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City Inspector Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

GENERAL SUMMARY Shoreline is an inclusive City that endeavors to build a work culture which ... The Stormwater Inspector conducts inspections of public and private properties, administers the ...

Aircraft Inspector

Everett, WA · On-site

$70K - $93K/yr

An Aircraft Inspector will conduct all required inspections in accordance with the applicable ... Kansas City, Missouri; and Fort Worth, Texas. This national MRO network provides seamless support ...

Surface Water Inspector

Shoreline, WA · On-site +1

$41.95 - $51.04/hr

City Hall: 17500 Midvale Ave North, Shoreline, WA Job Type: Full-Time Regular Remote Employment ... The Stormwater Inspector conducts inspections of public and private properties, administers the ...

Inspect in-process and finished products to ensure compliance with specifications * Document ... Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance * Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

Inspect in-process and finished products to ensure compliance with specifications * Document ... Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance * Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

Responsibilities * Inspect products currently in production using blueprint reading and ... Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and ...

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City Inspector information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$27.9K

$62.5K

$112.7K

How much do city inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for city inspector in Seattle, WA is $62,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $72,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a City Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a City Inspector, you need a solid understanding of building codes, zoning regulations, and inspection procedures, often supported by relevant certifications or a background in construction or engineering. Familiarity with inspection management software, digital reporting tools, and state or municipal permit systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help City Inspectors effectively assess compliance and interact with property owners. These competencies ensure public safety, regulatory adherence, and the efficient handling of city development projects.

What qualifications do I need to be a quality inspector?

To become a quality inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience in manufacturing or quality control. Certifications such as Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or training in inspection tools like calipers and gauges can enhance job prospects. Strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and knowledge of industry standards are also important.

How to become a city inspector in Texas?

To become a city inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience, and knowledge of building codes and inspection procedures. Certification or licensing, such as a building inspector license, may be required by state or local authorities. Developing skills in construction, safety standards, and inspection tools is also beneficial.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying jobs for city inspectors are rare, with most earning significantly less than $500,000 annually. Typically, roles in executive management, specialized medical fields, or high-level corporate positions can reach or exceed this income level, often requiring advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience.

What are some common challenges City Inspectors face when conducting site inspections?

City Inspectors often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulations, addressing non-compliance issues diplomatically, and managing a high volume of inspections within tight deadlines. They may face resistance from property owners or contractors and must balance enforcing codes with providing helpful guidance. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring public safety.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

Among inspectors, construction and building inspectors tend to earn higher salaries due to the complexity of projects and required certifications. Other high-paying inspector roles include health and safety inspectors and specialized industrial inspectors, especially those with advanced skills and experience. Salary levels often depend on industry, location, and level of certification.

What is the difference between City Inspector vs Building Inspector?

AspectCity InspectorBuilding Inspector
CertificationsTypically requires state or local licensing, building codes knowledgeRequires similar certifications, often including ICC or state-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentInspects city infrastructure, public projects, and complianceFocuses on building safety, construction sites, and code adherence
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal government, public sectorMunicipalities, private firms, construction industry

Both City Inspectors and Building Inspectors work within municipal environments and require similar certifications. While City Inspectors often oversee broader city infrastructure and public projects, Building Inspectors focus specifically on construction sites and building safety compliance. Their roles are complementary, with overlapping skills and certifications, but differ in scope and focus.

What does a City Inspector do?

A City Inspector is responsible for ensuring that buildings and properties within a city comply with local codes, ordinances, and safety regulations. They conduct inspections of construction sites, residential and commercial properties, and public spaces to check for compliance with zoning laws, building codes, and health and safety standards. City Inspectors may issue citations or stop-work orders if violations are found and often work closely with contractors, property owners, and city officials to resolve any issues. Their work helps maintain public safety and the integrity of urban development.
What are popular job titles related to City Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA? For City Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for City Inspector jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most City Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various City Inspector job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,521 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

$41.95 - $51.04/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY Shoreline is an inclusive City that endeavors to build a work culture which embraces diversity, encourages participation, and promotes equity. Shoreline's Surface Water Utility (SWU) is dedicated to protecting and restoring the City's streams, lakes, and waters of the Puget Sound through sustainable stormwater management and environmental stewardship. By safeguarding these vital natural resources, the SWU helps preserve healthy ecosystems, improve water quality, reduce flooding, and strengthen the community's climate resilience for generations to come.

As part of this meaningful and ongoing mission, the Surface Water Utility is seeking a Stormwater Inspector to join our team. The Stormwater Inspector conducts inspections of public and private properties, administers the City's Source Control and Pollution Prevention Assistance Programs, and works collaboratively with property owners, businesses, and contractors to promote compliance with stormwater regulations. This position also inspects active construction sites for erosion and sediment controls and newly constructed stormwater facilities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and City standards.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about environmental protection, enjoys working in the field and with the public, and wants to make a lasting impact on the health of Shoreline's waterways. DEFINITION The position performs skilled field inspections of stormwater systems to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. It responds to complaints and reports of violations, such as illicit discharges, spills, and water quality concerns, and recommends action to correct.

