Join the City of Bellingham as an Electrical or Combination Inspector in the Planning and Community Development Department and apply your technical expertise to ensure that construction projects meet strict safety and code requirements. This role supports high-quality development through thorough inspections, accurate documentation, and clear guidance to contractors, residents, and partner agencies. Inspectors help maintain the City’s commitment to safe, compliant, and well-constructed buildings across our community.
JOB SUMMARY:
This series performs progressively responsible and complex inspections of new and existing industrial, commercial, multi-family and single-family buildings evaluating electrical systems installations. As additional experience and certifications are gained, this position is also responsible for inspecting building construction; mechanical systems; plumbing systems; to ensure minimum standards exist for fire and life safety; structural integrity and public welfare as well as ensuring compliance with laws, codes and regulations. Reviews construction plans to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code and related codes, laws and regulations. Investigates compliance complaints. Approves or disapproves the work completed by a contractor or builder and makes recommendations to the contractor for making corrections to meet applicable codes.
For more information, please review the job classification.
WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?
Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service, we encourage you to apply.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
This position will start at Step 1 ($44.97/hour). Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $44.97 - $58.69. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.
At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.
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10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
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12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
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8 hours sick leave accrued monthly
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
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Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
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Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
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Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
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Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match
Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.
Closing Date/Time: Fri. 08/28/2026 4:30 PM Pacific Time
Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.
Application Review Process:
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Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must provide specific, detailed information so an initial determination can be made regarding your level of qualifications for this position. Applicant status will be updated on or around August 31, 2026.
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If there are seven (7) or more qualified candidates;
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Experience and Training Rating: Applicants that meet minimum qualifications will go through an Experience and Training Rating. Applicant status will be updated on or around September 10, 2026.
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The top six (6) scoring applicants from the Experience and Training Rating will be invited to participate in an Oral Board Interview, tentatively scheduled for the week of September 21, 2026.
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If six (6) or less candidates meet the minimum qualifications, all will be invited to the Oral Board Interviews, tentatively scheduled for the week of September 07, 2026.
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Applicants will be notified via email of Final Scores & Ranks. The final ranking of the register will be based on total scores for the following:
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If there are seven (7) applicants that meet minimum qualifications, the Experience and Training Rating will be 40% of overall score and Oral Board Interview will be 60% of overall score. Candidates scoring a 60% or higher on the Oral Board Interview will be placed on the eligibility list.
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If six (6) or less candidates meet the minimum qualifications, the Oral Board Interview will be 100% of overall score. Candidates scoring a 60% or higher on the Oral Board Interview will be placed on the eligibility list.
Final candidates will be referred to the department for additional examination, assessment, or test.
This recruitment process will create a Civil Service eligibility register that will be used to fill current and future vacancies as they become available. There is currently 1 full-time vacancy in the Planning and Community Development department. This position is represented by a union.
If you wish to claim Veterans’ Preference Points, please complete the Veterans Scoring Criteria Declaration Form and upload it to your application with your DD214.
Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.
Equal Opportunity:
The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.
Fair Hiring Practices
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The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.
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The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.
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The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.
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The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.
