Building Inspector/Plans Examiner

About the Department

Open until filled. Cutoff for first review of applications: 8 am, April 30, 2026.

The Department of Planning and Community Development seeks to hire a Building Inspector/Plans Examiner. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, team player who possess building industry experience and the desire to make a positive impact on the island’s building community. This individual will have excellent verbal and written communication skills which will benefit their work on a wide range of projects and with a wide range of stakeholders. Building Inspector/Plans Examiners need to demonstrate success in multi-tasking to keep up with the fast pace.

The Building Division of the Planning and Community Development Department is made up of 5 positions, including the Building Official, Building Inspector/Plans Examiners, Code Compliance Officer, and Arborist. 

The Building Inspector/Plans Examiner performs plan reviews and inspection of commercial, residential, and public buildings to ensure compliance with adopted local municipal building codes. Responsibilities vary depending on building inspection scheduling and specialty factors, include reviewing plans for building 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 efforts with colleagues or coaching other employees.

About the City of Bainbridge Island
The City of Bainbridge Island is a vibrant community with small-town feel, 52 miles of scenic shoreline and densely forested areas. Our employees are the most important asset in preserving and enhancing the special character of the Island, and in responding to the community's needs. The City provides competitive salaries, outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities.

Position Duties

• 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 adopted building codes and other applicable municipal 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 performs inspections of existing buildings to determine if hazardous or illegal conditions exist relating to structures and their use.
• Assists and advises design professionals, contractors, and the general public in matters relating to construction and code requirements; also helps order, prepare, and maintain reference center materials and public information brochures.
• Reviews plans for non-structural code compliance including life-safety, conventional framing, plumbing and mechanical, energy, and accessibility.
• Safely operate a vehicle to and from offsite facilities, inspection locations, or other location necessary to perform assigned work.
• Prepares letters and written reports; meets with design professionals, owners and contractors to review plans; issues notices to correct code violations, issues “stop work” notices and testifies in court regarding violations.
• Maintains timely and regular attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school (or GED equivalent) supplemented by continuing education and training in building design and/or engineering, and three years of building inspection and/or construction experience; OR any combination of experience, education and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required.

Knowledge of:

• Building materials and method of construction
• Building codes and building inspection application thereof
• Excellent speaking and writing skills
• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.

 Ability to:

• Independently recognize, evaluate and properly resolve problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment.
• Read and objectively interpret code requirements.
• Read and interpret construction plans and specifications.
• Maintain records and prepare written reports.
• Deal with public effectively and professionally.
• Remain proficient on code revisions, new codes and update inspector skills and certifications.
• Support and model the identified vision, values and behaviors of the organization.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Operate a personal computer utilizing a variety of standard and specialist software.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

License and Certification Requirements

• Valid Washington State driver’s license is required.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check is required.
• Certification as a building inspector, plumbing inspector, mechanical inspector and plans examiner is required within 24 months of hire.

Other Qualifications

Telecommuting/Residence
Some positions, including the Building Inspector/Plans Examiner, are eligible for a hybrid schedule (in-office and telecommuting), depending on the operational needs of the organization and department. Regardless of position or telecommuting authorization status, city employees must reside in Washington and within a reasonable distance to their regular work location.    

Working Conditions
The regular work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. The incumbent may need to work in confined spaces and/or noisy work areas.  Driving and field inspections in inclement weather is required.  Field inspections may require the ability to stoop, bend, walk over rough ground, crawl and perform other such physical activities.  Exposure to hazards is commonplace.  Among the hazards encountered are dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen, pesticides, insecticides, insect stings, noxious odors, fumes or chemicals and smoke.  Hazardous areas routinely encountered include open ditches, heavy machinery, uneven surfaces, confined spaces, construction materials, excessive noise, and vehicle traffic.  
 
Physical Requirements
Continuous repetitive arm/hand movement is essential to performance. The incumbent in this position must be able to discern voice conversation, have the physical ability to perform essential job functions, and have hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate computers, do keyboarding and operate other office equipment. The incumbent must have the ability to produce legible handwritten documents and may need to push, pull, lift and carry up to 20 pounds.

Additional Salary Details
The salary range for this position is $6246-$8134 per month. The hiring range is $6246-$7260 per month. Step increases are attained annually based on satisfactory performance.     

Provides municipal services and governance for Bainbridge Island community.