Field Inspector Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $7,332.00 - $9,161.00 Monthly
Location : Lakewood City Hall, WA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00052
Department: Public Works and Planning
Division: Building & Site Development
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Building Official, perform inspections of commercial and residential projects for compliance with adopted codes and ordinances and verify that site construction work is in accordance with the approved project plans and documents.
This is an AFSCME represented position.
This recruitment is open until filled. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for best consideration.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Perform building, mechanical, and plumbing inspections of commercial/residential buildings; inspect construction sites, installation methods, and materials during construction and upon completion of commercial, industrial, multi-family and single-family structures to assure compliance with standards, codes, and regulations.
Inspect buildings at various stages of construction and upon completion for compliance to approved plans and the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), state amendments, local ordinances, and other applicable requirements.
Provide assistance to on-site construction personnel, including interpretation and explanation of applicable codes.
Provide backup plan review for construction plans of various assigned projects to assure compliance with applicable building codes.
Answer questions by telephone, in person, or in the field regarding construction, plumbing, structural, insulation, plan requirements, and requirements for persons with disabilities; apply, explain, and enforce code requirements and ordinances.
Work with other departmental staff to improve the effectiveness of the City's inspection methods and residential building permits submittal.
Maintain inspection related records and files, and prepare related reports.
Operate computer equipment to maintain inspection records and generate notices and other written materials.
Monitor construction projects to detect conditions that may require changes in construction sequence; inform builders of code violations and necessary action for compliance.
Operate related equipment, including calculator, levels, gauges, light meters, rules, and tapes.
Investigate and resolve complaints concerning alleged violations of City ordinances; assist City departments with inspection concerns and related information as necessary.
Attend seminars and meetings and maintain current knowledge of code requirements and related City ordinances.
Perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to at least two (2) years of relevant post-secondary education AND three (3) years of experience in building inspection AND four (4) years of experience in general construction.
LICENSES AND OR CERTIFICATION
ICC building inspector certification is required.
ICC Residential Plumbing P1 and Mechanical M1 certifications required within 24 months of hire.
A valid Washington State driver's license is required by date of hire.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations.
Field inspection methods, procedures, and techniques.
Construction procedures and methods.
Mechanical and plumbing plans examination and review procedures.
Report preparation and records maintenance procedures.
Technical knowledge of specific systems inspected.
Health and safety regulations.
ABILITY TO:
Perform field inspections of facilities under construction or alteration.
Ensure compliance with state, local codes, ordinances, and applicable building codes.
Work and communicate effectively with the public, contractors, developers, and co-workers.
Resolve conflicts in a positive manner.
Read and interpret codes, building plans, and specifications.
Work independently with little direction.
Organize and maintain accurate records.
Prepare clear and concise correspondence and written materials.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and accurately.
Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
Assure proper inspection of building codes and ordinances to protect lives and property.
BENEFITS SUMMARY
for
AFSCME MEMBERS
This is a summary of benefits and is not meant to be all inclusive. Please refer to Local 1938, Washington State Council of County and City Employees of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees collective bargaining agreement, City policies and plan booklets for details.
WORK HOURS
The normal work week is five consecutive days of not more than eight hours per day, exclusive of lunch period. City Hall is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where appropriate, alternative work schedules may be established, providing that not more than forty hours are scheduled per work week.
SALARY INCREASES
Step increases are granted annually upon successful completion of a performance evaluation until the maximum of the salary range is reached.
HOLIDAYS
Employees are granted the following paid holidays:
New Year's Day
M.L. King, Jr. Day
Presidents' Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving
the day after Thanksgiving
Christmas day
Employees accrue one floating holiday on their anniversary date, which must be used within the following 12 month period. Holiday pay is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.
PAID TIME OFF
Paid time off leave is a benefit granted to employees to continue normal compensation during approved absences. Leave may be accumulated for succeeding years; however, the maximum accrual may not exceed 1,100 hours at the end of the calendar year.
Accrual Rate:
During the 1st year 200 hours of leave per year
After the 1st thru 2nd year 208 hours of leave per year
After the 2nd thru 4th year 216 hours of leave per year
After the 4th thru 9th year 232 hours of leave per year
After the 9th thru 14th year 264 hours of leave per year
After the 14th thru 20th year 296 hours of leave per year
After the 20th thru 29th year 312 hours of leave per year
After the 29th year 320 hours of leave per year
Paid time off leave accrual is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.
SHARED LEAVE
If an employee exhausts all paid leave because of medical reasons, they may be eligible to receive donated paid time off leave from other employees.