This position supports compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Requirements include performing inspections of surface water facilities, construction site inspections for erosion control, illicit discharge detection and elimination, drainage complaint investigations, and general technical support in Public Works. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives direction from assigned supervisor or manager.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: General Essential Functions: Work with related software and programs to create and maintain data and maps that can be combined with geographically referenced data. Perform data analysis that includes importing, cleaning, transforming, validating, or modeling data with the purpose of understanding or making conclusions from the data for decision-making purposes. Investigate concerns or issues, meet with others to discuss, determine the cause, and develop solutions collaboratively with others.

May function as a technical Lead to supervise extra help or volunteer staff. Support the public engagement process by providing meeting assistance, preparation of materials, generating maps, or public notifications. Inspection Essential Functions: Perform water quality inspections of public and private sector surface water control facilities and stormwater facilities to verify compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, erosion and sediment control, or to ensure systems are running properly.

Set up, schedule and complete inspections and monitor and track inspection areas. Prepare and maintain inspection reports and records. Investigate pollution sources.

Determine maintenance work to bring water control facilities into compliance. Investigate drainage and discharge complaints, flooding and hazardous spill reports, provide logistical support for the City's abatement and enforcement, and assist parties with response to spills. Modify standards to reflect changing best practices.

Track labor costs and inspection progress. Analyze results, create and prioritize work orders, and track completion of work orders, managing information databases. Coordinate support from other areas and communicate with citizens who may be in an area affected by an inspection.

Assist with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, and State water quality and discharge permit programs. Assist Construction Inspectors review erosion control methods, remedies, violations, and enforcement of water quality standards. Marginal Functions: Perform a variety of office and field support duties not typically part of position assignment.

Perform water quality and quantity monitoring and data collection. Provide information and assist to resolve issues related to drainage issues. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Basic civil engineering principles and practices as applied to the design, development, construction, and maintenance of municipal engineering projects. Computer-aided design tools. Public works infrastructure.

Geographical information systems (GIS) principles, practices, and software use. Asset management software. Project management techniques.

General principles, practices, and standards of civil engineering. Drainage principles and practices. Technical aspects of stormwater management principles.

Principles of water resource inspections, including erosion and sediment control. Methods and techniques used to conduct on-site measurements and observations. Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.

Applicable Federal, State, and local codes, laws and regulations. Construction and engineering standards, methods, and techniques. Traffic control safety for field operations.

Traffic data collection and analysis. Surface water hydraulics. Budget formulation.

Mathematics as applied to storm and surface water engineering work. Construction management. Ability to: Participate and work effectively in an organization committed to advancing principles and practices of equity and anti-racism.

Create documents utilizing AutoCAD. Understand and use GIS software. Read and interpret complex engineering plans, schematics, work orders, flow charts and technical manuals.

Exercise judgment in interpreting data from engineering documents. Use specialized testing and sampling equipment and tools. Conduct field evaluations to review systems under construction.

Perform and prepare engineering design for various projects. Work independently with minimal supervision. Interact with the public, engineering staff, government agencies, and contractors to exchange information and respond to requests and inquiries.

Communicate clearly and concisely, explaining complex information understandably, both orally and in writing. Provide professional and responsive service to all customers. Prioritize and complete multiple tasks.

Demonstrate attention to detail. Work under stressful situations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Operate stream measurement and drainage analysis equipment. Read, interpret, and apply relevant Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements. Perform data collection, summary, and analysis, including testing, sampling, and analyzing water resources.

Provide analytical review and assessment and prepare reports related to area of assignment. Prepare contracts and maintain files. Experience and Training Guidelines Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Two or more years of related experience in computer aided design (CAD) and civil engineering technician related work including GIS; or two or more years in stormwater management or construction site inspection-related work; or two or more years in construction project management, storm or surface water maintenance management, budget preparation, management analysis, technical report preparation and presentation and public presentations. Training: Equivalent to a two-year degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil or environmental engineering, GIS, computer aided design (CAD), sciences or a related field. License or Certificate: Possession of a valid Washington State Driver's License.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION The City's mission is to fulfill the community's vision through highly valued public service. Our employees work relentlessly to achieve organizational goals while embracing the City's values. City Mission, Values, and Goals.

Working Conditions: Environmental Conditions: Office and field environment in all weather conditions; travel from site to site; extensive public contact. May be exposed to conditions and hazards from obstacles, heights, and open trenches associated with construction sites. Physical Conditions: Essential and marginal functions may require walking, standing, or sitting for prolonged periods of time, and for conducting work-in-progress inspections; near visual acuity for the review of technical engineering plans and specifications; communication with the public.

Lifting of up to 100 pounds, placing of field equipment for monitoring or measurement of conditions. REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY This position is eligible for remote work. The City's remote work policy, Employees Working Remotely, requires staff in positions eligible for remote work to work onsite a minimum of four days per pay period (every two weeks).

Full-time remote work is not an option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington Conditions Of Employment: All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.

This position requires the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor. Possession of valid state-issued driver's license with successful results of pre-employment check of driving record with an "acceptable" rating or better according to the City's Using City Vehicles administrative policy. Application Process: To demonstrate skills and interest, please complete the application and provide answers to the Supplemental Questions which will help us determine your qualifications for the job.

(This application does NOT allow for attachments.) Recruitment Timeline: Review of applications: July 28 Panel Interviews: August 6 - 12 Reference and Checks: Week of August 20 Targeted Start Date: September Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application or interview process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. To request an accommodation, please call (206) 801-2243.