aspects to the public, and those served by the department.Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing and in a professional business-like manner.
• Possess a good general understanding of the codes and ordinances that related to the functions of the department and codes division, and able to interpret and apply them.Read, understand and interpret plans, drawings and specifications.
• Ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.

Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another person's medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
• 11 Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
• Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.