Electrical/Building Inspector

The Electrical/Building Inspector I is responsible for reviewing construction plans and inspecting construction of new industrial, commercial, multifamily, and single-family buildings, and remodel work to existing structures, to ensure compliance with laws, codes, and regulations, thereby ensuring minimum standards for fire and life/safety codes, structural integrity, and public welfare.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Inspect buildings and structures to ensure compliance with laws, codes, and regulations relating to building construction, electrical systems, mechanical systems, plumbing systems state energy code requirements, local zoning requirements, and job site erosion control.
• Investigate compliance complaints and, if necessary, mediate a resolution.
• Assist with investigation of fires and enter associated documentation in computerized tracking system.
• Review construction plans to ensure compliance with and enforcement of the City of Kirkland Electrical Code; and any additional applicable codes, laws, and regulations including the Washington State Energy Codes.

• Performs residential, commercial, and industrial on-site inspections at various stages of construction to assure compliance with the City of Kirkland's building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical codes and related codes, and notes violations. Review approved plans that are posted on construction sites to see that they are being properly implemented. Reinspects to ensure all noted violations have been corrected. The incumbent has the authority to stop work on a construction site if code violations are not corrected and makes the final approval of a structure prior to occupancy.
• Inspects sites for grading and soil excavation or other land modifications. Makes a visual survey of the construction site to determine if a licensed survey is to be required for setback verification.
• Responds to public and contractor inquiries concerning interpretation of the City's construction codes, construction problems, and City administrative procedures. This requires clear, concise, oral and written communication skills.
• Investigates complaints such as litter on property, unlawful grading, and mud on streets, and initiates the actions required to remedy the situation.
• Investigates and responds to complaints regarding code compliance; informs individual making the complaint if a violation occurred and, if so, what corrective action has been taken.
• Monitors construction to see that it is completed before occupancy of the building, the permit expires, or sees that the permit is renewed in a timely fashion.
• Maintains adequate records to assure proper documentation of inspections.
• Inspects nonstructural problems with building sites, such as surface water problems and inadequate access, and assures that they are corrected or referred to the appropriate City department.
• Position requires daily use of computer. Incumbent must have, or be able to learn, basic keyboard and computer skills.
• Plans and schedules routes in order to ensure the most efficient use of time.
• Answers questions and provides technical advice related to construction code compliance.
• Logs daily inspections and prepares inspection reports.
• Reads special inspection reports for compliance and files reports.
• Performs daily inspections of vehicles to include checking tires and lights and determining if service is necessary.
• Performs electrical plans review for permit issue in the office or on the job site when required.
• Attends pre-construction meetings with contractors, engineers, architects, and city staff as needed.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

• Must become familiar with City policies and attend staff meetings to discuss Planning and Building Department and City issues and changes in policy.
• Must become familiar with Planning and Building department regulations to identify trees and plants on approved drawings.
• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

Why Kirkland?

• Considerable knowledge of possible defects and faults in electrical wiring and appliances, and of stages in electrical construction where such faults and defects are most readily ascertained and remedied.
• Knowledge of local, state, and regional/international building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes.
• Considerable knowledge in the area of repair and maintenance, testing, and corrective measures as they relate to electrical installations.
• Considerable knowledge of the standards and practices of building construction, mechanical systems, plumbing systems, and electrical installations.
• Ability to read and understand complex drawings such that may be seen for hospitals, multi-family, and office buildings and ability to apply applicable laws and codes to residential, industrial, commercial, clinics, hospitals and surgery rooms.
• Maintains knowledge of the various changes in local, state, and regional/international construction codes, which are of technological changes in building materials and changing architectural philosophies. This will require attendance at college-level courses and/or trade seminars as they become available, provided they are necessary to achieve objectives.
• Knowledge of construction techniques and material.
• Must have or be able to learn basic keyboard and computer skills.
• Skill in reading and understanding blueprints and drawings.
• Skill in interpreting codes.
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing tasks.
• Must be able to communicate orally and in writing in a clear, concise, and diplomatic manner.
• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with engineers, architects, coworkers, supervisor, the general public etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Experience: 4 years of journey level experience.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

• Must be a certified commercial (EL01) journey level electrician with Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
• Must obtain ICC Residential Building Inspector (B1) certification within 1 year.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's license and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.
• Must have good oral and written communication skills.
• Once the incumbent obtains the following certifications, they will move to the Electrical/Building Inspect

Required

Preferred