Building Inspector & Code Enforcement Officer

Building Inspector & Code Enforcement Officer Department:

Building & Planning Location:

Othello, Washington Schedule:

Full-time, 2,088 hours annually

Salary:

Range I, $4,932.90 - $5159.10 per month

Position Summary:

Adams County Building & Planning is hiring a Building Inspector & Code Enforcement Officer to support safe, code-compliant development throughout the county. This is a great opportunity for growth-minded individuals with construction (or closely related) experiences to expand their knowledge in the industry. Adams County provides structured on-the-job training, mentorship, and full support for obtaining ICC certifications.

Essential Duties:

• Conduct on-site inspections of residential, commercial, industrial, and other structures during and after construction to verify compliance with adopted building, zoning, environmental, and safety codes, approved plans, and specifications.
• Investigate complaints and reported violations involving building, zoning, housing, grading, clearing, and critical areas through property research, site visits, interviews, and written and photographic documentation.
• Contact property owners and responsible parties in writing to identify violations and outline options for achieving compliance; conduct follow-up visits to confirm corrective action.
• Prepare accurate inspection records, notices of violation, enforcement case files, and reports for use in administrative or legal proceedings; may present information at public hearings or provide testimony as needed.
• Interpret code requirements and explain compliance procedures to property owners, contractors, and other stakeholders in a clear and professional manner.
• Coordinate with the Building & Planning Director, legal counsel, and law enforcement in support of enforcement activities; prepare cases for referral to the Adams County Prosecutor as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid Washington State driver's license.
• Prior experience in construction or a related field is preferred.
• Knowledge of building principles and practices, plumbing and mechanical systems, and State Energy Codes, or a demonstrated ability and willingness to learn.
• Ability to obtain ICC Residential Building Inspector certification within 12 months of hire and ICC Commercial Building Inspector certification within 36 months of hire.
• Ability to read and interpret codes, building plans, and plat maps as applied to zoning, building, housing, shorelines, and environmental regulations.
• Intermediate skills using Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong customer service and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of familiarity with construction or permitting.
• Demonstrated punctuality, dependability, and good attendance in previous employment.

Desired Knowledge and Skills:

• Hands-on experience in construction, inspection, permitting, or code compliance work.
• Ability to explain technical code requirements in clear, practical terms to a variety of audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to accuracy and detail in preparing reports and maintaining case files.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused in stressful or conflict situations.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in both office and field settings, including active construction sites and outdoor locations in all types of weather conditions.
• Daily travel throughout Adams County is required in varied driving conditions.
• Position may require climbing ladders, entering crawl spaces, walking on uneven terrain, and standing or sitting for extended periods.

Salary and Benefits:

• This is a full-time, benefited position classified at Range I of the 2026 Adams County Employee Salary Schedule, $4,932.90 - $5159.10 per month. Initial step placement at time of hiring is dependent upon prior relevant experience and qualifications.
• Fully paid employee benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life. Adams County participates in the Washington State Retirement Fund.
• Please submit your resume, cover letter, and application through Indeed or by email to: andiel@co.

adams.wa.gov Job descriptions are available on the Adams County website https://www.co.adams.wa.gov. Adams County is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay:

$28.35 - $29.65 per hour

Benefits:

Health insurance Life insurance Retirement plan

Education:

High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

Construction:

1 year (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Othello, WA 99344 (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person