On-Call Building Inspector I

Note: This is an On-Call position that is not eligible for benefits.

Being an on-call employee means that your work schedule is not guaranteed, hours worked could range from 0 - 40 hours a week, depending on office needs. All hours worked are subject to Department of Retirement Services and Affordable Care Act reporting requirements. More information will be shared during the interview, and we encourage questions about the program.

• Inspect buildings and structures to ensure compliance with laws, codes, and regulations relating to building construction, mechanical systems, plumbing systems, state energy code requirements, local zoning requirements, and job site erosion control.
• Investigate compliance complaints and, if necessary, mediate a resolution.

• Conducts site inspections of new and old commercial and residential buildings and structures to ensure compliance with approved plans and codes, notes violations. Approved plans will be reviewed, are posted on the construction site, and are reviewed by the inspector to see that they are properly implemented. Reinspects to ensure all noted violations have been corrected. The incumbent has the authority to stop work on a construction site if code violations are not corrected and makes the final approval of a structure prior to occupancy.
• Plans and schedules routes in order to ensure the most efficient use of time.
• Answers questions and provides technical advice related to building and structure code compliance.
• Investigates and responds to complaints regarding code compliance; informs individual making the complaint if a violation occurred and, if so, what corrective action has been taken.
• Logs daily inspections and prepares inspection reports.
• Reads special inspection reports for compliance and files reports.
• Inspects sites for grading and soil excavation or other land modifications. Makes a visual survey of the construction site to determine if a licensed survey is to be required for setback verification.
• Responds to public and contractor inquiries concerning interpretation of the National Electrical and related codes, construction problems, and City administrative procedures. This requires clear, concise, oral and written communication skills.
• Monitors construction to see that it is completed before occupancy of the building, the permit expires, or sees that the permit is renewed in a timely fashion.
• Maintains adequate records to assure proper documentation of inspections.
• Inspects nonstructural problems with building sites, such as surface water problems and inadequate access, and assures that they are corrected or referred to the appropriate City department.
• Position requires daily use of computer. Incumbent must have, or be able to learn, basic keyboard and computer skills.
• Performs daily inspections of vehicles to include checking tires and lights and determining if service is necessary.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

• Attends staff meetings to discuss Building Department and City issues and to discuss changes in policy and codes.
• The incumbent is expected to perform as an emergency worker in the event of a disaster.
• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

• Knowledge of local, state, and regional/international building codes.
• Considerable knowledge of the standards and practices of building construction, mechanical systems, plumbing systems.
• Maintains knowledge of the various changes in local, state, and regional/international building codes which are of technological changes in building materials and changing architectural philosophies. This will require attendance at college-level courses and/or trade seminars as they become available, provided they are necessary to achieve objectives.
• Knowledge of construction techniques and material.
• Must have or be able to learn basic keyboard and computer skills.
• Skill in reading and understanding blueprints and drawings.
• Skill in interpreting codes.
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing tasks.
• Must be able to communicate orally and in writing in a clear, concise, and diplomatic manner.
• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with engineers, architects, coworkers, supervisor, the general public etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Must be able to navigate typical construction sites which involve walking, climbing ladders/scaffolding, crawling, and being exposed to inclement weather conditions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Experience: 3 years of construction or inspection experience.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's license and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.
• Possess and maintain ICC Residential Building Inspector (B1) certification within 1 year.
• Must have good oral and written communication skills.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
The position is driving to or being at construction sites a majority of the time. Potential hazards at construction sites might include falling objects, loose footing, and construction equipment. The position may be required to climb ladders, occasionally walk on scaffolding, crawl in crawl spaces, and be exposed to inclement weather and adverse conditions. The incumbent is expected to perform as an emergency worker in the event of a disaster.
Positions in this class typically involve indoor and outdoor work in extreme variable temperature and atmospheric conditions. Duties may require extended periods of talking or listening, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, feeling, and seeing. Incumbents may be subjected to being around moving mechanical parts, vibration, fumes, odors, gasses, poor ventilation, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, intense noises, and travel.
Work typically includes exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 35 pounds of force more frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
This position encounters foot hazards as defined by the WAC, which may include any of the following: falling objects, rolling objects, piercing/cutting injuries, or electrical hazards.

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. First review of applicants will be 15 days after original posting date.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 711.