Human Resources

Job Location

County of Chelan Community Development 316 Washington Street, #302 Wenatchee, WA 98801

Description

Position open until filled with first review 5/12/2025

Salary:  PW15 Steps 2-4  $5,187.37- $5,675.49 Longevity Steps 5-8 $5,938.00 - $6,806.95

The position includes a state retirement system, with a deferred comp program available. Health insurance package includes Medical, Dental, and county contributions to a personal health savings account. Includes up to 11 paid holidays and additional floating holidays per collective bargaining agreement. Along with monthly accrued vacation and sick leave. 

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Building Official, the Building Inspector performs the full work of the classification. Reviews and inspects residential/commercial plans and specs for code compliance and county regulations. Assists in maintaining inspection requests, records and filing. Assists the Public with permit procedures. Enforces building, zoning, mechanical, fire, and other codes and resolutions adopted by the County, and performs inspections of private and public construction projects.  Carries out the directions of the Director to ensure that the Department’s programs are implemented consistent with the County’s goals and policies. Individuals assigned to this classification must apply full working knowledge of building trades and construction codes to regular and varied work situations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.
• Inspects structures for plumbing, building and/or mechanical code compliance.
• 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, manufactured home installations and answers complaints on building code violations.
• Performs inspections of residential, commercial and public construction sites as directed to assure conformance with County standards, zoning codes, and specifications.
• May review building, plumbing and mechanical drawings as required to establish code compliance.
• Provides information to the general public, permit applicants, and public officials – over the telephone, at the counter, through e-mail, through mail, and at meetings – regarding the County’s building and fire codes. Interprets codes as necessary.
• Prepare formal written corrections to owners, architects, engineers, contractors and other agencies.
• Perform inspections of buildings and a wide variety of other structures in various stages of construction, alteration and repair; inspect foundations, concrete framing, fire safety requirements, mechanical, plumbing, energy conservation, facility accessibility and other items.
• Keep track of work in progress to make sure codes, regulations and sound construction practices are being observed.
• Keep detailed records and prepare reports of inspections, investigations and other work performed; participate in cases for legal action.
• Verify Flood Plain locations for all permits during the construction process.
• Read and interpret building plans and specifications. Read, interpret, apply and explain laws, codes and regulations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with peers, elected officials, clients, customers and the public.
• Where public health, safety, or welfare may be in jeopardy, recommend the initiation of abatement proceedings to the Building Official.
• At all times perform work in accordance with sound safety practices and make recommendations for improved safety.
• Responds to the most sensitive or complex inquiries or service complaints and keeps the Building Official apprised of these situations and resolutions.
• Stays current on changing codes and building practices through continuing education (seminars, classes, meetings) and reading applicable journals.
• Inspect structures damaged by natural and other causes, such as fire, high wind, or earthquake, where there are life and safety concerns.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of building and fire code administration.
• May perform portions of the work of higher classified positions occasionally, as assigned.
• May assist Code Enforcement Officer in performance of his/her duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work independently with little direction.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate operations and develop and implement corrective action to resolve problems.
• Thorough knowledge of principles, methods, and techniques relating to the inspection of residential/commercial building and manufactured home placement/alterations.
• Knowledge of building construction, plumbing, and mechanical installations.
• Knowledge of Washington State building, plumbing, mechanical, energy conservation codes and related regulations.
• Ability to exercise considerable discretion and independent judgment in choosing approaches, methods, and resources to solve problems and achieve results.
• Ability to interpret plans, specifications, and engineering drawings to monitor construction progress.
• Ability to accurately document inspections and to explain decisions to contractors and the general public.
• Ability to establish and maintain advanced interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal) to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts.
• Must have working knowledge of the reasons and intent of fire code requirements as well as building construction and fire protection systems.
• Knowledge of NFPA codes, International Fire codes, International Building codes and County codes relating to fire regulations.
• Intermediate level PC proficiency, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and permit tracking software.
• Considerable knowledge of the International Codes, Fire Codes, Energy Codes and Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality applicable to the duties of the job.
• Ability to read and understand construction plans, and to identify areas of noncompliance with fire and life safety codes.
• Ability to be flexible to changing priorities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in one or more areas of building construction required.
• ICC certification as a Residential Building Inspector desirable or must be obtained within six (6) months of employment. ICC certification as a Commercial Building Inspector desirable or must be obtained within twelve (12) months or employment. All certifications must be maintained in current status while employed.
• Knowledge of International Building codes, Washington State building, plumbing, mechanical, energy conservation codes, related regulations, NFPA codes, International Fire codes, Energy codes, Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality, and County codes relating to fire regulations.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of building and fire code administration.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Bilingual preferred

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

• Implement corrective action to resolve problems.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• ICC certification as a Residential Building Inspector or must be obtained within six (6) months of employment. ICC certification as a Commercial Building Inspector or must be obtained within twelve (12) months of employment.
• Possess a valid Washington State Driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to spend substantial time driving from site to site and getting in and out of vehicle throughout the day.
• Ability to make access into, under, and around structures by crawling in confined spaces, climbing, navigating difficult terrain and stooping for prolonged periods as necessary to conduct a thorough inspection.
• Ability to make visual inspection in structures that are dimly lit and to visually inspect sometimes confusing members of a structure, such as in framing, mechanical inspections, and inspection of failed structures.
• Physical ability to carry and set up ladders.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequent site visits to building sites or vacant properties can involve rugged and dirty conditions; and work in snowy and/or hot conditions. Job involves some desk work, which may be interrupted with phone and counter calls. Involves attendance at meetings on the County campus or off-site, before, during and after normal work hours. Corrections and correspondence are typically prepared at the computer terminal or on site.