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Gig Harbor, WA - Planning Building Official

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CITY OF GIG HARBOR
PLANNING / BUILDING INSPECTOR

Nature of Work

This is a building and/or land use code enforcement position involving inspection and enforcement of the City building code, zoning codes, and shoreline management regulations. The incumbent inspects residential and commercial buildings and structures in the process of construction, alteration, or repair; determines conformance with city building and zoning codes; and enforces code provisions. Duties include review and interpretation of plans and specifications; relating the plans and specifications to actual construction; inspects for compliance with laws relating to building, zoning codes and city ordinances and standards, assists the Building Official/Fire Marshal in carrying out routine administrative and technical tasks, and provides support to department staff in various administrative duties pertinent to department operation.

Control Over Work

Under the supervision of the Planning Director or assigns, the incumbent exercises considerable latitude and judgment in accomplishing defined responsibilities and assignments. Performance is monitored and evaluated by the Director for compliance with established personnel policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Receives, investigates and responds to complaints related to building and zoning code complaints and code violations. Meets with community groups on building and zoning code enforcement activities. Performs other work as assigned by the Planning Director.
  • Inspects buildings in the process of construction, alteration, or repair to determine compliance with building and zoning codes. Inspects buildings as to use and location and those being moved to insure conformance with city ordinances and regulations.
  • Enforces ordinances and regulations consistently, tactfully and impartially.
  • Makes reports and keeps appropriate records of inspection and enforcement activities.
  • Performs other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

  • Knowledge of all types of building construction, material, and methods, and of the stages of construction when code discrepancies and material defects may most easily be observed and corrected.
  • Knowledge of building, plumbing and mechanical codes.
  • Knowledge of zoning and related land use codes.
  • Ability to read and interpret building plans, specifications, blueprints, and compare them with construction in progress.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to prepare technical and administrative reports.
  • Ability to create and retain an effective working relationships with the general public, the development community, city employees, city officials, and other municipal and agency officials.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment as well as out-of-doors. A moderate amount of local traveling is involved in construction site visits and related activities. Incumbent is exposed to occasional inclement weather and the normal transportation and construction activity such as high noise levels, moving vehicles and machines, dust and mud, and traversing of exposed and some times insecure walkways and platforms. May wear protective clothing such as a helmet and gloves, goggles, coveralls, and safety shoes. Work requires some exertion such as climbing and walking over rough surfaces and loose materials, crouching, stooping, bending and reaching, and lifting of light to moderately heavy items. Requires average physical agility and dexterity.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants have two years of full time increasingly responsible building and/or code enforcement work. If required, ICBO/IAPMO Certification as Building Inspector, Plumbing Inspector and Mechanical Inspector must be obtained for building code-related responsibilities within one (1) year subsequent to hiring. Graduation from a vocational school or a community college with an emphasis in either building construction or planning is preferred, or an equivalent combination of training (specifically relevant to construction and/or planning) and experience. Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D and must possess a valid Washington state vehicle operator's license.