MILITARY LEAVE
Employees who are members of any federal military reserve unit or the Washington National Guard will receive up to twenty-one working days of paid leave during each year beginning October 1 and ending September 30, while engaged in active training duty or active duty.
The City will maintain continuity of health benefits to employees' families when employees are ordered to involuntary active military duty. Military differential pay is available during active military duty of more than 30 days and for no longer than 24 months.
JURY DUTY LEAVE
Employees will be paid their regular compensation while serving on jury duty provided they forfeit the juror's daily stipend to the City.
RETIREMENT PLAN
Employees and the City make contributions to the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3.
Under Social Security's Government Pension Offset, any Social Security spouse's or widow's or widower's benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from the City's retirement plan.
SOCIAL SECURITY REPLACEMENT
In lieu of Social Security, the City provides an alternative plan through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. The employee contributes 6.20% and the City contributes 4.77% of the employee's salary. The employee's investment choices range from conservative (low risk) to aggressive (high risk) opportunities. Employees are immediately 100% vested in the plan.
Under Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision, any Social Security retirement or disability benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from this replacement plan.
VOLUNTARY 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
Participation in a 457 deferred compensation plan is available to employees through payroll deduction. This is an optional investment program. The City matches an employee's contribution up to 3% of the employee's base monthly pay rate.
VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
The Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125) is an optional tax savings program which is offered to employees annually. It allows employees to reduce taxable income by using part of their salary on a pretax basis to pay for out of pocket health care expenses and dependent care costs.
The effective date of health insurance coverage is the first day of the month following hire.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Three medical plans are offered to employees and dependents through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC): the Regence High Deductible Health Plan (with a health savings account), the Regence HealthFirst Plan ($250 deductible), and the Kaiser Permanente Plan ($200 deductible).
Premiums are pro-rated based on FTE status for part-time employees.
Employees may be eligible to opt out of medical insurance coverage to receive $3,600 annually (pro-rated each pay period). Part-time employees may be eligible to opt out to receive an equivalent pro-rated amount.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, confidential resource available to employees, dependents and household members. The EAP provides professional counseling assistance in addressing a variety of concerns ranging from substance abuse to relationship issues. Premiums are paid by the City.
VISION INSURANCE*
The Vision Service Plan (VSP) provides for annual eye examinations for employees and dependents. A $25 deductible benefit is provided for lenses, frames and contact lenses.
DENTAL INSURANCE*
Washington Dental Service (WDS) Plan E insurance is provided through AWC. This is an incentive based plan - 70% to 100% of the cost for Class I and Class II benefits (routine exams, basic cleanings, x-rays, fillings, etc.) is covered. Class III benefits (crowns, inlays and onlays) are paid at 50%. The plan pays a maximum of $2,000 per individual annually for covered benefits. A separate orthodontia plan provides a one time orthodontia benefit of $1,000 for eligible children.
*The City pays the entire premium cost for full-time employees and their dependents. Premiums for part-time employees and their dependents are pro-rated based on the employee's FTE status.
LIFE & LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE
The City provides the following insurance coverage for employees through Standard Insurance (a copy of each plan certificate will be provided during orientation). The insurance is effective the first of the month following hire, unless an employee is hired on the first day of the month, in which case the coverage is effective immediately.
SURVIVOR INCOME LIFE INSURANCE
A monthly survivor income benefit is paid to an employee's eligible spouse and children upon the employee's death. Prior to any reduction for Social Security survivor's benefits, a benefit amount equal to 30% of the employee's insured earnings is paid to the spouse or children, and 60% is paid if both spouse and children survive.
BASIC LIFE INSURANCE/ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT
A benefit equal to the employee's annual salary rounded up to the next thousand.
LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD)
Effective after 90 days of continuous disability. The maximum amount of the LTD benefit is 60% of earnings or $5,000 per month, whichever is less.
VOLUNTARY SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE
Employees may elect to apply for $30,000 to $300,000 in supplemental term life insurance coverage. Spouses may also be insured. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee.
VOLUNTARY SHORT TERM DISABILITY (STD)
Short term disability insurance provides benefit payments to help replace lost income when an employee is disabled due to a non-occupational accident or illness. Pregnancy or its complications are covered provided enrollment in STD insurance is prior to conception. Benefits are payable for a maximum of 13 weeks. This benefit is offered to employees at the time of hire and annually thereafter.
ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY INSURANCE PLANS
Additional insurance plans are available to employees through AFLAC, such as accident/disability, cancer, dental and hospital intensive care.
01
Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have a combination equivalent to two (2) years of relevant post-secondary education AND three (3) years of experience in building inspection AND four (4) years of exper