This position is open until filled with a first review date of August 7, 2026.
Job Summary
The Deputy Building Official/Deputy Fire Marshal (DBO) assists in overseeing and managing the operations of the Building Program within the Community Development Department. This position supports building inspection, permitting, code enforcement, fire prevention, and fire plan review functions. The DBO is responsible for examining and reviewing complex residential, commercial, and industrial plans—including building, site development, and fire protection systems—and ensuring compliance with all adopted building, fire, zoning, and life safety codes. The role provides supervisory leadership, technical expertise, and cross department coordination to protect life, property, and community standards.
Essential Functions
• Assist the Building Official/Fire Marshal in enforcing all City adopted building, zoning, construction, and fire codes, standards, specifications, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct and oversee Fire Plan Review, including fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, emergency access, water supply, hazardous materials compliance, and other fire protection components.
• Oversee and conduct inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings for compliance with building, fire, and accessibility codes.
• Review and analyze complex construction plans and specifications for compliance with all applicable building and fire regulations.
• Consult with Building, Planning, Engineering, and Fire Department staff regarding project feasibility, processes, interpretations, and workflow.
• Assist in coordinating building and fire code enforcement activities with code enforcement officers, external agencies, and stakeholders.
• Provide technical code interpretations and explain building and fire code compliance to owners, contractors, and design professionals.
• Support customer care and stakeholder engagement; maintain strong relationships with developers, citizens, and the construction community.
• Represent the City in meetings, professional organizations, and development related discussions.
• Assist with department training goals, performance evaluations, hiring, coaching, and disciplinary processes.
• Support and improve electronic plan review software, permitting systems, workflows, and performance metrics.
• Serve as the Acting Building Official/Fire Marshal during absences or as assigned.
• Perform additional related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required by the Position
• Extensive knowledge of building codes, fire codes, NFPA standards, and municipal ordinances.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to building safety, fire prevention, and code enforcement programs.
• Knowledge of construction methods and materials common to commercial, industrial, and residential projects.
• Knowledge of plan review procedures, permitting software, blueprints, specifications, and fire protection system requirements.
• Skill in interpreting codes accurately, enforcing regulations with fairness and impartiality, and solving complex technical problems.
• Skill in reading and interpreting building and fire protection plans.
• Ability to identify safety hazards and apply appropriate precautions, standards, and code requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with staff, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Ability to lead, train, direct, and evaluate staff; foster teamwork and support high-performance operations.
Supervisory Controls
The Deputy Building Official/Deputy Fire Marshal assists the Building Official/Fire Marshal with direct supervision of Building Inspectors, Permit Technicians, and Code Enforcement Officers. Work is assigned in terms of program goals and objectives, and reviewed through evaluation of workflows, service delivery expectations, and program outcomes.
Guidelines
Guidelines include building codes, municipal codes, state and federal codes and regulations, and City and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, and skill in the interpretation of application.
Complexity/Scope of Work
• Work includes technical plan review, construction inspection, fire code inspection, and code enforcement responsibilities.
• Strict regulations, unique construction conditions, and complex project scenarios contribute to job complexity.
• Successful performance ensures compliance with building and fire codes, supports safe development, and protects life and property.
Contacts
Contacts are typically with co-workers, other City employees, architects and engineers, contractors, builders, engineers, homeowners, business owners, and members of the general public. Contacts are designed to provide or exchange information, resolve problems, motivate persons, and negotiate, defend, or settle matters related to the building, permitting and code enforcement programs.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects, climbs ladders, and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
• The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, and grease. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
Supervisory and Management Responsibility
The Deputy Building Official/Deputy Fire Marshal assists the Building Official/Fire Marshal with direct supervision over Building Inspectors, Permit Technicians, and Code Enforcement Officers.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five (5) to ten (10) years of experience in building codes, fire codes, or closely related fields.
• Two (2) to five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• ICC Certification as a Building Inspector (Residential & Commercial), Mechanical Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, Plans Examiner, and ability to obtain ICC Fire Inspector I certification within 12 months.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Experience with emergency operations and post disaster events (ATC 20/45).
• Understanding of erosion control, grading operations, and Washington State stormwater practices.
• Ability to obtain additional certifications related to code enforcement, emergency response, or fire duties within 12 months.
• All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process which includes reference checks and criminal history checks, or other.
Moses Lake is a diverse, connected and supportive community of innovation and opportunity that values its namesake lake, small town vibe, growing arts and cultural scene, aerospace, manufacturing and agricultural heritage, and an abundance of sunshine and outdoor activities.
Working for the City will afford you the opportunity to support the vision of Moses Lake, grow professionally, and work among diverse and dedicated staff with a goal to provide a service-oriented government that works with all interests in the community to implement our vision.
Our location and climate allow our residents to enjoy a variety of interests surrounding the Moses Lake community. Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway I-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes, vineyards and popular recreational destinations.
Moses Lake boosts active community parks and events, athletic venues and tournaments, a campground, and the popular Surf 'n Slide water park. The surrounding Columbia Basin area is filled with wine tours, a wildlife refuge, the Gorge Amphitheater, local fresh markets with direct-from-the-farm produce, and boutiques.
The City of Moses Lake is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our objective is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran.
The City of Moses Lake offers a comprehensive benefits package. Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage. In addition to basic life insurance coverage, AD&D, dependent life, additional life insurance, long-term disability, EAP and LifeFlight are also offered. Retirement is through the Department of Retirement Systems - Public Employees Retirement System. Optional deferred compensation is offered with a City match of up to 2% of the employee's base salary. Beginning January 1, 2024, the City began offering an optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care. Employees of the City receive eleven (11) paid holidays plus one (1) floating holiday annually. Vacation accrual begins at 12 days annually and increases with years of service. Sick leave is accrued at the rate of eight (8) hours per month.