King County, WA
Overview
The Department of Local Services, Permitting Division in King County is recruiting for a Building Official (Engineer IV). This role will oversee specialized plan examination of building plans and supporting documentation for structures and developments; and conduct field inspections of single family, multi-family, commercial buildings, and other structures to ensure compliance with structural, life safety, energy, mechanical, accessibility, and other applicable codes and regulations. We are seeking a proactive and strategic individual who will empower their team, deliver stellar service, and commit to equity and social justice. About the Department
King County provides local services to unincorporated areas through the Department of Local Services, including the Director’s Office, Road Services and Permitting Divisions. The department offers a single point of accountability for delivering local services to unincorporated areas. Equity Commitment
The department is dedicated to equity, racial and social justice, and alignment with True North values to ensure every person has the opportunity to thrive. We aim to dismantle systemic barriers and address inequities while supporting employees and communities. Responsibilities
Provide responses and support for building inspectors in the field. Determine interpretation and application of codes for plans examiners, inspectors, and permit review coordinators. Determine basic administrative code applications, including exemptions from permit requirements and permit extensions. Respond to customer inquiries on technical and administrative topics. Conduct site visits to evaluate projects and take action as needed; may include posting properties. Process early starts, sequential permitting, grading permits, or Pre-issuance construction authorization (PICA). Review and distribute workload and set priorities for building inspectors. Develop policy interpretations, public briefing documents, outreach, mentoring, and training to support division implementation of codes. Collaborate with stakeholders to advance higher-performance building codes to meet County goals. Represent the County on committees and in professional associations related to permitting operations. Support emergency and disaster response actions, planning, and training. Foster a culture of excellent customer service and reliable commitments to customers and partners. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Construction experience or education in related fields (e.g., architecture, construction management, building construction technician). Ability to lead and manage a team and to conduct meetings with diverse stakeholders. Experience in applying and interpreting structural, life safety, energy, mechanical, accessibility, and other building codes. Knowledge of the permitting process and construction methods related to code requirements. Experience implementing current Washington State energy codes or higher standards. Knowledge of site development, land use regulations, earthwork, soils, erosion control, and related engineering concepts. Knowledge of fire prevention systems and life safety systems. Skill in reading and interpreting blueprints, codes, and policies; ability to identify construction defects and recommend alternatives. Strong prioritization, time management, and ability to work under changing priorities while meeting deadlines. Strong communication and collaboration skills; ability to present to diverse audiences and to organize, plan, and follow up on tasks. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. Desired Qualifications
ICC certification as a building inspector and/or plans examiner. Experience as a building inspector and as a plans examiner. Experience reviewing green building and sustainable construction projects. Experience with electronic review of construction documents. Requirements
Pre-employment physical examination may be required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle throughout the county. Ability to use standard office equipment and software. Work Schedule and Location
The work week is typically Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with potential for hours outside normal business times or weekends. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime with supervisor approval. Work is a hybrid arrangement including telework, fieldwork, onsite work, and meetings as needed. Primary onsite workspace: 919 SW Grady Way, Suite 300, Renton, WA 98057. Applicants must reside in Washington State and near a King County worksite to fulfill reporting requirements. A County-issued laptop and remote work setup will be provided. Compensation and Benefits
King County offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement and 457(b) plan, transportation benefits, holidays, vacation, sick leave, parental/family/medical leave, flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, training and career development, and telecommuting options where applicable. See the Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement pages for details. Note: Benefits for certain temporary positions may vary by terms of the position. Other Information
Application details: This is a career service position with eligibility pool creation for future vacancies. First review of applicants will begin the week of October 13, 2025, with interviews the week of October 20, 2025. For more information or to apply, contact the recruiter listed in the posting. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or other protected status. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
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The Department of Local Services, Permitting Division in King County is recruiting for a Building Official (Engineer IV). This role will oversee specialized plan examination of building plans and supporting documentation for structures and developments; and conduct field inspections of single family, multi-family, commercial buildings, and other structures to ensure compliance with structural, life safety, energy, mechanical, accessibility, and other applicable codes and regulations. We are seeking a proactive and strategic individual who will empower their team, deliver stellar service, and commit to equity and social justice. About the Department
King County provides local services to unincorporated areas through the Department of Local Services, including the Director’s Office, Road Services and Permitting Divisions. The department offers a single point of accountability for delivering local services to unincorporated areas. Equity Commitment
The department is dedicated to equity, racial and social justice, and alignment with True North values to ensure every person has the opportunity to thrive. We aim to dismantle systemic barriers and address inequities while supporting employees and communities. Responsibilities
Provide responses and support for building inspectors in the field. Determine interpretation and application of codes for plans examiners, inspectors, and permit review coordinators. Determine basic administrative code applications, including exemptions from permit requirements and permit extensions. Respond to customer inquiries on technical and administrative topics. Conduct site visits to evaluate projects and take action as needed; may include posting properties. Process early starts, sequential permitting, grading permits, or Pre-issuance construction authorization (PICA). Review and distribute workload and set priorities for building inspectors. Develop policy interpretations, public briefing documents, outreach, mentoring, and training to support division implementation of codes. Collaborate with stakeholders to advance higher-performance building codes to meet County goals. Represent the County on committees and in professional associations related to permitting operations. Support emergency and disaster response actions, planning, and training. Foster a culture of excellent customer service and reliable commitments to customers and partners. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Construction experience or education in related fields (e.g., architecture, construction management, building construction technician). Ability to lead and manage a team and to conduct meetings with diverse stakeholders. Experience in applying and interpreting structural, life safety, energy, mechanical, accessibility, and other building codes. Knowledge of the permitting process and construction methods related to code requirements. Experience implementing current Washington State energy codes or higher standards. Knowledge of site development, land use regulations, earthwork, soils, erosion control, and related engineering concepts. Knowledge of fire prevention systems and life safety systems. Skill in reading and interpreting blueprints, codes, and policies; ability to identify construction defects and recommend alternatives. Strong prioritization, time management, and ability to work under changing priorities while meeting deadlines. Strong communication and collaboration skills; ability to present to diverse audiences and to organize, plan, and follow up on tasks. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. Desired Qualifications
ICC certification as a building inspector and/or plans examiner. Experience as a building inspector and as a plans examiner. Experience reviewing green building and sustainable construction projects. Experience with electronic review of construction documents. Requirements
Pre-employment physical examination may be required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle throughout the county. Ability to use standard office equipment and software. Work Schedule and Location
The work week is typically Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with potential for hours outside normal business times or weekends. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime with supervisor approval. Work is a hybrid arrangement including telework, fieldwork, onsite work, and meetings as needed. Primary onsite workspace: 919 SW Grady Way, Suite 300, Renton, WA 98057. Applicants must reside in Washington State and near a King County worksite to fulfill reporting requirements. A County-issued laptop and remote work setup will be provided. Compensation and Benefits
King County offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement and 457(b) plan, transportation benefits, holidays, vacation, sick leave, parental/family/medical leave, flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, training and career development, and telecommuting options where applicable. See the Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement pages for details. Note: Benefits for certain temporary positions may vary by terms of the position. Other Information
Application details: This is a career service position with eligibility pool creation for future vacancies. First review of applicants will begin the week of October 13, 2025, with interviews the week of October 20, 2025. For more information or to apply, contact the recruiter listed in the posting. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or other protected status. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
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