Building Code Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $80,038.40 - $92,809.60 Annually
Location : 720 Prospect Street, Port Orchard, WA
Job Type: 40 hours per week, eligible for benefits
Job Number: 26-00037
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
The City of Port Orchard is looking for individuals who want to make a difference for the community. The City's mission of Realizing Our Community Potential means employees work toward a common goal of providing a desirable, thriving and connected community through transparency, accountability, growth and opportunities. If you value Service, Engagement, and Integrity in your work, we are looking for you!
Note to applicants:
We welcome attachments to your application. Please know, however, that attachments are not visible to the initial review team.
Be sure to include in the online application pertinent information that you want the review panel to consider. The completeness of your application is a factor in determining which candidates advance to the next phase of our recruitment process.
Please do not contact Human Resources in regards to your application. Please use the online application system to monitor the status of your application. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Pays $38.48 to $44.62 per hour.
This position is eligible for bilingual pay, which would increase the base pay by 2% for a range of $39.25 to $45.51.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. HRA VEBA account may also be provided. Retirement benefits include a choice between PERS 2 or 3 and optional Deferred Compensation. The City recognizes 11 paid holidays and provides up to 2 personal holidays annually. Vacation leave is accrued at 0.0385 hours per straight time hour paid in the first 2 years of employment, with increases thereafter. Employees earn 0.0462 hours of sick leave per regular straight-time hour paid. More benefit details are available by clicking on the "Benefits" tab of this job posting.
Major Function and Purpose
Ensures minimum safety standards are met for all structures within the City by reviewing plans and specifications for code compliance, inspecting construction, and enforcing municipal and building codes.
General Function
Performs a variety of duties to accommodate growth within the City, including interpretation of various codes, providing and communicating alternatives to bring a structure into conformity with applicable codes, and conducting plan check reviews of proposed projects.
Supervision Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
This job description reflects general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. These listed duties and responsibilities in no way imply these are the only duties to be performed. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to: working in other function areas to cover absences or provide relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload. Accordingly, individuals occupying this position will be required to follow any job-related instructions, tasks, or other duties as assigned by the Director or designee, and must be able to proficiently perform all assigned duties.

• Conduct physical inspections of various construction projects at each phase of completion to ensure compliance with applicable codes and minimum safety standards.
• Review construction applications and plans to verify code compliance.
• Review construction plans and specifications for compliance with applicable codes prior to issuance of permits and during the construction project.
• Approve permits for new construction and for remodeling projects on existing structures.
• Approve occupancy permits upon completion of construction projects.
• Answer questions and inquiries from the general public, contractors, and other parties in an accurate and timely manner; providing code interpretations as requested.
• Coordinate with all involved parties during ongoing construction projects.
• Assist with preparation of monthly and quarterly reports to inform various state and local agencies of building activity.
• Conduct inspections on City facilities as needed.
• Document and retain files of customer questions related to coordination of projects or activities, especially contacts regarding problem solving.
• Remain current on all code changes through continuing education.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy Director Community Development
• Reliable and regular attendance is required
• Other duties as assigned.

