Building Inspector 2 (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL)

This position works 37.5 hours per week.

This position performs technical, responsible and comprehensive office and field construction code inspection and enforcement work to secure compliance with County codes and ordinances. The position allocated to this class is responsible for inspection and enforcement of the International Residential (IRC), Building (IBC), Fire (IFC), Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes (IMC, IFGC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), Existing Building (IEBC), Washington State Energy (WSEC), 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings (UCAB), County land use regulations and other relevant codes, laws and statutes as may be applicable to construction and development projects. The incumbent perform as a combination Building Inspector and is responsible for the inspection and enforcement of multiple codes. Work requires physical inspection of construction works for new and existing structures/appurtenances ensuring code compliance; notification and correction of violations; application of technical knowledge of the referenced codes pertinent to construction and installations; knowledge of building design, construction and inspection techniques for residential, commercial and industrial buildings/projects. Incumbents must use judgment in identifying deviations from plans; work effectively with contractors, architects, engineers, suppliers, property owners and trades personnel to achieve compliance. Work is performed within stated department guidelines and applicable policies and procedures. Incumbents within this classification may be assigned to specific inspection districts by the Building Director and or his/her designee.

Building Inspector 2 classification is distinguished from the lower Inspector 1 classification by the emphasis on independent field inspections and the plan reviews of more complex residential and commercial projects. These positions require minimal supervision, have greater in-depth knowledge of applicable codes and exercise independent judgment regarding the interpretation and application of code requirements to complex projects. Work requires greater knowledge of building, plumbing, mechanical, accessibility, energy, zoning, critical areas and other County codes than the Building Inspector 1 class.

WHO MAY APPLY: This recruitment is open to all applicants meeting the minimum requirements. Priority consideration will be given to Spokane County employees in a position covered by the Master Contract submitting applications between 6/20/25 and 6/26/25. First consideration will be given to applicants working in the Building department in a position covered by the 1553 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA); second consideration given to County-wide applicants in a position covered by the 1553 CBA; final consideration will be given to all other applicants.

TOTAL COMPENSATION: $59,706 - $83,623 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

