Building Inspector 1, 2 OR 3

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

THIS ROLE MAY BE FILLED AT THE BUILDING INSPECTOR LEVEL 1, 2 OR 3 DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

SALARY RANGES
Building Inspector 1: Grade 119 $ 4,793.40 - $6,448.36 /mo.
Building Inspector 2: Grade 121 $ 5,235.06 - $7,038.50 /mo.
Building Inspector 3: Grade 122 $5,476.44 - $7,364.52/mo.

NATURE OF WORK
Under general supervision, inspects residential, commercial and industrial buildings for the Lewis County Community Development Department; reviews and interprets blueprints and technical drawings, and verifies the building’s compliance to codes, regulations and ordinances; responds to building and construction code inquiries from the public.

The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position.

• Assists with training of other Building Inspectors.
• Reviews plans and specifications to gain familiarity with the projects prior to inspection.
• Performs field inspections of residential, commercial and industrial buildings and structures to examine and evaluate the building, mechanical and plumbing work performed and materials used; verifies quality of workmanship, quality of materials used, and compliance with plans, specifications, estimates and applicable codes and regulations.
• Identifies, documents, and communicates deficiencies and deviations from plans; refers serious problems and disagreements in interpretation to supervisor.
• Interprets County building, mechanical, plumbing and safety codes, and issues pass/fail notices; meets with contractors and homeowners to discuss project issues and concerns.
• Monitors projects for compliance with code requirements and approved construction plans and materials; maintains communications with builders and homeowners on residential inspection projects.
• Maintains and updates inspection records, project documentation and project files.
• Provides customer service; answers questions and concerns related to building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and safety codes, requirements, permits and procedures.
• Investigates code violation complaints and coordinates effective resolution of code enforcement issues; interprets, applies and explains City codes and regulations.
• Reviews plans and assigns new addresses on County and private roads.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in the field and a standard office environment; work involves exposure to variable weather conditions, uneven terrain, general construction hazards, and confined spaces; subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing ladders, and lifting of objects up to 40 pounds.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Building Inspector 1

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent; AND two (2) years’ journeyman-level general construction experience.
• Valid Driver’s License and Driver Record Evaluation that meets current County Vehicle Use Policy.

Building Inspector 2

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent; AND one (1) year experience as a Building Inspector.
• International Code Council (ICC) Residential Inspector certification is required; depending on the needs of the County, incumbent may be required to obtain additional technical certifications.
• Valid Driver’s License and Driver Record Evaluation that meets current County Vehicle Use Policy.

Building Inspector 3

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent; AND two (2) years’ experience as a Building Inspector 2.
• International Code Council (ICC) certificates in the following: Residential Inspector, Commercial Inspector and at least one (1) additional trade specialties for a total of three (3) certifications; depending on the needs of the County, incumbent may be required to obtain additional technical certifications.
• Valid Driver’s License and Driver Record Evaluation that meets current County Vehicle Use Policy.

COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors)

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state and local building, housing and safety codes and regulations.
• Methods and techniques of inspecting buildings, structures and facilities.
• Regulations and standards governing building inspection activities.
• Construction principles, practices, materials, and methods.
• Government regulatory agencies and specialized sources of building safety information.
• Principles and practices of urban and regional development and land use.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.

Skills in:

• Applying technical knowledge of building trades work and using sound inspection methods to determine workmanship and materials quality and detect deviations from building and safety codes.
• Interpreting and applying statutes, rules, ordinances, codes and regulations.
• Interpreting building, plumbing and mechanical regulations, and comparing them with engineering drawings, plans, maps and specifications.
• Identifying construction deficiencies, code violations, and deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.
• Providing advice and consultation on standard construction methods and compliance requirements.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff, contractors, homeowners, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to:

• Learn and follow County policies and procedures.
• Adapt to changing business needs, conditions, priorities and work responsibilities.
• Learn, retain, and recall new or changing information and processes.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing, considering the needs of the audience.
• Make timely, logical decisions, solve problems, and prioritize work appropriately.
• Effectively manage stress and maintain composure.

Behaviors:

• Regular, reliable attendance.
• Earn trust and respect through honesty, professionalism, and maintaining confidentiality.
• Accept personal responsibility for work, actions, and words.
• Listen to understand various perspectives.
• Demonstrate initiative to learn, share information, and improve processes.

Lewis County is an equal opportunity employer that provides access, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by law in employment or provisions of services.

Health Insurance: We offer comprehensive medical coverage-including vision-along with dental and basic life insurance for employees and their families. Multiple medical plan options are available, so you can choose the coverage that best fits your needs.

Retirement Plans: Secure your future with enrollment in one of Washington State's Department of Retirement Systems programs: PERS, PSERS, or LEOFF. Both you and the County contribute to your retirement, ensuring long-term financial stability.

Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.

Longevity: We recognize and reward your dedication with additional monthly compensation for continuous service milestones.

Deferred Compensation: Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Please visit our Employee Benefits webpage for details: 2026 Benefits

Accommodations for All Applicants: If you need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to help! Contact our Human Resources Department at (360) 740-2737 or HR@lewiscountywa.gov .

Closing Date/Time: 8/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Lewis County, WA

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