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Meet Kevin Ferguson: Lead Building Inspector

Post Date:03/12/2024

Kevin Ferguson 3 Building professionals are the silent defenders of public safety. They help bring development projects to life, while ensuring buildings are constructed to withstand the stress of everyday use.

Hillsboro’s inspectors keep buildings safe by conducting inspections and training continually to keep up with the latest codes and standards. In 2023, City inspectors completed more than 37,400 building inspections throughout Hillsboro.

As Hillsboro’s lead building inspector, Kevin Ferguson is making a difference in our community everyday as he works to ensure the safety of occupants and residents.

In February 2024, Kevin was confirmed and appointed to the State of Oregon's Mechanical Board by Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon Senate.

Kevin, tell us about yourself.

I’ve been married for 35 years and have two children, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

I am the Lead Building Inspector for the Building Division in Hillsboro’s Community Development Department and I have been with the City for 11 years.

My favorite place is Detroit Lake, and my favorite thing to do is root for the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium.

What is it like to spend a day doing your job?

What is unique about this position is that every day is different. You don’t know what your day looks like until you get to work in the morning.

Inspections could be busy or slow, weather could be hot, cold, or wet. You have to be prepared for anything and everything.

What do you like most about your work?

The safety of buildings is obviously the most important part, but customer interaction is my favorite part of this position. We have an important role in ensuring buildings within Hillsboro are safely occupied — and achieving that goal is sometimes very challenging.

There are many hurdles to get over during a project and any guidance I give is extremely helpful to protecting lives. Working with our customers to reach that goal is very satisfying.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part is seeing a project through from start to finish. Anything from large projects to homeowner projects.

Helping out a homeowner through their project is especially rewarding because most of their training in the trades comes from YouTube.

Tell us something people wouldn’t guess about you?

This is my second career. In 2005, after spending 25+ years in the private sector, I started over and obtained an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Inspection Technology from Chemeketa Community College.

I’m also an inspiring cook. I love to create new dishes just by experimenting. The downside is that my wife does not want to eat out anymore — just my food.

Kevin Ferguson 2