Salary : $91,896.00 - $134,784.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: WMS 26-15
Department: Dept. of Labor & Industries
Division: CSCPS - Elevator
Opening Date: 07/29/2026

Job Highlights
The Chief Elevator Inspector for the Department of Labor & Industries is responsible and maintains the authority for making decisions, and judgments, and is accountable for public safety on all elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, belt manlifts, automobile parking elevators, moving walks, and other elevating devices moving people and materials in Washington State as identified in chapter 70.87 RCW and chapter 296-96 WAC. The position manages the program to ensure uniform enforcement of agency elevator statutes, rules, policies, and customer service requirements.
Duties
Some of you'll do:

• Ensure the safety of the citizens of the state of Washington through interpreting along with fair and equitable enforcement of the laws, rules, policies and procedures for the elevator industry.
• Ensure all conveyances are inspected annually and new and altered conveyances are inspected incompliance with proper code standards.
• Resolve technical problems which arise from the enforcement of the codes, policies, and procedures adopted by the department.
• Provide technical assistance to various stakeholders, including the legislature and L&I's executive management through informed decision-making and effective implementation of regulatory requirements.
• Manage the Elevator Contractor and Elevator Mechanic license registration process and ensures all conveyance work is performed by persons who meet the minimum technical expertise requirements.
• Engage in long-term strategic planning for the program.
• And much more!

Qualifications
Required:

• High School Diploma.
• Five years of supervisory or leadership experience managing an elevator program.
• Four years working as a journey-level mechanic in the elevator industry.
• Two years working for an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) inspecting elevators and other conveyances.
• Obtained a Qualified Elevator Inspector certification (QEI certified)
• Experience in reviewing mechanical, Electrical, architectural and elevator final layout drawings.
• Valid unrestricted driver's license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Desired:

• Supervisory skills of field elevator mechanics to ensure quality, accuracy, and accountability of work and workmanship.
• Experience as an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for compliance-based conveyance inspection program.
• Current office computer skills to include Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and the ability to learn several specialized agency software.
• Experience in customer service to include dealing with unhappy and belligerent persons.
• The Chief Elevator Inspector needs to demonstrate competence in the following areas:
  • Advanced principles of management;
  • Creative thinking and long-range strategic planning;
  • Program evaluation and performance audit principles;
  • Understanding the Legislative, Washington State Administrative Codes and budget development processes in accordance with Administrative Procedure Act and Office of Financial Management rules;
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion;
  • Expert technical knowledge of elevators and other conveyances;
  • Developing strategies, plans and create program policies that will provide the desired long-term effects for the program as well as its impact on the residents of the state of Washington;
  • Assessing and evaluating effectiveness of inspection programs by utilizing performance criteria and monitor statewide production activities;
  • Conducting strategic and long-range planning relative to complex technical and public safety issues;
  • Effectively analyze and communicate legislative impact, prepare bill analysis, testify before legislative committees and prepare fiscal note;
  • Coaching and mentoring professional staff;
  • Effectively communicating, both orally and in writing, and speak effectively to groups, provide effective briefing and presentations to management and program staff;
  • Effectively interpret and communicate technical codes;
  • Identify and resolve industry related/department problems and ensure compliance;
  • Interpreting, negotiating, and settle disputes for Legal/enforcement purposes; and
  • Effectively use interpersonal skills to educate and train a diverse workforce.

Supplemental Information
Application process
Complete the online application and attach the following documents. Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not include the following:

1. A cover letter describing your experience, skills and contributions you will bring to this role.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.

Do not attach or place any medical information in the application, resume, or cover letter. You will need to remove the confidential information before your application is considered.
Learn more about our on L&I's website.
If you need an accommodation for the application or hiring process, please email or call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be pro