In the Department of Labor and Industries, Electrical Program, this series is responsible for upholding the rules, regulations, and standards under statute Chapter 19.28 RCW, Electricians and Electrical Installations and Chapter 296-46B WAC, Electrical Safety Standard, Administration and Installation. Positions in this series inspect the installation of all wiring, device, appliance, or equipment and must adhere to all applicable regulations and standards adopted through the National Electric Code ensuring installations and accompanying maintenance are safe for consumers, workers and the citizens of Washington State. Incumbents are required to possess a Washington General Journey Level Electrician (EL01) license and/or certificate issued by L&I.

This is the entry level of the series. Positions at this level are engaged in an electrical training program and require the development of the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform a wide range of electrical wiring inspections in an assigned area. Positions independently perform basic routine electrical wiring installations to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code, state laws, rules and regulations. May assist higher-level electrical construction inspectors with more complex wiring inspections.

Positions work under general supervision and are expected to function with independence by the end of the training period. Positions must complete the electrical in-training program within the first two years of employment. Upon successful completion, positions may advance to the Electrical Construction Inspector 2 level.

With assistance inspects basic electrical installations or alterations in residential, educational, institutional, industrial and commercial structures for compliance with Washington State regulations and the National Electrical Code until it has been determined that all stages of the training program have been completed and passed, then performs the following:

Independently writes correction notices where unsafe or hazardous wiring conditions are found; re-inspects installations to ensure that corrections were made and denies connection or terminates electrical service if compliance is not obtained;

Under supervision, checks plans and blueprints at electrical projects to determine compliance with the NEC or state laws and regulations;

Contacts, works with, and maintains good relations with contractors, property owners, and others engaged in the use and installation of electrical equipment; answers basic customer questions;

Checks individuals engaged in electrical installations and maintenance for licensing and bonding in conformance with state law RCW 19.28;

Conducts routine compliance investigations and writes citations where violations are evident, and appears at hearings to testify as needed;

Maintains technical knowledge of current and emerging technologies in the electrical field, and changes/updates to the NEC for industrial, commercial, and residential installations;

Participates in special electrical projects such as process improvement studies and productivity measures;

Attends continuing education training to maintain electrical license;

Keeps work records;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: National Electrical Code and Washington State Wiring Rules and Regulations; standard practices, methods, materials, tools and equipment of electrical trade; industry hazards and safety precautions; computing electrical loads; layout and operation of electrical circuits.

Ability to: read and interpret routine plans and blueprints of electrical installations; interpret and apply electrical codes; explain technical aspects of electrical trade to lay-persons; meet and deal effectively with people; prepare clear, concise reports.

The following legal requirements are necessary for positions in this category. Per RCW 19.28.321 positions require a valid Washington General Journey Level Electrical (EL01) license issued by the Department of Labor and Industries and no less than four years of experience as a journey level electrician in the electrical construction trade installing and maintaining electrical wiring and equipment or four years of experience journey level electrician performing the duties of an electrical inspector employed by the department or a city or town with an approved inspection program under RCW 19.28.141.

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.

A valid Washington General Journey Level Electrician (EL01) license and/or certificate issued by the Department of Labor and Industries and four years’ experience as journey level electrician in the electrical construction trade installing and maintaining electrical wiring and equipment.


A valid Washington General Journey Level Electrician (EL01) license and/or certificate issued by the Department of Labor and Industries and four years’ experience as a journey level electrician performing the duties of an electrical inspector employed by the department or a city or town with an approved inspection program under RCW 19.28.141.

Equivalent education/experience.

Some positions may require a driver’s license.

New job class established; range 70E; adopted June 23, 2025; effective July 1, 2025.