Planning Inspector II - SR-19

Posting number: 2026-00054

Department: Planning

Division: Administrative Permits

Job classification: Planning Inspector II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Code Enforcement, Planning and Development

Summary

Inspects and assess uses, sites, buildings, and structures for compliance with State and County land use laws, ordinances, rules, and  permits; issues citations for non-compliance; and performs other related duties as required.

There are two (2) immediate permanent full-time vacancies with the Planning Department - Administrative Permits Division in Hilo. May be eligible to receive a $3,000 Recruitment Incentive. Conditions apply.

The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment.

Examples of duties

Research and Investigation:

• Investigates complaints and alleged violations of State and County laws relating to land use codes and of programs implemented by the Planning Department.
• Researches and gathers information through on-site inspections, interviews, examinations of files and records within the department and outside sources.
• Reviews plans, specifications, and compiled data to ascertain whether violations exist and to determine nature and extent of violations.
• Checks uses of sites and buildings, and conformance to land use development standards such as off-street parking, heights, setbacks, spacing, and bulk of structures.
• Collaborates with other departmental staff on matters related to the inspection of uses, sites, buildings, and structures in existence or in the process of construction and alteration and to its compliance with zoning and subdivision codes, coastal zone management regulations, conditions of approvals, approved plans and specifications, departmental rules and policies, etc.
• Consults with other County departments and agencies for expertise on potential violation issues within their area of expertise (i.e., engineering grading, Building Code violations, etc.)
• Makes referrals to other County Departments and agencies for possible violations outside of the Planning Department's authority.

• Maintains files and records of all complaints and violations to include illustrative charts, maps, diagrams, photographs, written findings, and recommendations.
• Discusses findings and recommendations with superiors and other staff as needed.
• Meets with violators to explain required remedial action, possible penalties under the law, appeal rights, and policies and procedures in applying for variances in land use.
• Drafts and prepares correspondence related to the case.
• Follows up on cases and provides periodic periods of grace to effect required corrective actions.
• Initiates action to enforce compliance with the law.
• Assists Corporation Counsel, Prosecuting Attorney, and other governmental agencies by providing pertinent information concerning cases as well as testifying at hearings and in court. 

• Attends Community, Board, Commission, and County Council meetings, as necessary, to answer questions when called upon.
• Prepares correspondence, generates informational materials, and replies to inquiries from the public.
• Keeps abreast of revisions to pertinent State and County laws, codes, rules, the general plan, maps, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Training and Experience:  
A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:

• graduation from high school, and 
• four (4) years of inspectional or investigative work experience, of which 
• two (2) years shall have been in housing, building, zoning, or related code enforcement inspectional work, and
• possession of a valid State of Hawai‘i driver's license (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver’s license at time of filing. (You will be required to submit your valid driver's license at time of hire.)

Examination:  All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points.  An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education and experience as presented in the application.

Please read the minimum qualification requirements carefully.  Be certain to list all pertinent training and experience, as this may be important in determining your examination score.  It is essential that the applicant describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each po