Contacts and Relationships
The position will have a variety of contacts in person, via telephone, electronic communication, or through mail correspondence with citizens, various City departments and their personnel, planning groups and agencies, contractors and design professionals.
Working Conditions
Work is performed indoors and outdoors. May need to work in confined spaces and may be required to work in noisy work areas. May be exposed to hazards including, but not limited to, extremes in temperature, chemicals, noxious fumes, machinery or its moving parts, construction hazards, open trenches, traffic, and specialized equipment. Protective clothing or equipment may be required for completion of some job requirements, including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection and/or other protective equipment. May be required to attend meetings during other than normal work hours. Telecommuting is permitted at the supervisor's discretion in accordance with City policy.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of concepts, practices, methods, and techniques for reviewing building plans and specifications; requirements of international building codes, Washington state building codes and the uniform plumbing code; modern methods of building construction; concepts of structural engineering; methods and techniques of conducting on-site building inspections; processes and procedures of recordkeeping and permit systems; and modern office procedures, methods, and equipment.
Ability to interpret and apply international, state, and local building codes and uniform plumbing code; read and comprehend construction blueprints and technical specifications; perform on-site building inspections at all stages of the construction process; perform basic math calculations; maintain complete and accurate records of buildings, plans, calculations, and specification checks and inspections; respond accurately and professionally to requests and inquiries from the general public and department customers; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; prioritize workload; multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously; exhibit fairness and impartial judgement; and work with little direction.
Physical Requirements
The Building Inspector must have the overall stamina and ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical activity, including the ability to stand or walk for long periods of time, to work in and on structures under construction, climb, bend, and work in tight or confined areas. Close vision, color vision, depth perception, and far vision are essential to performance of the position. Corrective lenses may be utilized. Must be able to hear alarms and have the ability to audibly identify the presence of a danger or hazard.
Minimum Requirements
High school diploma or GED and three (3) years of experience in the construction trades, land use code enforcement, or as a construction inspector, building inspector, or plan reviewer are required. Valid driver's license required upon hire. Out of state candidates are required to obtain a WA state driver's license in accordance with state law.
Preferred qualifications include certification as an ICC Residential Building Inspector, ICC Commercial Building Inspector, or ICC Plans Examiner.
Any combination of experience and training that provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.
Requirements outlined in this job description may be subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment in this position. However, some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the Employer and requirements of the job change.
Benefits Package
Non-union FLSA non-exempt
As of 01/01/2026
Medical Insurance: Employees have a choice between four medical plans for themselves and eligible dependents: Association of Washington Cities (AWC) HealthFirst 250 (Regence), Regence High Deductible Plan, Kaiser Permanente $20 copay/200 deductible plan, or Kaiser Permanente High Deductible Plan. Employees pay 10% of the cost of the monthly premium on the HealthFirst 250 or Kaiser 20/200 plans. The City pays the full cost of the high deductible plan options. Rates are available upon request. Medical insurance is effective the first of the month following date of hire provided that at least 40 hours are worked in the month of hire.
Dental Insurance: Dental insurance for the employee and eligible family members is provided through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) with a choice between Delta Dental Plan F or Willamette Dental $15 Copay plan. The City pays 100% of dental insurance premiums. Dental benefits are effective the first of the month following date of hire provided at least 40 hours were worked in the month of hire. Both plan options include an orthodontia plan for children.
Vision Insurance: Vision insurance for the employee and eligible family members is provided through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Vision Services Plan (VSP). The City pays 100% of vision insurance premiums. Vision benefits are effective the first of the month following date of hire provided at least 40 hours are worked in the month of hire.
Life Insurance: The City provides a $50,000 life insurance and $50,000 accidental death and dismemberment policy for the employee.
HRA: The City of Port Orchard may pay into an HRA VEBA account, depending upon the insurance plan selected and the number of family members insured. The account is available to use for qualified health care expenses of the employee and eligible dependents while employed and upon separation of employment. Some departments have elected to make an additional monthly contribution. All employees in those departments must participate.
Vacation Leave: Full-time employees earn 80 hours during their first year of employment and increase thereafter based on additional years of service in accordance with City policy, up to a maximum of 240 hours.
Sick Leave: Employees earn 8 hours of sick leave for each calendar month of employment up to a maximum accrual of 960 hours.
Holidays: The City of Port Orchard recognizes 11 holidays and provides for up to two personal holidays.
Retirement: The City of Port Orchard is a participant in the Washington State Retirement System. New employees may choose between PERS Plan 2 and PERS Plan 3.

• Plan 2 provides a defined benefit. Currently employees contribute 5.38% of their pay to the retirement plan. Employees are vested after 60 qualifying months.
• Plan 3 provides a combination defined benefit and defined contribution benefit. Employees choosing Plan 3 elect to contribute between 5 and 15% of their pay. Employees generally vest in the defined benefit portion after 120 qualifying months.

Deferred Compensation Plan: The City participates in the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (457 plan) or DCP. DCP allows employees to defer a portion of their paycheck for investment for retirement similar to a 401(k).
Working Hours: Regular work hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Evening, weekend and overtime work may be required.
Probation: New employees serve a 12-month probationary period.
Social Security: The City of Port Orchard participates in Social Security.
Direct Payroll Deposit: The City of Port Orchard requires paychecks to be directly deposited into a bank account of your choosing.
Benefit offerings are subject to changes in the insurance plan and action by the City Council. Benefits may vary for part-time employees. This document is a summary and not a guarantee of benefits. The actual plan document, ordinance, resolution or policy will prevail if there are differences between this document and those documents.
01
Do you have a current, valid, unsuspended driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02
How many years of experience do you have in either construction trades, land use code enforcement, or as a construction inspector, building inspector, or plan reviewer?

• Less than 1 year
• Between 1 and 2 years
• 3 years or more

03
Please list any ICC certifications you currently possess.
Required Question