Building Inspector

City of Tukwila Building Inspector III

Join Tukwilas Community Development Department and help ensure our citys buildings are safe, sound, and code-compliant. Were seeking a seasoned Building Inspector, construction superintendent, or project manager who thrives on construction excellence and public service. In this dual role, youll perform site inspections of new residential, commercial, and industrial projects and enforce building codes to protect our community. We value professionals who demonstrate integrity, discipline, and a solution-oriented approach to problem-solving. If youre passionate about safety and putting the community first, we want you on our team.

What Youll Do:

• Inspect and Enforce: Conduct thorough inspections of structures under construction, alteration, or repair to ensure compliance with all applicable codes (building, fire, plumbing, energy, etc.). Issue corrections notices or stop-work orders as needed, and guide builders on meeting Tukwilas standards.
• Collaborate & Plan: Review construction plans and attend pre-construction meetings to anticipate issues early. Work closely with contractors, developers, engineers, and other city staff to maintain uniform code interpretation and project continuity.
• Community-Focused Service: Represent the city with professionalism and courtesy. Explain code requirements clearly to the public and building community, always seeking practical, on-site solutions that keep projects moving safely (our values emphasize integrity and transparency in public service.

Who Were Looking For:

• A detail-oriented self-starter with at least 4 years of building inspection or construction field experience (or equivalent). Certifications as an ICC Building & Mechanical Inspector and UPC Plumbing Inspector are preferred (or must be obtained). A valid drivers license is required.
• A team player with integrity and discipline . Tukwilas core values stress the highest ethical standards, so we need someone who is fair, honest, and respectful on every job site.
• A customer-service mindset. Youll interact with the public, design professionals, and developers daily, so strong communication skills and a courteous attitude are a must.
• A solution-oriented thinker who can tackle challenges constructively. We want someone who can stay calm under pressure, find practical fixes to unexpected issues, and always keeps community safety and project success at the forefront.\

About the City:

The City of Tukwila is 9.6 square miles of opportunity and a dynamic place to work. The population is over 22,000 at night and up to 150,000+ during the day. Tukwila shares borders with the Cities of Seattle, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, and Kent. Its central location lies in the heart of the Puget Sound region, sitting 12 miles south of downtown Seattle, 17 miles north of downtown Tacoma, and just east of SeaTac Airport. It is easily accessed by I-5 and I-405 or via either of Tukwila's two train stations, the Sounder Station or the Sound Transit Light Rail Station.

Our Mission: To provide superior services that support a safe, inviting, healthy environment for our residents, businesses and guests.

All potential team members are evaluated on the following values:

• Caring - We support the diverse community we serve with compassion, empathy and kindness.
• Professional We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and act with integrity and transparency. We are respectful and courteous with all.
• Responsive We are timely and effective in the delivery of great customer service. We continually strive to find innovative ways to improve.

Salary Range: $7,683 - $9,288 per month, plus excellent benefits. This position is represented by the Teamsters, Local #763.

The position will remain open continuously until filled. First review of applications will take place June 16, 2025 .

How to Apply:

Initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "education" and "work experience" section of your application in governmentjobs.com website. In order to be considered for this position you MUST apply on-line and complete the entire application. A Cover Letter and Resume are highly encouraged.
The City of Tukwila is an equal opportunity employer and strives to employ a diverse workforce reflective of the community it serves. Qualified applicants with multicultural experience and/or backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Veteran's Preference :
The City of Tukwila follows the guidance given by the State of Washington regarding applying Veteran's Preference under provisions of RCW 73.16.010 and WAC 357.16.110 (2). Please attach a copy of your DD214 or NGB Form 22 to your online application if you are eligible to claim Veterans Preference. Character of service should reflect as being Honorable. General discharge under Honorable Condition does not qualify.

Selection Process:

This selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials, testing, and interviewing. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to ... .

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Performs inspections on new residential, commercial and industrial projects in the process of construction, alterations, or repair for compliance with applicable City ordinance and codes, including the International Building Code, International Fire Code, International Mechanical Code, UPC Plumbing Code, Washington State Energy Code, Property maintenance code and other related codes.

Assures compliance with codes through inspections, correction notices, and enforcement actions; assista general public and design professionals in the requirements, interpretation, or explanation of the City codes; re-inspect as needed to assure compliance.

Reviews construction plans and details on commercial, industrial, and residential projects; determines standards/codes compliance and identifies critical details for field investigations; attends pre-construction meetings.

Investigates complaints, unauthorized construction, and property maintenance issues related to building codes.

Enforces city ordinances through proactive field inspections and follow up.

Collaborates with the code enforcement team and legal staff to ensure fair and consistent resolution of violations.

Balances firmness with education - helping property owners understand what is required and why, while working toward voluntary compliance whenever possible.

Develops and maintains working relationships with other departments, developers, contractors, local agencies, and the general public. May make presentations to community groups.

Coordinates efforts with other departments to ensure appropriate action and uniformity of interpretation, application, and enforcement of regulations, standards, and codes.

Issues stop work notices for non-conforming building activities; determines if corrections are required and ensures conditions are in compliance.

Conducts other inspections including final inspection on structures for occupancy approval, fire damage inspection, and expired permit inspection. Prepares related records and reports.

Maintains reasonable, predictable, and regular attendance during the standard workweek. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE (position requirements at entry):

Applicable codes, standards, ordinances, rules and regulations governing area of assignment;
Report writing methods;
Basic mathematical calculations;
Terminology, principles, practices, methods, and techniques of inspection and implementation of codes, ordinances, standards, and regulations;
Legal processes involved in the enforcement of applicable codes, standards, and ordinances;
Tools and equipment used in area of assignment;
Customer service techniques; and
City organization and operations.

SKILLS (position requirements at entry):

Using a personal computer and related software applications;
Using applicable tools and equipment;
Performing computations quickly and accurately;
Preparing and presenting oral and written reports and writing correspondence;
Interpreting codes, standards, and ordinances;
Recognizing, evaluating, and resolving unique situations;
Moving around on work sites and under adverse field conditions;
Performing inspection field tests;
Reading and interpreting blueprints, maps, plats, and charts;
Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels and with the public and community; and
Communication both oral and written, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Education, Experience and Other Requirements

TRAINING, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS (Position requirements at entry):
Education and Experience: High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and 4 years progressively responsible inspection experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to perform the essential elements of the job.

Licensing and Certification requirements: Valid Driver's License; ICC certification as a Building and Mechanical Inspector and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) certification as a Plumbing Inspector, and an additional certification in one of the following areas within 12 months of employment; ICC Building Plans Examiner, ICC Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector, ICC Disaster Response Inspector, ICC Accessibility Inspector (ADA), WABO Special Inspector Certification.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY/REQUIREMENTS:
Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, mobility, fingering, grasping, talking, seeing, hearing, walking, climbing, and crawling.

Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Working Conditions:
Hazardous physical conditions (mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, etc.)
Atmospheric conditions (fumes, odors, dusts, gases)
Hazardous materials (chemicals)
Extreme temperatures
Inadequate lighting
Intense noise