Salary Range
7,830.00 - 10,013.00
Job Summary
As one of the fastest growing cities in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is building a city of the future through innovation, sustainable development, excellent leadership and effectively working with an engaged community. Our growth is guided by our core values of livability, sustainability and resiliency, innovation, and equity and inclusion, and we accomplish our work through collaboration, innovation, compassion and empowerment.
If who we are speaks to you, and if you’re the type of person who is interested in joining a team responsible for ensuring the compliance of building code and regulations in the local community then the City of Vancouver may be for you.
We’re currently recruiting for a Building Inspector I/II/III. The primary responsibilities for the job are to perform field inspections during various stages of building construction to verify conformance with approved plans and construction documents, and compliance with applicable city/state building codes and regulations.
This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt union position. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the JLC union. The schedule for this position is M-F.
Salary ranges:
Building Inspector I: $6,118-$7,823
Building Inspector II: $7,455-$9,529
Building Inspector III: $7,830-$10,103
Salary for this position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement with negotiated step increases based on seniority. Candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the position will be at the beginning of the listed range, equal to Step 1. Directly related experience, certifications and relevant credentials exceeding minimum requirements will be considered for step credit at hire, with such credit not to exceed Step 4, the approximate midpoint of the listed range, unless otherwise stipulated in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Job Details
Essential Functions:
- Assist contractors, architects, engineers, and property owners with technical aspects of construction codes and the inspection process.
- Conduct inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial structures during various stages of new construction, alteration, and remodeling, from grading and foundation to final completion, to verify compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances, and amendments, covering structural integrity, life safety, mechanical, plumbing, energy efficiency, accessibility (ADA), site work, and overall site development.
- Formulate and issue formal Correction Notices when field construction deviates from approved project plans, specifications, or adopted regulatory codes.
- Log detailed inspection results, field data, and technical notes accurately into the city’s digital permit tracking system. Generate comprehensive administrative reports related to field inspections and enforcement actions performed. Accurately document deficiencies regarding building construction, and action required to gain final approval.
- Participant in project coordination meetings with internal staff, contractors, architects, engineers, and building owners to clarify inspection workflows, code requirements, and compliance timelines.
- Collaborate with plans examiners, the Fire Marshal’s Office, Public Works and other city departments to align inspection activities and resolve complex compliance issues.
- Issue field occupancy approvals per City policies and applicable codes.
- Support the plan review and permit teams by supplying field information, site feedback, and coordinating permit/inspection processes.
- Operate assigned city vehicles safely, responsibly, and efficiently to travel between job sites.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Experience
- Level I: Minimum two-year work experience in building construction/trades and working knowledge of essential building codes
- Level II: Two years of increasingly responsible experience in building construction, or one year of experience as a Building Inspector within a municipal government.
- Level III: Two years of increasingly responsible experience at Building Inspector within a municipal government.
Education
- Minimum: HS Diploma/GED
- Preferred: Trade school or Associate level education in construction technology or related field.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Computer Skills
- Field laptop, smartphone, and mobile inspection applications
- Competency in Microsoft Office Suite
Required Licenses and/or Certifications·
- Level I: Possession of valid driver's license.
- Level II: Possession of valid driver’s license; and ICC certification in at least one building inspection area.
- Level III: Possession of valid driver’s license; and ICC certification in at least two distinct building inspection areas (such as building and mechanical).
Knowledge
- Comprehensive knowledge of the International Building, Residential, Mechanical Codes (IBC, IRC, IFC, IMC), the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and applicable State of Washington and City amendments and municipal ordinances.
- Industry standards, specifications, and proper installation/use metrics for various construction materials.
- Operations, inspection services, and activities of a municipal building department.
- Foundational structural design principles and practices.
- Pertinent federal, state, and local laws regulating building construction, public safety, and accessibility standards.
- Electronic plan review platforms, such as EPlans, Adobe AcrobatModern office procedures, electronic records management methods, and administrative technology.
- Operating personal computers, mobile field devices, standard office productivity software.
Abilities
- Utilize field laptop, smartphone, and mobile inspection applications
- Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
- Communicate clearly, verbally and in writing
- Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles
- Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
- Provide a high level of customer service at all times
- Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
- Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
- Consistently provide quality service
- Maintain regular and dependable attendance
- Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive
- Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
- Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
- Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
- Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk.
- Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.
This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!
Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.
Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.
Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us
Job Posting End Date
November 30, 2026
