This is the supervisory or expert level of the series.  Positions at this level supervise lower level Elevator Inspectors or serve as a Technical Specialist reporting to the Chief of Elevator Inspection Program. Provides interpretations of RCW's, policies and codes directly related to elevator installation, alteration, maintenance, examination, and safety tests.

Supervision includes selecting, training and developing staff; planning and assignment of work; evaluating performance; resolving grievances; and taking corrective action.

Expert technical specialist work includes the development and delivery of training for current, incoming and future elevator inspectors. Reviews, interprets and processes new and alteration plans and permits to ensure they meet the standards set by the department.

Supervises lower levels within the series; recommends hiring of staff; coaches, mentors and directs subordinate staff in the accomplishment of their assigned duties and responsibilities; develops training plans, monitors subordinates’ adherence to established training plans, and evaluates their work performance;

Reviews field and office procedures of elevator inspectors at least quarterly to assure uniformity and compliance with elevator program policies and procedures;

In conjunction with elevator program central office staff, solicits customer feedback to identify process improvements for service delivery to all customers of the elevator program; maintains positive working relationships with external customers;

Schedules and coordinates all work within assigned geographical area; assists with difficult or complex  conveyance inspections; monitors and resolves inspection problem areas and acts as a liaison between field services inspection staff and the central office technical specialists and chief; oversees or handles politically sensitive or hazardous inspections, working to resolve problems arising between contractors, building owners, workers and the department; represents the elevator program at constituent meetings;

Provides interpretation and guidance to staff to ensure conformity with department interpretation of applicable RCWs, WACs, ANSI/ASME Safety Codes for Elevators and Escalators, Uniform Building Codes, National Electrical Codes (N.E.C. 620), National Fire Protection Agency Codes (N.F.P.A.) and acts as intermediary during on-site enforcement by subordinate staff; may, if necessary, coordinate interpretation with elevator program central office;

Conveys and explains code changes, policies, procedures, and interpretations to field inspectors;

Prepares management reports for elevator program central office; composes correspondence, prepares reports and keeps accurate records of work;

In the chief’s absence, acts as intermediary when conflicting opinions exist and/or the need for on-site interpretation arises in the daily enforcement of codes, rules and statutes; 

Assists elevator program central office with special projects and assignments (such as process improvement, work-place safety, special elevator accident investigations and productivity measures); attends elevator program staff meetings;

As property officer, is responsible for tracking, monitoring and assigning equipment to staff assigned to the work unit; researches equipment and other staffing needs, identifying budgetary needs and recommendations;

Develops and implements both on-the-job training and academic training modules for newly hired Elevator Inspector 1s and Elevator Inspector Assistants; develops criteria by which to evaluate staff knowledge and abilities during the progression of training. Assists in the trainee evaluation of the retention and application of the training received;

Assists the Chief Elevator Inspector in the development of policies, procedures, and standards for internal and external stakeholders; 

Oversees and reviews correction notices from elevator inspectors, responds to building owners, managers, and other stakeholders, regarding questions pertaining to conveyances; 

Assists in the development of operation and training manual.  Develops new and updates current training programs for inspectors to support the consistent interpretation of codes, rules and regulations; explains code changes and interpretations; 

Reviews and interprets plans for new installation permits and major alteration permits of elevators and other conveyances to ensure compliance with appropriate codes, rules, and regulations.  Advises, coordinates, and reviews plans for architects, engineers, construction supervisors, etc; 

Reviews and provides recommendations for variance requests, together with technical data.

Responds orally or in writing to inquiries regarding code interpretations, regulations, and extension requests, from internal and external stakeholders; 

Represents the Department of Labor and Industries at business meetings and conferences;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of:  ANSI/ASME Safety Codes for Elevators and Escalators, RCW’s, WAC’s, Uniform Building Codes *U.B.C.), National Electrical Codes (N.E.C.620), National Fire Protection Agency Codes (N.F.P.A.) and current interpretations, standard practices, methods, materials, tools and equipment in the elevator trade; industry hazards and safety precautions; layout and operation of elevators. 

Ability to: read and coordinate work of assigned elevator inspectors; read and interpret plans and blueprints of elevator installations; interpret and apply elevator codes; meet and deal effectively with people; prepare clear, concise reports.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Supervisor: 

High School diploma or equivalent and two years of experience supervising multiple staff;

AND

Four years of experience as an Elevator Inspector 1 or higher; or four years journey-level trades experience in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or other related fields.

Technical Specialist:

Four years of journey-level experience in the repair and installation of elevators and two years as an elevator inspector working for an authority having jurisdiction. 

OR

Six years of experience as an elevator inspector working for an enforcement agency.

New class: 1-15-1999
New class code: (formerly 43435) effective July 1, 2007
Revised salary range, definition, typical work, desirable qualifications and title change; adopted June 30, 2017; effective July 1, 2017; previously Elevator Technical Specialist, previously range 61.
Revised salary range, distinguishing characteristics and typical work; adopted June 13, 2019; effective July 1, 2019.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.