CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR - RESIDENTIAL PLAN REVIEW / INSPECTOR

Job Description

OVERVIEW

Join a team that plays a vital role in shaping the future of the Kitsap community. This is more than a Construction Inspector position. It is an opportunity to help residents create quality, affordable, structurally sound, and environmentally safe homes and developments while ensuring projects meet building and safety standards that protect our community. As a member of the Department of Community Development (DCD), you will have a direct impact on the growth, safety, and livability of Kitsap County.

What makes this opportunity exceptional is the department's commitment to employee development and career growth. Whether you are beginning your career in construction inspection or bringing years of construction and code compliance experience, DCD offers a structured auto-progression program that provides training, education, certification support, and clear advancement opportunities within the Construction Inspector series. Employees are empowered to make decisions, contribute innovative ideas, and grow within a positive culture built on collaboration and continuous improvement. With a supportive team environment and a clear pathway from trainee to journey-level professional, this position provides an outstanding opportunity to advance your career while making a lasting difference in Kitsap County.

The Construction Inspector position may be filled at the entry (Technician), experienced (Inspector 1) or journey (Inspector 2) level depending on experience and qualifications.

Depending on the role, you will have the opportunity to:

Construction Technician

• Assist in evaluating plans and specifications submitted for permit applications to determine compliance with residential building, plumbing, mechanical, and accessibility codes
• and ordinances and resolve conflicts within the scope of individual authority.
• Assist in inspecting residential structures under construction for compliance with applicable codes and ordinances and resolve conflicts within the scope of individual authority.
• Assists with compliance or enforcement activities.
• Perform mathematical calculations such as allowable building height, number of stories, heat loss, stress compliance factors, composition of structural components, soils, and load bearing capacity.
• Prepare lists of corrections or clarifications needed of reviewed plans and communicate this to applicant, contractor and/or engineers orally or in writing as required.
• Prepare a post-inspection list of needed corrections post inspection for construction projects or other activities. Respond to public inquiries in person, in writing, and on the phone, regarding construction, application or permit related matters and permitting requirements and procedures, translating technical and building code information and available alternatives.
• Participate in staff consultations advising applicants of code requirements and troubleshooting potential construction problems.
• Maintain regular office hours and meet with applicants and the public during office hours.
• Provide code interpretations, research, office, and field support as needed.
• Perform limited building inspections and plan reviews.
• Perform limited site evaluations as required to determine adequacy of submittals.
• Assist in or perform limited code compliance inspections.
• Use the department's record-keeping and permit management system to track permit activities, building inspection results, permit files, permit status, and related records.
• Keep current on changing codes and building practices through continuing education (seminars, classes, meetings) and reading of applicable journals. Maintain required certifications.

Construction Inspector 1

• Evaluate plans and specifications submitted for permit applications to determine compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, energy, flood hazard, and accessibility codes and ordinances and resolve conflicts within the scope of individual authority.
• Inspect structures under construction and determine compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, energy, flood hazard, and accessibility codes and ordinances and resolve conflicts within the scope of individual authority.
• Perform mathematical calculations such as allowable building height, number of stories, heat loss, stress compliance factors, composition of structural components, soils, and load bearing capacity.
• Authorize issuance or denial of permits.
• Prepare a list of corrections or clarification of reviewed plans and communicate this to applicant, contractor and/or engineers orally or in writing as required.
• Prepare a post-inspection list of corrections for applicants and builders regarding permits and applications.
• Notifies property owners of deficiencies and safety hazards; issues final notices of non-compliance; sets forth time limitations; and write follow-up letters.
• Respond to public inquiries in person, in writing, and on the phone, regarding construction related matters and permitting requirements and procedures, translating technical and building code information and available alternatives.
• Participate in staff consultations advising applicants of code requirements and trouble-shooting potential construction problems.
• Perform site inspections in support of code compliance activities.
• Maintain regular office hours and meet with applicants and the public during office hours.
• Provide code interpretations, research, office, and field support as needed.
• Perform site evaluations as required to determine adequacy of submittals.
• Use the department's record-keeping and permit management system to track permit activities, building inspection results, permit files, permit status, and related records.
• Keep current on changing codes and building practices through continuing education (seminars, classes, meetings) and reading of applicable journals. Maintain required certifications.

Construction Inspector 2

• Perform Journey level plan review of all manner of residential plans and specifications for permit applications to determine compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, energy, flood hazard, and accessibility codes and ordinances and resolve conflicts within the scope of individual authority.
• Perform Journey level inspections of all manner of residential and commercial structures under construction to determine compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, energy, flood hazard, and accessibility codes and ordinances and resolve conflicts within the scope of individual authority.
• May assign, delegate, coach, develop and train subordinate staff.
• Investigate complaints by verifying that site conditions or usages comply with County ordinances; and determines if proper permits have been obtained.
• Review construction plans and details; determines code compliance; and identifies critical details for field investigations.
• Notifies property owners of deficiencies; issues final notices of non-compliance; sets forth time limitations; and write follow-up letters.
• Recommend abatements or condemnations where public health, safety and welfare may be in jeopardy; assure cleanliness and security of nuisance properties, recommends service providers, and directs actions on abatement and clean-up sites.
• May contribute to performance appraisals to evaluate subordinates; assist and/or give input regarding employee selection and discipline.
• Participate in or lead process improvement efforts applicable to the mission, goals, and objectives of the department.
• May assign, delegate, coach, develop and train subordinate staff.
• May contribute to performance appraisals to evaluate subordinates; assist and/or give input regarding employee selection and discipline.
• Participate in or lead process improvement efforts applicable to the mission, goals, and objectives of the department.

