Plans Examiner/Building Inspector

Summary

Employee in this position examines residential and commercial building plans and makes construction site inspections to assure that plans, construction and the materials conform to local zoning, building, fire, plumbing, and mechanical code. Notifies builders and contractors of corrections required.

Placement or promotion of individual employees within the series of positions is at the discretion of the County, based on their educational training, related professional experience, and demonstrated competency in performing assigned duties and responsibilities.

Job Duties

Trainee (Pay Grade 9)

Requirements

Duties

• Shadow and learn from the Building division team how to conduct on-site reviews and inspections, verify residence 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.
• Become familiar with Island County Codes, Plumbing and mechanical codes.

Level 1 (Pay Grade 11)

Requirements

• ICC Residential Plans Examiner certification R1
• ICC Residential Building Inspector certification B1
• NOTE: Employees hired prior to 2/1/2023 will have the option to get B2 and B3 or B1 and R1 certifications to get Level 1.

Duties

• Conducts on-site residential inspections during construction; verify residence 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.
• Performs residential and non-residential plumbing inspections and observe testing of all plumbing and mechanical systems, repairs, alterations, renovations and installations as required.
• Reviews structural, life, health and safety of minor residential and non-residential building plans with respect to the requirements of the International Building Code and other applicable laws and ordinances in order to enhance compliance and advise permit applicants.
• Notifies builders and installers of building, mechanical and plumbing code violations and stipulate corrections required.
• Writes and posts stop-work orders when code violations necessitate complete work stoppage.
• Provides plumbing and building code interpretations when required.
• Performs inspections of residential, commercial, and public curbs, driveways, sidewalks and construction sites as directed to assure conformance with County standards, zoning codes.
• If determined to be qualified, may be assigned to perform mechanical inspections to verify compliance with the requirements of the International Mechanical Code.
• Reviews residential, non-residential and commercial building plans with respect to the requirements of the Building Codes as adopted and other applicable laws and ordinances in order to correct code errors and advise permit applicant.
• Inspects non-residential building for plumbing, mechanical and building code compliance.
• Performs fire inspections if qualified.

Level 2 (Pay Grade 12)

Requirements

• All requirements listed above
• Commercial plumbing inspector certificate or plumber journeymen’s certificate
• Mechanical inspector certification M2

Duties

• Same as above, plus,
• Must be self sufficient
• Organized and methodical
• Ability to increase production from Level 1

Level 3 (Pay Grade 13)

Requirements

• 6 years’ experience in the above and all certifications listed above
• ICC Fire Inspector 1 certification - 66
• ICC Plans Examiner certification B3
• Must have the skills and ability to train and mentor step levels: Trainee and Level 1

• Same as above, plus,
• Responsible and dedicated
• Ability to review others work
• Ability to increase production from level 2
• Ability to assist with trainee and level 1 learning
• Ability to assist Building official as needed

Education, Experience & Certifications

• High school Diploma or GED certification
• Experience in the Building industry
• Capable of learning and testing for exams and certifications
• High standard of accuracy
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally and tactfully
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Customer service experience and ability to work with the public in a professional manner.

* Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Island County does not provide visa sponsorship. *