Electrical Inspector/Plans Examiner

Under general supervision responsible for completing efficient, effective and professional electrical inspections within the City of Olympia.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Willing to be part of a high functioning team that effectively communicates to the public and other team members.

• Experience in commercial electrical plan review for new construction and tenant improvements.

• Experience in on-site electrical inspections of new and existing wiring to ensure installation meets approved plans, codes and standards.

• Able to work independently and with contractors, engineers, homeowners, and other team members.

• Knowledgeable with code interpretation of the National Electrical Code and Washington State Energy Code, Olympia Municipal code and Puget Sound Energy standards and regulations.

• Skilled in explaining the codes to individuals with varying degrees of code knowledge.

• Experience with Electrical Vehicle Charging, Solar and Accessibility requirements.

• Detail-oriented, organized and self-motivated.

To Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume by attaching them to your electronic application. The cover letter must be no more than two pages long and must include specific examples of how you meet the Ideal Candidate Profile (listed above) for this position.

Position is open until filled but apply by 11:59 pm on December 2, 2025 to be considered in the first review of applications.

Contact Information
If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, please contact Jeff Finch, Deputy Building Official at or via email at

Salary $95,785 - $116,427

Essential Functions

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:
1. Responsible for completing all activities involved with electrical inspection from plan review to on-site inspections.
2. Review plans for large facilities such as schools, hospitals and commercial construction to ensure compliance with electrical codes as part of the overall permit process.
3. Interpret codes, ordinances, National Electrical Code (NEC) and regulations using sound professional judgment.
4. Calculate inspection fees.
5. Complete on-site inspections of new and existing wiring to ensure installation meets approved plans, all applicable codes and established safety standards.
6. Approve field changes as necessary during inspections.
7. Meet and/or correspond with contractors, engineers, public utilities and architects to ensure code application is clear, all pre-construction problems are corrected and ensure project coordination.
8. Prepare and maintain all necessary paperwork and case reports.
9. Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

1. Knowledge of the Washington State Electrical Code, National Electrical Code, WAC Rules, OMC Ordinances, Puget Power standards and all other rules, regulations or codes regulating the installation of electricity.

2. Knowledge of code compliance methods and inspection techniques.

3. Knowledge of the methods and practices in constructing and installing a variety of electrical equipment.

4. Knowledge of the development community and contractor practices.

5. Knowledge of the methods and materials in current use by the construction industry.

6. Skill in gaining compliance with applicable codes and/or ordinances.

7. Skill in explaining the application of codes to individuals possessing varying degrees of code knowledge.

8. Skill in preparing and maintaining records of inspections, problems identified and all related compliance issues.

9. Ability to communicate technical information and requirements in a clear and accurate fashion both verbally and in writing.

10. Ability to apply knowledge to specific projects under inspection jurisdiction.

11. Ability to interpret plans, specifications and engineering drawings and to compare same to construction in progress.

12. Ability to interpret a wide variety of codes, rules, regulations and apply professional expertise to the review of electrical system plans.

13. Ability to enforce codes evenly and fairly without prejudices, preferential treatment, or malice.

14. Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and on hazardous construction sites.

15. Ability to make field decisions based on adopted codes, ordinances, policies and standards.

16. Ability to request assistance from other department staff about alternative approval options and department operations needed for job performance.

17. Ability to develop and maintain rapport with a variety of people and elicit cooperation.

18. Ability to be assertive as the situation demands.

19. Ability to work with angry people, defuse potentially hostile situations, and resolve disputes in the interest of code compliance in a respectful manner.

20. Ability to deal effectively with significant job stress.

21. Ability to organize workload and meet demanding deadlines.

22. Ability to work effectively with other governmental agencies, private interests and contractors.

23. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and customers.

24. Ability to consistently meet deadlines and organize work effectively and cooperatively with other staff.

25. Ability to gain code compliance through negotiation.

26. Ability to provide clear, concise explanations on procedures and regulations to the general public with tact and courtesy.

27. Ability to learn and/or teach specialty inspection skills and code requirements to other inspectors.

28. Ability to adapt to emerging technologies, techniques and codes; and to maintain proficiency in currently adopted codes.

Experience/Education:

1. Required by RCW as follows: "..not less than four years experience as journeyman electrician in the electrical construction trade installing and maintaining electrical wiring and equipment

2. Or two years electrical training in a college of electrical engineering of recognized standing AND four years continuous practical electrical experience in installation work

3. Or four years of electrical training in a college of electrical engineering of recognized standing AND two years continuous practical electrical experience in electrical installation work

Special Requirements:

1. Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. 2. Finalists for an Electrical Inspector position may be required to successfully complete a variety of job related skills tests.

Union:

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Compensation (minimum-maximum):

$88, $107,128.05

Exempt:

No

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Manny Bosser, Director of Human Resources, at or This contact is for ADA accommodations only. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager noted in the Contact section near the top of this recruitment.

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