Permit Technician

$31.55-$43.51 / hourly

A union position under the general supervision of the Building Official. Incumbent performs the clerical and permit intake duties of the Community Development Department. The Permit Technician will assist the public in the permit application process while always maintaining a high degree of customer service; coordinate permit activities with other city departments; answer telephones; maintain electronic and paper records; distribute and track application reviews for permits; receipt monies and process invoices in an accurate manner; assist department staff with preparation of code-related literature, permitting checklists, and public notices.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES: •Provides initial contact and information to the public via telephone, letter, internet or in person on procedures related to permit applications and appropriate City ordinances, while maintaining a high level of customer service. •Effectively communicates permit application requirements to builders, design professionals and the public. •Receives submittal packages on a full range of permits, including, clearing and grading, flood improvement, building, plumbing, mechanical, signs, fire, land use, and special events, and reviews for completeness; responds to questions regarding the routine permitting process; assists the public in person and on the telephone regarding permit status, timeframes, fees, application requirement, sets up pre-application meetings, and other inquiries relating to permits. Incumbent serves as initial one-stop permitting information contact for the public. •Inputs permit related information into permit management system; utilizes related software to maintain records, generate records, reports, and other documents. Generates and sends correspondence relating to permit activities; assists staff in the preparation of informational literature. Issues permits, prepares fee sheets with a high degree of accuracy, and notifies applicants regarding issuance of permits. Prepare departmental reports in a timely manner. •Tracks the acceptance, review, processing, assignment of addresses and tracking numbers, issuance and monitoring of permits associated with building construction and land development. •Incumbent is responsible for records management for Community Development; responds to internal and external inquiries for access to records within the state mandated time periods. •Prepares monthly statistical reports, maintains records of construction progress, inspections and inspection sign-off documents for permits and files. •Handles the calculation of fees and payments through the City's point of sale system, prepares deposits, reconciles monies received daily. •Operates a personal computer and is familiar with the Windows operating system, Microsoft Word, Excel, Mybuildingpermit.com, Bluebeam Revu, as well as other necessary software needed for this position. Experience with TrakIt is highly desirable. Ability to learn new software as needed. These duties are not inclusive of all duties, and as such, this position may perform other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience: •High school diploma or equivalent. •Knowledge of construction terminology related to building construction and land use or the International Building, Fire, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes. •Minimum three years office experience with heavy public contact. Three years of experience in the construction or building industry, preferably in technical capacity providing staff assistance in a municipal Community Development Department or related Department, or an AA degree in related field, or a Bachelor’s degree in related field. Equivalent combination of experience and education may be substituted. •Preferred: International Code Council (ICC) Certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment. Accounting and Mybuildingpermit.com experience desirable. Licensing and Certification: •Valid Washington State Driver’s License with driving record free of serious or frequent violations. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: •Major types of building construction materials and methods. •Modern office practices and procedures. •Municipal government rules, regulations, policies and procedures. •Public relations techniques and practices. •Operation of a personal computer, programs such as Word, Excel and software related to building permits, along with operation of other office equipment such as calculator, fax, keyboard, postage meter, and copy machine. •Basic principles of record keeping and accounting/bookkeeping. Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office or conference room environment setting; typically performed indoors with prolonged periods of sitting. Walking, talking, sitting, standing, bending, and reaching is required. Hand-eye coordination and fine manipulation skills are necessary to operate computers and office equipment. Good listening skills are required. This position is sometimes stressful due to the nature of calls and public contact. Ability to occasionally lift, carry and put away parcels/packages of up to 50 pounds. Some local travel may be required. Exposure to adverse weather conditions is minimal. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Minimum Qualifications

Job Posted 3/28/2025