What you bring:

CONSTRUCTION TECHNICIAN

• Two (2) years of general office work, issuance of permits, and/or dealing with the public on a person-to-person basis in an office environment.
• Related education demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job may substitute for up to six months of experience.

CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR 1

• Three (3) years of experience related to permitting, plan review, inspector, and/or code compliance or related. ; OR
• One year as a Construction Technician at Kitsap County; OR
• Related education demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job may substitute for up to one year of experience.
• Current certification from the International Codes Council (ICC) as a Residential Plans Examiner or Inspector.

CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR 2

• Associate's Degree in Construction Technology or closely related fields from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education AND two (2) years of code compliance, construction plan review, inspection of construction related projects ; OR
• One year as a Construction Inspector 1 at Kitsap County
• Relevant work experience demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for educational requirements. Work experience is essential and cannot be replaced by additional education.
• Must possess at least two (2) approved ICC certifications.

Preferred Education and Experience

• One year of supervisory or lead worker experience.
• Additional years of experience.
• Additional ICC certifications.
• Experience in residential building plan review inspection in a County or City jurisdiction.

For more information about Community Development, visit: Department of Community Development

OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME 1308. Internal applicants should be aware that a change in union status or bargaining unit may impact your benefits and accruals. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions.

Application Requirements

All applicants, internal and external, must submit a complete and fully detailed application. Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all minimum qualifications for the position by the posted closing date. The County uses the information provided in the application (not the résumé) to verify relevant work experience and to determine placement on the pay scale if you are selected for the position.

To be considered, your application must:

• Be fully completed, including all supplemental questions. Provide specific and detailed information showing that you have performed the duties and gained the experience required for the role. Include the total years of relevant experience, quantified based on full-time equivalency. Applications that are incomplete, lack sufficient detail, or do not clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets all minimum qualifications will be screened out and will not move forward in the hiring process. Meeting the minimum qualifications is required.

Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:

• Authorize and complete a criminal background check. Information received is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove a candidate from consideration. This process is conducted in compliance with the Washington Fair Chance Act (RCW 49.94). Information received is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. FCA-Flyer_June 2026_English_Update
• Submit a copy of required ICC certifications - Construction Inspector 1 or 2
• Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Pass a medical evaluation that includes a physical, fitness, and audiometric testing.

Within twelve months of employment, the successful candidate must:

• Construction Technician . Satisfactorily complete an in-house training program and obtain at least one of the following ICC certifications:
  • ICC Residential Plans Examiner or Residential Building Inspector certifications
• Plan Reviewer (Construction Inspector) 1. Satisfactorily complete an in-house training program and obtain at least one additional of the following ICC certifications:
  • ICC Residential Plans Examiner
  • ICC Residential Construction Inspector
  • Other approved certification
• Construction Inspector 2. In addition to having at least two ICC certifications at the time of hire all Construction Inspector 2 candidates must complete in in-house training program

Driving Requirements

The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as:
Category 1: Driver operates County-owned vehicle, depending on assignment.

• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• This posting is open until position is filled.
• Applicants from this posting can be used to fill other vacant positions for up to 6 months.
• Work hours for this position are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Residency Requirement: The successful candidate must reside in Washington State and perform their work within Washington State.
• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.

A first review of applications will take place the week of November 23. Applications will be reviewed weekly thereafter.
This position will be posted continuously until filled.

At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.

County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental - Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
MetLife Long Term Disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: Benefits or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .

*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense

Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.

Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program

Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year, 1 additional floating holiday after 10 years of service.

Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:
Upon completion of 2 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)

Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.

***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will be prorated***

Additional compensation that you may be eligible for:
Shift differential
Overtime
Stand by pay
Call-back pay

Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.

Union Membership
This position is covered under AFSCME Local 1308 Courthouse Employees collective bargaining agreement. To view the bargaining agreement please visit our website: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.aspx

Student Loan Forgiveness Opportunities for Kitsap County Employees

Washington State offers several programs that may help eligible employees reduce or even eliminate their student loan debt.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) | WSAC
Employees working full-time for a public employer may qualify for federal loan forgiveness after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. PSLF allows you to check your eligibility, track your progress, and apply directly through the official PSLF portal.

Washington Health Corps (WHC) - Washington Health Corps | WSAC
Licensed health professionals may be eligible for loan repayment in exchange for serving in critical-shortage areas. Programs include:
• Washington Health Corps Loan Repayment
• Nurse Educator Loan Repayment (NELR)

If you think you might qualify or want to learn more, review the program guides and application details on the websites!

NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsap.gov/hr/Documents/Personnel%20Manual%202026/Personnel%20Manual%20-%202026.pdf

Closing Date/Time: Continuous