Commercial Inspector

Commercial Inspector

Salary

$68,374.86 - $111,648.52 Annually

Location

Albany, OR

Job Type

Full-Time Non-Exempt

Job Number

00983

Department

Community Development

Division

Building & Planning

Opening Date

09/10/2026

Closing Date

10/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

1000

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Description

Are you an experienced Commercial Building Inspector who enjoys combining technical expertise with excellent customer service?

The City of Albany is seeking two Commercial Inspectors/Plans Examiners to perform inspections and plan reviews for residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects while ensuring compliance with the Oregon Specialty Codes, local ordinances, approved plans, and applicable regulations.

This position offers a diverse mix of field and office work, including conducting building inspections, reviewing plans and specifications, investigating code violations, assisting with permitting processes, and providing technical guidance to contractors, architects, engineers, developers, property owners, and the public. The ideal candidate will be able to interpret complex codes and construction plans, communicate technical information clearly, resolve issues professionally, and provide responsive, respectful customer service.

If you are knowledgeable about construction practices and Oregon building codes and enjoy working in a role where no two days are exactly alike, we encourage you to apply and become part of the City of Albany team!

• While candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and certification requirements for a Building Inspector/Plans Examiner I or II are welcome to apply, preference will be given to candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and certification requirements for a Building Inspector/Plans Examiner III or IV. *

Hourly Wages

Building Inspector/Plans Examiner I: $32.87 - $42.48

Building Inspector/Plans Examiner II: $35.54 - $45.93

Building Inspector/Plans Examiner III: $38.42 - $49.65

Building Inspector/Plans Examiner IV: $41.53 - $53.68

Benefits include:

• Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with low monthly out-of-pocket cost. Employee-paid premium is approximately $58 per month for employee-only coverage up to a maximum of $170 per month for family coverage.

• City-paid contribution to a VEBA Trust account for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Currently, the annual contribution is $1,000 for employee-only and $2,000 for employee plus dependent(s).

• Paid time off including:

• 8 hours of vacation leave per month, with progressive increases

• 8 hours of sick leave per month

• 10 paid holidays per year

• 24 hours of floating holiday per year

• Excellent retirement benefits including:

• City-paid participation in the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (OPSRP and City pays 6% IAP contribution)

• City-paid 0.5% contribution into pre-tax deferred compensation plan

• In addition, other benefits such as job-related college tuition and book reimbursement, employee assistance program, basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and childcare expenses.

To learn more about our organization, our community, and our benefits, click here.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of routine and complex technical work in building inspection and plan review. Ensures compliance with the Oregon Building Code, Oregon Administrative Rule, elements of the Albany Municipal Code, and other applicable requirements during plan review and inspection; and performs other related work as required.

Essential Functions/Duties & Responsibilities

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Building Inspector/Plans Examiner I, II, III, and IV classification is a progressive series where an employee advances levels based on level of experience, skill, and certifications obtained. Differences in duties and certifications are outlined below.

ESSENTIAL JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed are intended only as illustrative examples of the various types of work that may be performed by individuals in this classification. Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents and do not include all specific essential functions and responsibilities the incumbent may be expected to perform.

• Performs field inspections of new and existing residential, commercial, and industrial properties for conformance to codes, regulations, plans, specifications, and standards related to foundations, framing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, soil testing, access, life safety, and other functional elements.
• Reviews plans for code and ordinance compliance. Recommends appropriate changes based on interpretation of codes and ordinances.
• Investigates and inspects alleged violations of codes and ordinances; serves stop work orders; and investigates and reports illegal construction activities, including but not limited to work without permit, unsafe buildings, cross connections, and unsafe electrical conditions.
• Confers with and provides information to developers, engineers, architects, property owners, contractors, and others regarding code requirements and alternatives; attends pre-construction meetings; resolves complaints and problems.
• Prepares reports regarding inspection activities and maintains related records and files. Assists in monitoring and review of projects as part of the division's quality control program.
• Creates notices of expiration for permits and applications approaching expiration. Receive, update and record correspondence on expired permits.
• Responds to inquiries from builders, architects, developers, and the public regarding permit and building processes, interpretation of codes and ordinances, etc. Assists in making applications and collecting fees.
• Maintains records and documents of customer service issues and resolutions.
• Assists and backups the Permit Technician(s) with administering the permitting process including application intake, fee assessment and collection, and permit issuance.
• Attends and/or facilitates meetings such as development review, pre-application, training, and other meetings as assigned.
• Provides information from the City's GIS system as well as Assessors maps and subdivision plat maps.
• Assists contractors and other professionals regarding minor electrical labels.
• Communicates with field inspectors by dispatching calls.
• Assists the Permit Technicians with reviewing the completeness of submitted plans.
• Conducts plan reviews on applicable projects, as certified, in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rule.
• Assists the Code Enforcement staff and Building Board of Appeals, as needed.
• Represents the City of Albany by responding to the public, citizens, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner while continuously maintaining a positive customer service demeanor. Regards everyone, internal and external, as a customer and deliver the best service possible in a respectful and patient manner.
• Works to create a high-performance work culture by demonstrating a positive attitude and modeling the City's mission, vision, and values. Conducts self with high integrity, proactive in conserving City resources, and seeks and incorporates customer feedback for ongoing performance improvement. Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
• Serves as a member of various City committees as assigned.
• Assists other staff in the performance of their duties as assigned; and may provide training and orientation to new assigned personnel.
• Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours.
• Adheres to appropriate attire, grooming, and hygiene standards established for the position.
• Operates a motor vehicle safely and legally.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Supervision/Lead Work Exercised

