Permit Issuer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Responsible for accepting, reviewing, routing, and issuing permit applications for building, land use, and development applications. Provides customer service information in specialized areas. Works with continual public and inter-departmental contact.

Responsible for the proper application and issuance of permits and compliance with City practices. Independently performs regular and recurring complex work according to established procedures. Works under general supervision with minimal guidance, referring only highly unusual matters to the supervisor.

Essential Job Functions Reviews, routes, and issues permit applications for various City teams, including street use, clearing and grading, building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire, and land use permits. Acts as primary contact for the City, answering questions related to City departments; directs more technical questions to appropriate City staff; tracks and answers questions related to status of permit applications; contacts applicant when permit is ready for issuance; communicates with personnel from other departments regarding status of permits. Interprets information for customers about basic construction/design requirements, land-use related procedures, development standards and process information, permit costs, and other procedural issues.

Assists the public in completing applications for building, planning, and other related permits issued by DSG. Provides answers to technical questions posed by applicants concerning zoning, building codes, and other similar regulations; directs applicants to appropriate City staff as needed. Calculates and collects permitting fees due using CRW Tracking System and cash register.

Receives, reviews, and processes a variety of forms, applications and plans necessary for issuance of development and construction permits, including electronic plan review documents. Reviews and interprets plans, specs, and documents pertaining to permits for compliance with specific codes. Prepares and enters technical data into automated program related to the issuance of specific permits.

Informs or instructs customers with regard to public record; distributes customer-oriented informational literature; develops and maintains manuals and packets. Maintains accurate and complete records of construction progress, inspections, sign-off sheets, and files. Schedules final inspections and closes out files when work has been completed.

Prepares files for document management system. Provides a variety of specialized and detailed information in person or on the telephone regarding permit requirements to developers, architects, contractors, engineers, realtors, and the general public; acts as liaison and contact for larger developments. Performs minor plan review on small over-the-counter permits; prepares legal documents; provides sufficiency review for permit applications.

Ability to drive a City vehicle, possess a current and valid Washington State driver's license, and good driving record. Must have regular and predictable work attendance to fulfill the essential functions of the job. Performs other duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES: Coordinates daily inspections with building inspectors; schedules pre-construction meetings; maintains city addresses and building files. Performs special projects as assigned. Operates a variety of office equipment, including a computer terminal, document scanner, and multi-line telephone.

Qualification Requirements Education and Training: High school diploma, completion of coursework in basic planning, planning and building code, and two years experience as a permit technician; or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job. Licensing and Certification ICBO Permit Technician Certification within two years desired. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Minimum of two years experience in an office setting with heavy customer contact.

Ability to skillfully use a computer with MS Office software experience preferred. Knowledge of manual and computerized record-keeping systems and related office equipment. Knowledge of municipal codes related to permits, City zoning codes, non-technical building codes, and other related regulations and ordinances.

Ability to read, interpret, and explain maps, blueprints, and legal descriptions. Ability to analyze, interpret, and accurately review construction and improvement applications and submittals. Ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to perform various tasks while subject to interruption and to perform work according to schedules and timelines. Ability to represent department goals and objectives. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to plan and organize many and varied work assignments. Ability to communicate effectively using tact, patience, and courtesy. Excellent customer service skills.

Excellent attention to detail. Ability to drive a City vehicle, possess a current and valid Washington State driver's license and good driving record. Evidence of a good driving record is a condition of employment, and a complete driving abstract will be required.

Completion of a nationwide and Washington State criminal history background check is required in order to determine any past conviction history of crimes against persons, sexual assault or exploitation, and sexual or physical abuse. Working Conditions & Physical Abilities Most work is performed in office setting with prolonged sitting and/or standing, and with occasional lifting of 10-20 lb. Hand-eye coordination and fine manipulation skills are necessary to operate computers and various office machinery.

The environment is sometimes stressful in trying to meet customer needs and/or perform work with interruptions. Ability to hear and speak clearly both in person and on the telephone are necessary. Site visits and inspections may be required.

There is some exposure to noise, fumes, odors, and dust as well as to poor ventilation, slippery work surfaces and the hazards related to water and electricity during inspections. Use of protective clothing such as hard hat, steel-toed boots, safety vest, and rain gear may be required at times. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED Various types of materials and equipment are used: paper records, permit documents, plans and specs, site, building, and area maps, local, county, state, and federal codes and ordinances, shoreline regulations, legal notices, land use planning documents, construction and design requirements, development standards, historical files, computers, blue line copy machine, and telecommunications systems.

Future work practices may necessitate the use of different tools and equipment.