Code Inspector

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.

The City of Yakima's Codes Administration division is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Code Inspector to join our Team

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or GED and any combination of education and experience equivalent to two (2) years of journey level building construction experience.

One (1) year of code enforcement or code inspection experience plus two additional certifications may substitute for the two (2) years of journey level building construction experience. Added certifications to include: a ICC Residential Building Inspector Certification AND ICC Mechanical Inspector, ICC Building Plans Examiner or International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Uniform Plumbing Code Inspector.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Must possess a valid Commercial Building Inspector Certificate from the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) or the International Code Council (ICC), at time of application. Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License and possess a First Aid/CPR certificate within six (6) months of appointment.

Under general supervision, inspects buildings and construction projects to ensure compliance with mechanical, plumbing, zoning, and municipal codes, and state, federal and other laws, rules and regulations. Provides technical assistance on compliance; reviews plans and blueprints to ensure that utilization of sound and current engineering procedures have been followed and that work is performed in accordance with approved plans; represents the City in a variety of public meetings; performs other related duties. Work is performed with considerable latitude for exercising independent judgment in day-to-day matters. Work is reviewed through public comment, results achieved, conferences and formal evaluation.

Inspects existing and construction/remodeling work in progress to ensure compliance with mechanical, plumbing and zoning codes, building and fire codes, the Municipal Code, Washington State amendments, Washington State Energy Code and accessibility codes.

Performs acceptance of alarm and sprinkler systems including testing all smoke and heat detectors, pull stations, hydro testing of sprinkler systems and fire lines. Inspects fire caulking of building walls; ensures proper installation and flushing fire sprinkler water lines connected to City water mains.

Advises property owners, contractors, installers and others of compliance issues; explains requirements to ensure compliance; issues Correction Notices, Stop Work Orders and Certificates of Occupancy as appropriate. Inspects oil tanks for proper abandonment or removal and explains requirements for compliance. Inspects new installations of, or alterations to fire prevention systems for compliance with approved plans, specifications and applicable standards.

Assists in assessing buildings to ensure compliance with housing and dangerous building codes and to determine usability and habitable status. Inspects buildings to be moved for compliance with adopted Building Codes, Fire Code, Energy Code, accessibility codes, and zoning ordinances. Also inspects buildings after movement to ensure code compliance. Responds to requests from Police and Fire Departments to determine if damaged structures are habitable in whole or in part or must be demolished in whole or in part. Coordinates with other city departments, state, local and other regulatory agencies regarding construction projects as necessary.

Reviews blueprints of proposed construction/remodeling projects to ensure seismic bracing, engineered systems, alternate bracing, engineered structural components and others satisfy current engineering practices. May perform plan reviews of proposed projects as requested.

Represents the division and City at Council meetings, community meetings, and various public meetings, meetings of special interest groups and pre-construction meetings. Explains codes and processes and approves matters involving code enforcement.

Conducts research and special studies as requested and prepares corresponding reports. Maintains records of inspections performed and prepares required reports. Operates a computer to prepare reports, correspondence, conduct research or searches and other authorized activities. May represent the City as a witness in court proceedings as necessary.

Contributes to the effectiveness of the Codes Administration Division by demonstrating an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and works cooperatively and jointly to consistently provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.

Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Performs other related duties as required.

Extensive knowledge of: mechanical, plumbing, zoning, building and fire codes, Municipal Code, accessibility codes, and local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to building construction, building occupancy, hazardous materials storage, and modern engineering practices related to building construction and remodeling. Knowledge of: City plat and section maps and related records; building construction processes, procedures and techniques.

Knowledge of record keeping systems, processes, and practices; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques; and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards. Ability to maintain complex filing systems for other records and plans.

Working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite including but not limited to Outlook and Word with a working knowledge of Excel and office equipment. Knowledge and adherence to professional office procedures and practices. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc.

Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse education and background, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation. Must be able to respond in a diplomatic and confident manner to upset individuals. Ability to clearly and concisely present complex information in both written and verbal formats. Must possess the ability to make informative and persuasive presentations to individuals and groups. Must routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.

Ability to read and interpret comprehensive plans, specifications and blueprints and relate them to codes and work in progress.

Ability to perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to read, interpret and analyze complex and technical documents and to translate analysis into recommendations or reports. Ability to read, research, interpret, memorize, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Must possess ability to identify and define complex problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to work independently with self-direction and minimal direction or oversight and make technical decisions in the field; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to gather facts; utilize sound judgement and decision-making skills; quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands; form conclusions and take decisive and appropriate actions to ensure safety.

Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other city employees, federal, state and local regulatory agencies; community and special interest groups, builders, contractors, property owners, elected officials, and other members the public; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs. Ability to work with a customer service focus, to positively receive feedback, and to take direction is essential.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is frequently performed outside and occasionally inside. Continuous use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/ keyboarding and other fine motor skill manipulation while performing duties operating computers and other machinery. Occasional work includes lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs and ladders while maintaining balance. Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing inspection duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. Occasional work at heights, confined spaces, alone, with others, or in noisy work area. Frequent travel to a variety of locations. May work outside with all weather extremes, uneven terrain, be exposed to members of the public, insects, vermin, animals, pollen, dust, dirt, mud, water, poison ivy, smoke, electrical hazards, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, solvents, construction debris, needles, drug paraphernalia, vibrations, traffic. Required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Work may be performed in tight spaces, attics and crawl spaces which may cause exposure to dogs, snakes, spiders and flying insects while performing inspections at construction sites. Work with the general public and employees, some of whom may be angry, upset, or disturbed.

The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.

The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic
• WA State PERS pension plan
• 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
• Leave accruals:
• Vacation – Starting at 7.67 hours/month
• Sick – 8 hours/month
• Personal holiday – 2 days
• Observed holiday – 11 holidays
• Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
• Life Insurance
• Much more

The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima's Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.

City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.

This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit.