Entrylevel Building Inspector Jobs in Portland, OR

Salary: $30.38 - $46.05 Hourly
Location : City Hall - Wilsonville, OR
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00045E
Department: Community Development
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 06/10/2026
Closing Date: 6/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Position Overview
Wilsonville is an exciting city to work in and we believe our employees are the best representation of our values. When you join our team, whether you're front-and-center or behind-the-scenes, you can see the impact of your work on our thriving community. Our enthusiasm for public service and our commitment to continuous learning helps employees focus on what really matters - excellence and innovation in service to the community.
This position might be perfect for you if:

• You want to make a distinct contribution to the community you serve.
• You enjoy problem solving on a daily basis.
• You're highly organized and can juggle multiple projects and tasks.
• You're looking for a team committed to your growth through training, mentoring, and team
• building opportunities.
• You enjoy working with others to teach and pass on your knowledge.
• You have a strong commitment to superior customer service.
• You want to join a forward-thinking team that will bring the best out of you.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment.... there's never a dull moment here!

This position reviews plans and specifications, ensuring compliance with conditions of approval and Public Works Standards, and assists in project management through construction inspection and record keeping. The ideal candidate will be service-oriented and have a combination of technical and personal skills and abilities necessary to maintain effective work relationships.
If you are someone who thinks differently, expects more, and doesn't want to settle for the status quo, Wilsonville is the place for you. This is not just another job - this is a place to expand your career. Sound interesting? Apply today! Please ensure you complete all sections of the application, attach a cover letter detailing your interest in the position, and answer all supplemental questions.
The City will fill this position at an Engineering Inspector I, II, or III level, dependent on the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Starting wage will be dependent on the classification tier, experience, and qualifications. For more information about the requirements for each level, please visit
Performs entry level to moderately complex field construction inspection functions for private development and public improvement projects. Performs plan review of proposed construction plans under the direct guidance of an engineer or higher classification technician. Performs inspections at various intervals in the construction process to verify plans, workmanship, and materials comply with engineering specifications. Witnesses and documents quality control testing and prepares summary reports. This is an entry level classification responsible for performing a limited range of plan review and field construction inspection duties on various City projects and private developments. Incumbents will generally work under the guidance and direction of a project engineer or more senior technician on specific projects.
The Engineering Inspector I reports directly to an Engineering Manager and may occasionally report to a lead worker or other non-engineering manager on special projects assigned by the Engineering Manager.
This is the entry-level class in the engineering inspection series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform a range of duties from entry level to moderately complex. As knowledge and experience are gained the work becomes broader in scope, assignments are more varied and are performed under more general supervision. This class is distinguished from the Engineering Inspector II in that the latter performs more complex work that requires additional knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as functions more independently and without direct supervision.
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The following tasks are representative and not to be considered all inclusive.

• Reads, understands, and can answer most typical questions concerning the City's Public Works Standards and Standard Detail drawings.
• Under the direction of an engineer or more senior inspector, reads and interprets construction plans in conjunction with assigned plan review activities; interprets product listings and installation requirements; monitors construction milestone testing; informs developers, contractors, and others of documentation and quality assurance requirements needed to pass inspection.
• Under the direction of an engineer or more senior inspector, reads, inspects and prepares written reports on private development and/or public improvement projects, assessing the project's conformity with the approved plans and construction standards. Verifies all permits, licenses, bonds, and certificates are obtained before work begins.
• Checks for proper dimensions, quantities, and proper use of materials. Verifies accuracy and consistency with plans and drawings. Discusses, explains, and relays changes to contractor during construction.
• Attend pre-construction meetings.
• Perform limited field surveying and data collection or assist others in field surveying and data collection, as directed.
• Provides field and office support to other staff as directed.

Complete other tasks as assigned.
Customer Service Standards for Employees
These standards are to ensure the organization is focused on providing high quality service to the public and other employees. Employees are expected to meet these standards as part of their job responsibilities.
Communication

• Acknowledge customers when they enter a city facility by greeting them with a smile and positive tone of voice whether in person, on the phone or in email. Gather necessary information to assist the customer. Where possible, handle issues/questions/requests without transferring customer to someone else.
• Seek out answers to questions first; if unsuccessful provide name/contact information of someone who can assist.
• Listen, understand, and clarify to gain in depth understanding of the needs to ensure they are being met.
• Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner. Be positive and enthusiastic when speaking with customers.

