Combination Building Inspector / Plans Examiner

Do you love blueprints and boots on the ground?

Why choose between the desk and the job site when you can have both? The City of Burien is looking for a Combo Building Inspector / Plans Examiner who is just as comfortable reviewing plans and engineering calculations as climbing around a construction site to see how it all comes together.

As a journey-level member of our Building Division, you'll handle plan review and inspections for residential and less complex commercial projects. You'll work independently on routine matters, and complex or non-standard projects go to our Senior Combination Building Inspector/Plans Examiner or the Building Official.

This position is open until filled, with the first review of applications scheduled for November 17, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Interviews may be scheduled throughout the recruitment process. 

A Typical Day Might Include:

• Reviewing plans for compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical, energy conservation, and accessibility codes.
• Inspecting residential and commercial construction at various stages to make sure the work matches City-approved documents.
• Issuing notices of correction and violations, and approving permits and certificates of occupancy for routine projects.
• Helping people: contractors, developers, architects, engineers, and the public rely on you for building code guidance and information on City procedures.
• Wearing the permit technician hat: answering public inquiries, checking applications for completeness, routing blueprints, and issuing permits.
• Pitching in by attending pre-construction meetings, assisting Code Compliance Officers, and serving on employee committees.

What You'll Bring:

• An associate degree in building inspection technology (or equivalent continuing education and training) AND three years of responsible building, construction, and/or plan review experience, OR a combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge and skills to do the job.
• Current ICC Certification as a Residential Building Inspector.
• Ability to earn ICC Residential Plans Examiner certification within the 12-month trial period.
• Ability to earn ICC/IAPMO Residential Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector certification, or ICC Residential Combination Inspector certification, within six months of hire.
• A valid Washington driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Bonus:

• Fluency in Spanish and/or Vietnamese, and an engineering background.
• Commercial building, plumbing, and mechanical certifications are not required for this position.

Where You'll Work:

You'll split your time between the office and the field. Field work can mean construction noise, all kinds of weather, rough terrain, ladders, scaffolding, heights, and open trenches. The job requires the ability to push, pull, lift, and carry 10 pounds.

Read the Full Job Description

All candidates must read the full job description attached to this job ad before applying. It includes the complete list of essential functions, knowledge, skills, and abilities, certification requirements, and working conditions.

Complete Applications Only

Only complete applications will be accepted and considered. Every section must be filled in, including all work history, education, certifications, and any other required fields. Applications that say, "see resume" (or similar) in place of the requested information will be considered incomplete and will not move forward. Show us the attention to detail this job demands!

About Our City

The City of Burien believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.