Permit Specialist 1

Permit Specialist

We have one Permit Specialist vacancy which may be filled by a Permit Specialist 1 or Permit Specialist 2 depending on experience of applicants. Under the direction of the Office Manager, provide property owners, potential property owners, developers, contractors, citizens, and business owners with information on the permitting process which consists of providing checklist and application forms, reading, interpreting, applying, and explaining codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Review plans and permit documents and other pertinent information at the public counter and electronically in order to verify accuracy, completeness of information; determine permit, plan and process requirements for prospective applicants; review building plans and permit applications for completeness and compliance with established codes, ordinances, policies and procedures. Process permit applications and plan intake; determine processing needs for projects; use architectural and engineering scales to determine dimensions and calculate area and percentages; determine appropriate staff to handle customer needs. Assist the public regarding completing permit applications, provide permit review status and methods for scheduling inspections; respond to initial inquiries regarding zoning, land use, building, and fire code requirements, and review of assigned permits and applications. Review applications for completeness and compliance with submittal requirements and checklists; accurately calculate, collect and receipt applicable fees; balance till and run daily cash reports. Perform zoning review on sign, tenant improvement, and mechanical applications for land use code compliance in order to obtain compliance with adopted local, state, and federal laws. Perform data entry using the City of Federal Way permit tracking system; handle the calculation of fees and payments through the City's point of sale system, prepares deposits, reconciles monies received daily and process refund requests as needed Process construction applications, planning and zoning land use reviews, applications for street modifications, drainage reviews, and fire department permits. Disseminate information including plans, specifications, calculations, and other documents to plan review staff for building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits. Effectively track various time-lines such as target dates and expiration dates; serve as a common point of contact for interdepartmental communication; and provide coordination with other departments. Reconcile information including plans, specifications, calculations and other documents, in order to prepare and complete the issuance of permits and issuance of land use approvals. Notify applicant when building permits are ready to be issued or if additional information is required. Respond to customer complaints and inquiries; represent the Permit Center by attending meetings and providing presentations as directed. Prepare and maintain various public handouts related to the Permit Center; assist the general public at the permit counter, via email, telephone, and online. Prepare and publish weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly statistical reports for external agencies, as directed. Process and issue building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other related permits. Run expiration reports and send correspondence. Follow and comply with all procedures, practices, and policies established for the Permit Center, the department, the division, and the City. Maintain reliable, regular and punctual attendance.

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED; and two (2) years previous experience in a customer service office environment; or Associates degree with relevant course work in construction management, urban planning or related field; or any combination of education and experience equivalent to two (2) years of experience. Previous customer service experience in government, construction, architectural, engineering or land use related environment is preferred. Licenses and Other Requirements: Permit Technician Certification within the first year in this classification.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: Pertinent federal, state and local ordinances, building codes, planning or land use processes and specialized regulations related to permit issuance. Research principles and practices. Public relations and customer service principles and practices. Basic letter and memo formats, email, telephone and cell phone technique and etiquette. City government procedures, organization, operations and policies. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy. Record-keeping techniques. Office practices, procedures, and operation of a wide variety of office equipment. Ability to: Work independently and/or as part of a team to accomplish a common goal. Communicate effectively in writing and verbally. Organize work, meeting schedules, and time lines. Complete work with multiple distractions and interruptions. Use a till; receipt using credit cards; receive monies and make change accurately; add subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately. Maintain a variety of records, logs, and files. Operate a variety of office equipment including multi-lined phone, copy machine and scanning software, computer, and calculator. Work with a variety of software including the Microsoft Office suite. Knowledge of Bluebeam, AMANDA, Quadrant, King County Parcel viewer, LNI Contractor search, and MyBuildingPermit Provide accurate information to the public regarding permit and application requirements. Accurately assess construction plans and related documents using a checklist in order to achieve complete submittal for application intake. Read and interpret maps, read blueprints, understand legal descriptions and related documents in order to properly identify zoning classifications, setbacks and height restrictions. Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and patience. Positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal. Physically perform the essential functions of the job. Environmental Conditions/Physical Effort: Work is performed in an office and counter environment. Employees may be subject to extensive public contact and frequent interruptions and exposed to noise from basic office equipment operation.