Mechanical Inspector

Are you an experienced mechanical inspector or journey-level installer? If so, we may have an opportunity for you! At The City of Bellevue, you'll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public’s interest, and being a part of our community vision. Our people bring unique skills and qualities to the table, embrace the values of honesty, accountability, commitment to service, and take pride in the work they do. You'll work in an environment where being innovative, collaborative, and future-focused are the status quo. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. It makes The City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

Our Development Services Department is looking for a Mechanical Inspector to join our team. You'll be responsible for inspecting residential and commercial projects to verify that they meet the applicable construction codes, while providing exceptional customer service to building owners, occupants, contractors, and the public. Individuals with inspection or mechanical installation experience are encouraged to apply. Candidates meeting the requirements for additional experience and certifications may be eligible to be placed in a higher job classification and salary range.

Inspects residential and commercial projects for adherence to the applicable construction codes while providing exceptional customer service to building owners, occupants, contractors, and the general public. The City of Bellevue is seeking to fill one position from this recruitment. 

Individuals with commercial and/or residential mechanical HVAC installation experience are encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs technical inspections for residential and commercial projects to ensure compliance with the Bellevue Construction Code and adopted codes; International Mechanical Code, the International Fuel and Gas Code, Washington State Energy Code, International Building & Residential Codes, the Uniform Plumbing Code, and Washington State Regulations for Barrier Free Facilities. 
• Ability to read and understand residential & commercial plans to ensure compliance with approved designs and applicable codes.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Relays technical information and direction to owners, applicants, contractors, and staff in a manner understandable to each by being able to tailor oral communication to the audience.
• Responds to inquiries regarding compliance with Bellevue City Code and the City's permit processing procedures.
• Utilizes technology and computer software routinely in communication and inspection procedures. Responsible for input of technical information associated with inspection results and required corrections.
• Implements enforcement procedures to correct violations under the direction of the Inspection & Review Supervisor, Inspection Services Manager, or Building Official, depending on the violation.
• Is an effective team player and utilizes a collaborative decision-making style to resolve issues or conflicts in a timely manner.
• Involved in frequent interactions with developers, architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, and residents regarding code compliance for proposed projects and projects currently under construction. Uses a constructive problem-solving approach to resolve conflicts.
• Works with other City departments and inspection staff to coordinate the Certificate of Occupancy process, identify issues, and resolve conflicts to assure a timely and clear city decision.
• Actively participates in the development, refinement and management of inspection, plan review, and code implementation procedures.
• Uses effective oral and written communication skills.
• Prepares written work products, such as correction notices or other correspondence to property owners and contractors outlining necessary corrections required to ensure code compliance for projects under construction.
• Participates in department discussions concerning code interpretations.
• Regularly attends training to improve technical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Respond to inquiries from developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and members of the public regarding the City's requirements for development. 
• Attends preapplication and preconstruction conferences.
• Mediates conflicts, elicits cooperation from others, and offers persuasive arguments in support of the City's position.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, public and private officials, builders, designers, and members of the public.
• Analyzes complex issues and makes timely decisions under pressure.

Anyone with the following experience is encouraged to apply:
Primary Experience:

• Two years of experience as a mechanical inspector for a jurisdiction, or five years of journeyman field experience as an HVAC installer, or an equivalent combination of training and field experience with commercial mechanical HVAC-related systems and/or installations.
• Must be able to analyze information, develop logical conclusions, and make recommendations within the framework of established policies and procedures.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be proficient in the use of computer software, mobile devices, standard office suite software, and other related technology necessary to perform the duties of the position.
• Must be able to develop and maintain good working relationships with contractors, homeowners, coworkers, and management staff.
• Must be able to prioritize and manage multiple work tasks.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and meet established deadlines.
• Must be able to deal effectively with sensitive projects and work with others in a team environment.
• Must be able to respond diplomatically to angry clients.

• Candidates hired without ICC certification must obtain the M1 Residential Mechanical Inspector Certification, or other certification approved by the supervisor, within one year of start date.

Secondary Experience:

• Six or more years’ experience as a construction superintendent or foreman in a relevant trade.
• ICC and/or IAPMO certifications are preferred.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This is a full-time, union-represented position represented by Teamsters Local 763 (206.441.0763). 

The department is also offering a $500 employee referral *bonus for eligible employees who refer a candidate that is selected for the position and successfully hired. When completing the application, candidates must select ‘Employee Referral’ and provide the referring employee’s name before submitting their application.

*Employee and candidate must meet eligibility requirements in HRPPM Section 3.5.4.