• Conducts in-progress and final on-site inspections involving footings, foundations, rebar, concrete, masonry, fire sprinkler/fire alarm systems, framing, fire resistive construction, plumbing, mechanical, heating, ventilation, insulation, roofing and similar work primarily in structures constructed under the IRC; interpret application of codes; verifies manufacturers specifications/installation of listed appliances and products suitable to conditions; issues written approval/correction notices, and stop work notices; performs other functions necessary to ensure that the building construction, materials, installation, alteration, or repair work is in conformance with the approved building plans, specifications and applicable building, fire, mechanical, plumbing, energy and other County codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Performs related inspection activities such as: fire separation/zoning setbacks, grading, cuts and fills, soil characteristics, occupancy, egress/ exiting, addressing, energy code compliance, emergency vehicle access. Inspector 1 positions are generally assisted by personnel with specific expertise in determinations involving: zoning issues, shoreline, stream and wetland buffers /setbacks, silt and erosion control measures, storm water/site drainage requirements, flood zone and other local or State requirements applicable to construction permits.
• Performs inspections entailing special actions; ensuring compliance with imposed conditions set forth by the department or other County agency (i.e.; Hearings Examiner decisions).
• Conducts inspections of Factory Assembled Structure (FAS) installation; including review of manufacturers installation instructions, setup including footings, blocking, shims, duct work, water lines and tie downs, and final inspection for skirting, ventilation, crawl access, decks, guardrails, and installer certification requirements.
• Reviews proposed routine residential construction plans for conformance with the requirements of the IRC and other applicable laws and ordinances; denoting any necessary plan revisions and follows-up with applicants, architects, engineers, contractors, or owners, securing necessary plan revisions.
• Coordinates inspections and related activities with contractors, property owners, architects, engineers, department staff, County officials, and other outside agencies.
• Accompanies Inspectors 1 2 in both the Building and Specialty classifications and Senior Inspectors in more complex residential and commercial inspections for training/development purposes.
• Investigates public complaints pertaining to new and existing residential structures and their associated systems regarding alleged violations of County codes and ordinances; initiates resolution of the issue(s) and notification of parties of record or refers to appropriate individual or agency of authority.
• Prepares and maintains required records and reports; notifies builders, installers, property owners of code violations and necessary corrective actions; follows up on notices to ensure compliance; notifies supervisor of failure to correct violations.
• Works with Prosecuting Attorney staff; coordinates and prepares case files and affidavits for future enforcement action, provides testimony in court/legal actions.
• Authorizes minor as-built variations during construction when life-safety, durability, and function are not compromised.
• Educates, supervises, and works with the construction industry to continue improvements to building safety.
• Provides technical and educational information, assisting department customers by phone, electronic communication, or in person with: code requirements, permit application procedures, review of building plans, provides written or verbal information pertaining to code interpretations, occupancy/construction type, department policy, on-site deviations revealed as result of inspection or enforcement action.
• Collaborates information and experiences with other inspectors/staff in an effective team environment.
• May be temporarily assigned to permit processing, or commercial plan review functions as part of ongoing career development.
• Applies greater focus on commercial and complex residential structures; increased knowledge and awareness relative to building accessibility, landscaping, storm water/site drainage, commercial refrigeration, and ventilation equipment typically associated with these types of structures.
• May be called upon to assist in the mentoring of individuals within the Building Inspector 1 class.
• Assists individuals within the Building and Specialty Inspector 1 2 and Senior Inspector classifications, in the performance of inspection and enforcement activities, as workloads demand.
• Maintains an elevated knowledge of Federal, State, and County regulations, and legislative processes.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Three (3) years of applicable full-time industry work experience relevant to the assigned field of responsibility, which includes a minimum of one (1) year of experience equivalent to Building Inspector 1; or an equivalent combination of industry work experience and college level and/or professional training in construction inspection and building code enforcement.
• Certified ICC Residential Building Inspector
• One (1) additional certification requirement (other than electrical) from the following:

• ICC Commercial Building Inspector
• ICC Mechanical Inspector (Res. or Comm.),
• ICC/IAPMO Plumbing Inspector (Res. or Comm.),
• ICC Plans Examiner (Res. or Comm.),
• ICC Fire Inspector (I or II)

• Note: For all license requirements, ICBO Legacy Certifications sanctioned by ICC in the categories of Building Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Plans Examiner, Uniform Fire Code Inspector, IAPMO Plumbing Inspector are considered the equivalent of: one (1) commercial and one (1) residential certification in the respective disciplines.
• Possession of a valid Washington Driver's License at time of application and must be maintained throughout employment.

• Knowledge of codes, ordinances and regulations relative to general construction/land use practices as demonstrated by experience and certifications relative to the assigned area(s) of expertise.
• Knowledge of various stages of construction to identify violations and defects.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with subordinates, county officials, contractors, engineers, architects, property owners and the general public.
• Skilled in using personal computers and related software applications.
• Ability to effectively deal with customers and co-workers in a tactful, calm, courteous and professional manner, often in stressful situations.
• Ability to effectively persuade, inform, educate, train, solicit information, motivate and direct a wide variety of individuals or groups.
• Ability to maintain a positive, professional and solution oriented approach with builders, installers, staff, and/or other interested parties.
• Ability to read and interpret complex plans and specifications.
• Ability to locate and diagnose existing and potentially hazardous conditions on existing buildings and new construction and to make specific recommendations for improvements/compliance.
• Ability to locate and diagnose alleged violations of County ordinances and make specific recommendations for improvements/compliance.
• Ability to operate standard office machines and equipment, PC/laptop computers, mobile printer/scanners, including word processing, databases, technical software, and internet based applications/research.
• Ability to convey complex ideas and information effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and present clear and concise, oral and written reports.
• Ability to maintain complex records and files, organizing facts, findings, and conclusions.