POSITION DESCRIPTION



TITLE: BUILDING INSPECTOR I

Scope of Responsibility: The Building Inspector performs inspection of commercial, residential,
and public buildings to ensure compliance with the county and state building codes. Responsibilities
vary depending on the building inspection scheduling and specialty factors and include reviewing plans
for code compliance and processing building permit applications, advising the general public on
matters relating to construction and other code requirements, and providing technical information to
architects, engineers, contractors, and other persons. Work is performed independently and may
include coordinating with colleagues or coaching other employees.

Individuals assigned to this classification must have a working knowledge of building inspection and
code enforcement practices and procedures as well as competence in plan review and inspection.

Errors in judgment and performance would be most serious in the areas of safety, public relations and
legal liability to the county. Under general supervision of the Building Official, the Building Inspector’s
work is monitored for accuracy and consistency on a regular basis.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position has no supervisory responsibility but may provide
training and guidance to other positions as needed.

Essential Functions:

 Plans day‐to‐day and project assignments, attends meetings, and together with the Building
Official and other colleagues, plans workloads and priorities.

 Inspects buildings during construction to ensure compliance with building codes and other
applicable county codes and ordinances. This includes progressive, customized and other
inspection procedures for commercial, residential, and public buildings.

 Coordinates and processes building permit applications.
 Investigates complaints and makes inspections of existing buildings to determine if hazardous

or illegal conditions exist relating to structures and their use.
 Assists and advises the general public in matters relating to construction and code

requirements; also helps order, prepare, or maintain reference center materials and public
information brochures.

 Reviews plans for code compliance.
 Prepares written reports, issues notices to correct code violations, issues “Notice of Violation”

notices, and testifies in court regarding violations.
 This job description reflects general details necessary to describe the job’s essential functions

and the job’s level of knowledge and skill typically required. The job description should not be
considered an all‐inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties

as assigned, such as working in other areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work,
or otherwise balance the workload

Minimum Qualifications:

 Requires knowledge, skill and abilities of the field of assignment sufficient to perform
thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by examples in the
above job description and the following knowledge, skills and abilities.

 High School graduation or equivalent.
 Three years experience in building construction industry.
 Current ICC Certification as a building inspector or must be accomplished within 12 months of

hire.
 Possession of a current valid Washington State Driver's License
 Knowledge, understanding and familiarity of Okanogan County.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

 Operational characteristics, services and activities of assigned functions, programs and
operations.

 Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
 Demonstrated knowledge and experience in design and construction.
 Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in inspection and code enforcement.
 English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
 Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.
 Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and statistical databases.
 Methods and techniques of public relations.

Ability to:

 Maintain detailed, accurate notes and records.
 Read and objectively interpret code requirements.
 Independently recognize, evaluate and properly resolve problems or situations requiring the

exercise of good judgment.
 Effectively read and interpret construction plans and specifications.
 Maintain records and prepare written reports
 Function well in high stress or emergency situations
 Keep up on code revisions, new codes, and update inspector skills and certifications;
 Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, colleagues and others

contacted in the course of work.
 Work with constant interruptions and manage multiple tasks with varying timelines.
 Work in a team‐oriented environment and independently.
 Work cooperatively with others demonstrating effective listening skills and exhibiting patience.
 Understand the organization and operation of the County and of outside agencies as necessary

to assume assigned responsibilities.
 Independently prepare correspondence and memoranda.
 Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software

packages.
 Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
 Operate a passenger vehicle.

Physical Demands:
This position requires the ability to perform those activities to complete the essential functions of the
job. The working environment for the Building Inspector is primarily in the field; however, individual
will be expected to work in an office setting. The duties require walking on all types of surfaces,
including rough terrain, sitting, standing, ability to maintain balance, climb stairs, ladders and inclines;
ability to kneel, bend, stoop, crouch, reach, push, pull, twist, crawl on hands and knees; requires a
sense of touch, finger dexterity, gripping with fingers and hands, lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds;
ability to operate a passenger vehicle; exposure to sunlight, outside temperature extremes, including
ice and snow, dust, pollens, insect stings. Ability to hear voice conversations; far, side vision with
depth perception. Requires wearing safety glasses or goggles, ear plugs or muffs, rubber or plastic
gloves, rubber boots.

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

THIS POSITION DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT.

Employee Signature Date

Supervisor Signature Date

Department Head Signature Date

Effective Date: 02/01/2011 EEO Code: 1 Department: Building

Dates Amended: 01/19/2011 Union: None Division: n/a

FLSA Exempt: No Grade: 20 Pos #: BLD023BI0‐001
BLD023BI0‐003