This is a non-supervisory position. Lead work/coordination of work of others is not a typical function assigned to this position. Incumbents in this position will provide training and orientation to newly assigned personnel.

Lead Work/Coordination of Work of Others

This is a non-supervisory position. Lead work/coordination of work of others is not a typical function assigned to this position. Incumbents in this position will provide training and orientation to newly assigned personnel.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education and Experience:

A high school or its equivalentand the necessary experience and/or education to obtain multiple Oregon Code Certifications. An active Oregon Inspector Certification and the following Oregon Code Certifications in the appropriate Building Inspector/Plans Examiner grade and certification option, in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rule. Incumbents into the Building Inspector/Plans Examiner I position shall have the required certifications at the time of hire or within six months of job placement.

Building Inspector/Plans Examiner I:

Option A: Residential Plans Examiner (CAX) and Residential Structural Inspection (CAS);

• or-

Option B: Structural Building Inspector (SIA) and Commercial Mechanical Inspector (MIA);

• or-

Option C: Structural Plans Examiner (PEA) and Commercial Mechanical Inspector (MIA).

Building Inspector/Plans Examiner II:

Option A: Residential Plans Examiner (CAX), Residential Structural Inspection (CAS), Structural Plans Examiner (PEA), and Commercial Mechanical Inspector (MIA);

• or-

Option B: Residential Plans Examiner (CAX), Residential Structural Inspection (CAS), Dwelling Plumbing Inspector (CAP), and Dwelling Electrical Inspector (CAE);

• or-

Option C: Residential Plans Examiner (CAX), Residential Structural Inspection (CAS), Structural Building Inspector (SIA), and Commercial Mechanical Inspector (MIA);

• or-

Option D: Electrical Inspector (EI) or Plumbing Inspector (PI).

Building Inspector/Plans Examiner III:

Option A: Residential Plans Examiner (CAX), Residential Structural Inspection (CAS), Structural Plans Examiner (PEA), Commercial Mechanical Inspector (MIA), Dwelling Plumbing Inspector (CAP), Dwelling Electrical Inspector (CAE), and Structural Building Inspector (SIA);

• or-

Option B: Residential Plans Examiner (CAX), Residential Structural Inspection (CAS), Dwelling Plumbing Inspector (CAP), Dwelling Electrical Inspector (CAE), Structural Building Inspector (SIA), Commercial Mechanical Inspector (MIA), and Specialized Plumbing Inspector (SPI);

• or-

Option C: Residential Plans Examiner (CAX), Residential Structural Inspection (CAS), Structural Plans Examiner (PEA), Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner (PEF); Commercial Mechanical Inspector (MIA), and Structural Building Inspector (SIA);

• or-

Option D: Electrical Inspector (EI) or Plumbing Inspector (PI); and Residential Plans Examiner (CAX), Residential Structural Inspection (CAS), and Commercial Mechanical Inspector (MIA).

Building Inspector/Plans Examiner IV:

Option A: Residential Plans Examiner (CAX), Residential Structural Inspection (CAS), Structural Plans Examiner (PEA), Commercial Mechanical Inspector (MIA), Dwelling Plumbing Inspector (CAP), Dwelling Electrical Inspector (CAE), Structural Building Inspector (SIA), and Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner (PEF);

• or-

Option B: Residential Plans Examiner (CAX), Residential Structural Inspection (CAS), Dwelling Plumbing Inspector (CAP), Specialized Plumbing Inspector (SPI), Structural Building Inspector (SIA), Commercial Mechanical Inspector (SIA/MIA), and Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner (PEF);

• or-

Option C: Electrical Inspector (EI) or Plumbing Inspector (PI); and Residential Plans Examiner (CAX), Residential Structural Inspection (CAS), Commercial Mechanical Inspector (MIA), Structural Building Inspector (SIA), and Dwelling Plumbing Inspector (CAP) or Dwelling Electrical Inspector (CAE). Dwelling certification to be the discipline opposite of the "A-level" certification.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon drivers license and a driving record that meets the City's driving standards.
• The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: current commercial, industrial, and residential construction techniques, materials and practices, which are used by the building construction industry; construction inspection methods; all Oregon Specialty Codes, other applicable State codes, and related regulations governing a building inspection program.