Respect

• Be courteous and polite.
• Treat customers with dignity and respect.
• Understand customer's expectations and treat them as a priority. Actively listen and give customer undivided attention.
• Appreciate differing perspectives, opinions, and needs.
• Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, and ethical behavior.

Responsiveness

• Provide prompt and reliable service. Respond to phone/email as soon as possible.
• Follow through in a timely manner on commitments made to customers and provide estimated timeline for completion.
• Change voicemail and email when out of office/unavailable and provide alternate contact person for customers.
• Demonstrate a "can-do" approach.
• Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions.

Qualifications
Education & Experience: Requires an Associate's of Science in Civil Engineering or Engineering Technology or Construction Management and at least one (1) year of related experience. Cumulative experience from internships may be used to meet a portion of this requirement.
- OR -
A high school diploma/GED and at least three (3) years of related experience.
Required Certifications/Licenses: Requires a valid driver license.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of the City's Public Works Standards and Standard Detail drawings.
• Knowledge of construction methods, materials and practices for the construction of municipal infrastructure.
• Knowledge of the practice of civil engineering for the design of public works projects.
• Knowledge of City procedures for negotiating and implementing change orders for construction projects.
• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and their applications.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Active listening skills, giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical thinking skills, using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Effective communication skills, in writing and verbally as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Problem solving skills, understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Ability to read, understand and interpret civil engineering drawings and specifications and under the direction of the project engineer, perform plan reviews for consistency with City Standards.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and files of work performed.
• Ability to detect and locate defective workmanship and materials.
• Ability to organize, coordinate, and document the inspection process for public works and private development projects. The ability to effectively use oral and written communication in the performance of duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to learn and implement city procedures, regulations and requirements with respect to construction safety, operations and organization.
• Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing and the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand and the ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Additional Information
Work Environment: Work is performed mainly outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. Fieldwork may occur in developed areas as well as active construction zones, including rights of way. The responsibilities of the position frequently place the employee in close proximity to heavy construction equipment, open excavations, uneven terrain, and paving projects.
Physical Requirements: Performs work of moderately active nature. Requires sufficient ambulatory ability to sit for extended periods of time, operate a motor vehicle, move to and around project/construction locations, walk over uneven terrain, stand for intermittent periods of time, and bend, stoop, and reach for limited periods of time. Requires sufficient arm-hand-eye coordination to operate a computer keyboard, camera, measuring wheel, survey equipment, and other field tools. Requires visual acuity to read three-dimensional and detailed drawings and observe construction work-in-progress. Requires verbal and auditory ability sufficient to carry on conversations with others and make presentations to groups. Frequent repetitive motions including but not limited to: hand, wrist, and finger movements; exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force consistently.
Cognitive Functions: Work is performed with a moderate level of independence within well defined policies and procedures yielding some latitude. Work occasionally requires independent judgment and most problems are moderately difficult with precedent available. The incumbent must be capable of working effectively with coworkers and members of the public. Concentration and focus are required to complete complex, detail oriented tasks.
Tools/Equipment Used: General office equipment, including but not limited to: computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, and copy machine. Hand and powered field tools and equipment including saws, pumps, surveying equipment, sampling equipment, various meters, gauges, and measuring devices, and motor vehicle operation including the towing of trailers.
The City of Wilsonville offers a generous benefit package including:
Healthcare Benefits: The City offers an extensive employee benefit package, including medical, dental, vision, life, and long term disability plans. Cost share amounts are dependent on an employee's full-time equivalent status.
Retirement: The City is a member of the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System and currently contributes the employee's portion of the retirement system. Employees may also elect to participate in one of two voluntary deferred compensation programs.
Wellness Program: The City offers a generous wellness program, including gym membership reimbursements for employees
Vacation: Based on years of service, full-time employees begin accruing vacation leave at 12 days per year.
Sick Leave: Full-time employees accrue 8 hours per month.
Holidays: 10 paid holidays per year.
01
If you are a veteran, select the option that best describes your veteran status. Please note, you must provide proof of your eligibility for veteran's preference by attaching your DD-214 or your DD-215 to your application.

• I am a qualified veteran
• I am a qualified, disabled veteran
• I am not a veteran

02
Please select the option that best describes your education:

• High School Diploma / GED
• Some college level coursework in Civil Engineering, Engineering Techno