Building Inspector III - City of Moses Lake

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for conducting building inspections to ensure compliance with the adopted codes and ordinances and review of building plans.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Enforce and determine compliance through inspection, all State adopted Building Codes, and other applicable local, state, and federal laws pertaining to Building Codes. Code requirements of the National Electrical Code are not enforced by the City of Moses Lake.
• Examine plans and specifications of new construction, additions, and alterations to residential and light commercial buildings to determine compliance with the provision of applicable city, state, and federal construction codes.
• Perform inspections of buildings and structures at various stages of construction, alteration, and repair for adherence to the approved plans and specifications and compliance with all Building Codes.
• Interpret and explain building regulations and codes to owners, tenants, contractors, and others.
• Investigate and resolve complaints from the public and explain and interpret requirements and restrictions.
• Maintain records of building inspections and activity and then complete any related reports. Issue certificates and permits as appropriate.
• Assist in researching problems and complaints regarding residential and commercial buildings, building construction, and code compliance.  Respond to complex and sensitive building issues.
• Assist in resolving complex and sensitive customer service issues, either personally, by telephone, or in writing. Maintain records and documents of customer service issues and resolutions.
• Provide guidance to customers for the permit application process; assist in calculating review fees; advises citizens, builders, developers, or others regarding areas of non-compliance and actively assists in resolving issues.
• Assist in maintaining a library of handouts, brochures, and technical data sheets to provide information on current regulations. Responds to inquiries regarding difficult and complex aspects of the adopted building codes including referenced codes and standards; assists and advises division, departmental and interdepartmental staff on technically difficult and complex aspects of construction and code compliance.
• Provide research, input, and resolution on codes and amendments.
• Consult with Building, Engineering, and Fire Department staff on processes, projects, interpretations, and inquiries.
• Assist with counter coverage as directed.
• Assist the Building Official with residential, commercial, and industrial inspections and/or reviews as needed.
• Perform plan review duties.
• Operate a variety of equipment such as radios, inspection tools, computers, and laptops.
• Assist in administering the permitting function, including applications, processing, fee assessments and collection, and permit issuance.
• This position may act as a backup to the permit technician in their absence.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of construction methods and materials common to commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects.
• Knowledge of relevant building codes and comprehensive plan requirements.
• Knowledge of basic engineering standards and codes.
• Knowledge of the procedures and processes used in the establishment of codes and ordinances.
• Skill in interpreting codes accurately and effectively.
• Skill in enforcing regulations with fairness, tact, and impartiality.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Skill in reading and interpreting plans and specifications
• Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with external customers, employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations.
• Use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate situations; anticipate, identify, and evaluate potentially dangerous, unusual, or deviating situations; diffuse emotional situations and exercises appropriate judgment to establish priorities and take prompt action for problem resolution.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Building Official assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

State and City codes, these guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. 

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

The work consists of varied professional inspection duties and plan review. Strict regulations, combined with the unique nature of each case in question, contribute to the complexity of the work.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, architects and engineers, contractors, builders, engineers, homeowners, business owners, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, motivate persons, and negotiate, defend, or settle matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed in the field when conducting inspections; work involves exposure to variable weather conditions and general construction hazards; subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Building Inspector III serves as the Senior Inspector. Employees within this classification are distinguished from the Building Inspector I and II by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the department’s operating procedures. This position will inspect all the items listed under the Building Inspector I and II positions as needed, along with residential, multi-family, commercial, and industrial projects. The Inspector III also reviews the daily inspection workload and assigns them to the inspection staff. Positions at the Building Inspector III level are normally filled by advancement from the Building Inspector II level.
• Five years of increasingly responsible building inspection experience with specialized training in the building codes, or college level course work in building technology, architecture, or engineering.
• Possession of an ICC Building, Plumbing and Mechanical Inspectors certification. Must also possess not less than two additional related certifications within 12 months of employment.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Washington for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Working knowledge of Bluebeam a plus.
• Previous experience in municipal government sector preferred.
• All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process which includes reference checks and criminal history checks, or other.

The statements contained herein reflect general details necessary to describe principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered all-inclusive.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or to balance workloads. 

Management reserves the sole right to add, modify or exclude any duties at any time with or without notice. Nothing in this job description, nor by completion of any job requirements by the employee, is intended to create a contract of employment.

At its sole discretion, the City of Moses Lake may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Company Description

Moses Lake is a diverse, connected and supportive community of innovation and opportunity that values its namesake lake, small town vibe, growing arts and cultural scene, aerospace, manufacturing and agricultural heritage, and an abundance of sunshine and outdoor activities. 

Working for the City will afford you the opportunity to support the vision of Moses Lake, grow professionally, and work among diverse and dedicated staff with a goal to provide a service-oriented government that works with all interests in the community to implement our vision. 

Our location and climate allow our residents to enjoy a variety of interests surrounding the Moses Lake community. Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway I-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes, vineyards and popular recreational destinations. 

Moses Lake boosts active community parks and events, athletic venues and tournaments, a campground, and the popular Surf 'n Slide water park. The surrounding Columbia Basin area is filled with wine tours, a wildlife refuge, the Gorge Amphitheater, local fresh markets with direct-from-the-farm produce, and boutiques.

The City of Moses Lake is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our objective is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran.

Benefits

This is a union position represented by Washington State Council of County and City Employees AFSCME - AFL-CIO.

The City of Moses Lake offers a comprehensive benefits package.  Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage.  In addition to basic life insurance coverage, AD&D, dependent life, additional life insurance, long-term disability, EAP, LifeFlight, and Airlift NW are also offered.  Retirement is through the Department of Retirement Systems - Public Employees Retirement System.  Optional deferred compensation is offered with a City match of up to 2% of the employee's base salary. The City also offers an optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care. 

Employees within the represented group of the City receive eleven (11) paid holidays plus two (2) floating holidays annually. Vacation accrual begins at 12 days annually and increases to 24 days annually with over 20 years of service. Sick leave is accrued at the rate of eight (8) hours per month.  An annual longevity payment begins at 6 years of service.  Employees are eligible for a $250 per year boot allowance for boots with either a steel or composite toe or $150 per year for other work appropriate footwear/recondition of an existing boot.