Skill in: prioritizing and meeting multiple demands by the construction industry, the public and other City staff; effectively communicating orally and in writing; the operation of standard office equipment, including copy and fax machines, multi-line telephone; operating computers for data entry, word processing, presentation software, and spreadsheet programs; and the operation of listed tools and equipment.

Ability to: read and understand complicated plans and specifications; interpret, disseminate, and communicate complex technical information, state and local construction regulations, City review process, and City policies effectively with technicians and non-technicians; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public; provide excellent customer service; and ability to mediate adversarial situations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

In the performance of the job duties, the employee will regularly work in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderate to loud in the field. This position routinely travels to various inspection sites.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The factors described herein are representative of, but not all-inclusive of, those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Detailed information may be available in a supplemental Job Task Analysis document.

The work is light work which lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally, carrying up to 10 pounds occasionally, and pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds occasionally. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Balancing: sufficient to maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
• Feeling: sufficient to perceive attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
• Fingering: sufficient to pick, pinch, type, or otherwise work, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Grasping: sufficient to apply pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Handling: sufficient to pick, hold, or otherwise work, primarily with the whole hand.
• Hearing: sufficient to perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound.
• Lifting: sufficient to raise objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Mental Acuity: sufficient to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
• Pulling: sufficient to use upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Reaching: sufficient to extend hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Speaking: sufficient to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping: sufficient to bend body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Talking: sufficient to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Visual Acuity: sufficient to observe violations of codes, to effectively operate standard office equipment; ability to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, drawings, etc.; and to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment, by both day and night.
• Walking: sufficient to move about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or move from one work site to another.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED

In the performance of job duties, the employee may use the following tools and/or equipment: motor vehicle; computer and/or mobile device; various software programs; calculator; digital camera; phone; copy and fax machines; ladder or scaffolding; tape measure; GFCI tester; AFCI tester; screw drivers; and other related tools and equipment.

Safety Equipment:

This is not an exhaustive list. Hearing protection (including earmuffs), safety glasses, steel toed boots, gloves (nitrile, latex, leather), hardhat, knee pads, respirators and dust masks, traffic cones, safety vest, fall-restraint equipment when required. Develops safe work habits and contributes to the safety of self, co-workers, and the public.

___

The City of Albany is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply for City positions. Please notify the Human Resources Department if you need any reasonable accommodation or assistance with any part of our application and screening process. Hearing impaired individuals needing assistance can call the Oregon Relay Service at 800-735-2900 and provide them this phone number: 541-917-7509. All other applications are only accepted online through our vendor, NEOGOV.

The City of Albany offers a generous benefits package to employees and eligible dependents.

This position is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal employees (AFSCME). For a complete and detailed overview of the AFSCME benefits package, Click Here.

Salary and benefits are subject to negotiation and, therefore, may change as a result of negotiations.

01

What is your education background? (select the highest level achieved)

• Did Not Complete High School
• High School Diploma or GED
• Technical College
• College Credit Hours Completed Towards a Degree
• AA Degree
• BA or BS Degree
• MA or MS Degree
• PhD

02

Please list your degree field. (If no degree, type N/A)

03

Have you received any of the following traffic convictions? Select all that apply.

• One class "A" infraction conviction during the past 36 months
• More than one class "A" infraction conviction between the past 36 and 60 months
• More than one class "B" infraction conviction during the past 12 months
• More than two class "B" infraction convictions during the past 36 months
• More than two class "C" infraction convictions during the past 12 months
• More than three class "C" infraction convictions during the past 36 months
• Any misdemeanor driving convictions within the past 24 months
• Any felony driving convictions within the past 60 months
• None

04

Do you have a current and active Oregon Inspector Certification?

• Yes
• No

05

Please select all of the current and valid certifications you have with the state of Oregon. If you have these certifications in another state, please select Other.

• Residential Plans Examiner (CAX)
• Residential Structural Inspection (CAS)
• Structural Building Inspector (SIA)
• Commercial Mechanical Inspector (MIA)
• Structural Plan Examiner (PEA)
• Dwelling Plumbing Inspector (CAP)
• Dwelling Electrical Inspector (CAE)
• Electrical Inspector (EI)
• Plumbing Inspector (PI)
• Specialized Plumbing Inspector (SPI)
• Fire and Life Safety Plans Examiner (PEF)
• Other not listed
• None of the above

06

If you selected other, please list those certifications and the state in which they are valid.

07

How many years of experience do you have performing field inspections for Commercial, Residential, and Industrial Properties?

• 0-1 year
• 1-2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-4 years
• more than 5 years
• No experience

08

How many years of experience do you have reviewing plans for code and ordinance compliance?

• 0-1 year
• 1-2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-4 years
• 4-5 years
• more than 5 years
• No experience

09

Please list any GIS, planning, and/or land use systems that you are familiar with using and the amount of time you have used them. If none, please put "N/A".

Required Question

Employer City of Albany

Address 333 Broadalbin St SW

P.O. Box 490

Albany, Oregon, 97321

Phone (541) 917-7509

Website http://www.albanyoregon.gov