Residential Building Inspector Jobs in Seattle, WA

Salary : $102,460.80 - $132,392.00 Annually
Location : City of Snohomish
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-007
Department: Administration
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 07/27/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: OT
Description
FIRST REVIEW DATE OF APPLICATIONS
August 7, 2026
Hiring classification wage is based on qualifications and typically no higher than a step 3.
The salary listed is steps 1 through 6 and are the classification for Building/Fire Official. This includes the maximum earnings for the classifications with longevity. Per Washington State Pay Transparency Act.
Building/Fire Official Step Range (1-6) - $102,456 - $132,396 Annually
Building/Fire Official Longevity Range (1-6) - $102,396 - $139,020 Annually
JOB SUMMARY
Your job in the department is to . . .
Under general direction, oversee, administer, coordinate and enforce the adopted International Building, Residential, Mechanical and Fire Code(s), Uniform Plumbing, Code, Washington State Energy Code, barrier free codes, and dangerous building/International Property Maintenance codes for all new construction, renovation, major remodeling, alteration, repair and use of structures within the City; provide technical and specialized expertise related to area of assignment; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provide responsible staff assistance to the Planning and Development Services Director.
Examples of Duties
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Tasks listed are intended to be descriptive and not restrictive. An employee in this classification may perform any of the tasks listed; however, these examples do not include all the tasks which an employee may be expected to perform.
For each function (Should not include much more than 10 functions), indicate the frequency each function is performed (D=Daily, W=Weekly, M=Monthly, Q=Quarterly, AN=As Needed).
Estimate the distribution of total working time on an annual basis using percentages of not less than 5%. Total percentage of time must add up to 100%.
Number of Job Functions:5
JOB FUNCTIONS
FREQUENCY
ANNUAL % OF TIME
Code Enforcement & Inspection

• Responds, investigates and takes necessary action relative to code violation complaints which include adopted codes pursuant 19.04 SMC Building and Construction, Title 14 SMC Land Use, Snohomish Municipal Code relative to nuisances; may assist other departments as needed.
• Receives and reviews commercial and residential projects for compliance with adopted City construction codes, ordinances, and laws; notes discrepancies and informs permit applicants of required changes.
• Calculates building permit fees according to established formula; approves construction drawings after technical review and corrections are completed; ensures all components of application are complete and ready for issuance; approves construction permits.
• Conducts all required inspections for conformance with approved plans and applicable ordinances, codes, laws, and procedures; issues oral or written notices of correction as needed to gain compliance; issues and authorizes stop work orders for violations of code requirements.
• Inspects dilapidated and dangerous buildings and works with owners to abate nuisances on their properties in accordance with the provisions of the uniform code for the abatement of dangerous buildings and other ordinances regulating condition.
• Interprets a variety of codes, regulations, standards, plans and specifications, legal descriptions and documents, and various government documents as necessary.
• Prepares ordinances relative to construction code adoptions including local recommendations and fee resolutions; studies and makes recommendations on specialized amendments to the City's adopted codes in response to circumstances unique to Snohomish or to further the historic preservation or other development related goals of the City.
• Prepares and issues certificates of occupancy for structures regulated under building and fire codes; ensures compliance with City regulations.
• Coordinates plan review, construction inspections, and annual fire inspections with the Fire District and other outside agencies as necessary; enforces compliance as necessary.

D
60%
Emergency Management

• Responds to field emergencies and coordinates appropriate response.
• Provides staff support at the Emergency Operations Center; coordinates emergency response relative to building and occupant fire and life safety including evaluating structures, ordering evacuations and assisting in the recovery after an event.

AN
5%
Customer Service & Interdepartmental Collaboration

• Works with City staff and the Fire District in coordinating review of submitted building plans.
• Participates in pre-application conferences between City staff and prospective applicants for permits for new construction and plats; discusses code requirements related to the proposed project; participates in pre-construction conferences as necessary.
• Provides staff support to the City Hearing Examiner for appeal of building official interpretations, setting meeting dates, preparing meeting agendas and back up materials; attends and makes presentations at the Hearing Examiner hearings.
• Advises the City's Design Review Board as needed on matters pertaining to building materials and construction requirements.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; represents the City at conferences related to area of assignment; keeps up with new trends and innovations in the file of building inspection and plan checking.
• Assists the Planning and Development Services Director in establishing and maintaining procedures, forms, and office routines relating to his or her duties.
• Responds to inquiries in person and/or over the phone from builders, contractors, developers, property owners and tenants regarding specific code requirements.
• Meets with permit applicants and contractors to discuss required changes in building plans to comply with code requirements.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive resident inquiries and complaints.

D
15%
Reviewing & Approval

• Reviews and approves proposed alternative materials and methods of construction; coordinates with other City staff as necessary.
• Determines completeness and accuracy of building permit applications and coordinates technical review with appropriate City staff and Fire District as necessary; issues permits for occupancies that are regulated under the International Fire Code.
• Reviews and makes recommendations to City design guidelines relative to relationship of building codes to design regulations.

D
15%
Planning Department Support

• Provides support to Engineering staff by means of cross-training in different areas to back up other positions.
• May provide support during emergency events.

AN
5%
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
1 - Little or no supervisor responsibility for work of others
Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Indicate the MINIMUM educational level required and the number of years of relevant experience required to perform the duties of the position.
Minimum Education Level
2 - Associates and/or Professional Certification (if specific fields, list below)
Specifics:Equivalent to an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in building construction or a related field. Additional experience and specialized training may substitute for formal education.
Minimum Experience Level
Four-Five years (if in specific skills/fields, list below)
Specifics:Four years of increasingly responsible experience in building inspection.
Substitution Note:A combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position.
Certifications
Certification(s) required (list specifics below)
Specifics:Current ICC (International Code Council) certification as a building or residential inspector or legacy certification as building inspector, plumbing inspector, mechanical inspector, Accessibility Plans Examiner, Fire Inspector II as issued by the International Fire Code Institute (IFCI). Combination inspector certifications will be considered. At least one certification is required at the time of hire. Additional certifications (showing progression towards certification) must be begun within one year of hire.
Driver's License
Other vehicle credential required (list specifics below)
Specifics:Washington state driver's license
Other Licenses
None required
Specifics:N/A
Desirable Qualifications: Past experience in the construction or building trades is highly desirable.
Supplemental Information
WORKING CONDITIONS
Job Conditions: All staff positions at the City are required to be available to report to work during off hours in case of emergency and perform duties as assigned.
Work Location: City of Snohomish
Travel:Within the City to perform functions such as working with community members, presentations, and trainings.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Environment: Indoor and outdoor environments; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, electrical currents, toxic agents/chemicals, and inclement weather conditions; work with or in water; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain.
Physical: Incumbents require sufficient mobility to work in an office and field setting; stand, stoop, reach, bend, kneel, squat, and walk on uneven terrain, loose soil and sloped surfaces; reach and twist; push, pull, lift, and/or carry moderate amounts of weights; operate assigned equipment and vehicles; requires a sense of touch, finger dexterity, and gripping with hands and fingers; ability to verbally communicate to exchange information.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment; specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Click or tap here to enter text.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The City of Snohomish is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and essential functions expected of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page and review the Union contracts at
Benefit Highlight:

• Medical Premiums - 100% covered for employees and 90% for spouse and dependents
• Dental & Vision Premiums - 100% covered for employees, spouse, and dependents
• Retirement Benefits such as WA PERS and Teamsters Pension, plus employee DRS Deferred Compensation contribution availability
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Many more!