Community Development Assistant

The community development assistant is an administrative para-professional position involving the processing of permits and specialized administrative support duties in the Community Development department. The incumbent responds to the public and assists other department personnel with permitting, invoicing and other administrative department processes.  The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description do not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to undertake other projects consistent with the role as requested by a supervisor.

• Consults with customers on general and project specific planning and construction code requirements and processes.
• Receives permit applications and submittals/re-submittals and routes them to the appropriate staff member.
• Provides daily schedule of inspections for department staff.
• Prepares and maintains all project close-out documents.
• Coordinates collection and maintenance of permit specific and general address files, including application documents, inspection, and special inspection reports, annual fire safety and system inspection reports, and notices of violation in accordance with records management regulations and as directed.
• Prepares approved permits and submittals for issuance.
• Enters data into the permit tracking system and provides data and reports to staff, outside agencies as directed, and management related to development permit activity.
• Develops and maintains public information materials, checklists, and application packets for distribution to the public.
• Maintains the divisions’ archives including scanning, organizing, and recording of both paper and digital documents.
• Maintains the divisions’ web site and updates as needed.
• Recommends process improvements, fee adjustments, and administrative code provisions to improve customer service and department effectiveness.
• Processes applications, coordinates payment, and issues permits through the permit processing program.
• Tracks permit application and review processes within the division to assure compliance with statutory mandates and division performance goals.
• Coordinates the divisions’ response to requests for access to public records.
• Prepares correspondence, conducts research, and prepares reports as directed by the Community Development Director.
• Supports the city addressing and street naming program. Coordinates with Pierce County and all stakeholders for accuracy and consistency.
• Coordinates public notice, recruitment and other notices and advertisements with city clerk.
• Serves as back-up to the permit coordinator. May serve as back-up to planning technicians and run night meetings as needed.

• May support in leading part-time, temporary, or intern personnel within the division.

• Maintains punctual and reliable attendance.

KEY COMPETENCIES
Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with other employees and the public, individually and in groups, verbally in-person and by phone, and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Maintain composure and use tact, discretion, and courtesy, including with dissatisfied customers.
• Apply organizational skills and handle multiple priorities with many interruptions.

• Perform basic mathematical calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Perform tasks with accuracy and reasonable speed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled office or conference room setting with a moderate/minimal noise level. Occasionally, some work will occur outside of the office, driving to retrieve archived documents from off-site storage.

Schedule: Typical business hours are Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm with a one-hour meal break. Alternative work arrangements may be available as decided by the Community Development Director following the probationary period.

Driving and Travel: Driving would typically be less than 5 hours a workweek. Travel is required to visit other work sites in the area and to attend meetings, trainings, and/or conferences as needed. Overnight travel is possible a few times per year, typically for annual conferences that relate to the position.Any combination of education, training and experience that indicates the individual can successfully perform the job may be considered.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Two (2) year college or business school program preferred.
• Two (2) years of general administrative experience.
• Work experience in a planning, building, public works, engineering, or similar municipal office performing para-professional tasks and clerical work preferred. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES
The following certifications and licenses are required for the position (or must be obtained within the timeframe stated) and must be maintained for the duration of employment.

• A valid Washington State driver’s license (or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire) and at least two years of driving experience. 

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 
The physical attributes described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, use hands for keyboarding, talk, hear, read, stand, and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Clear speaking and adequate hearing sufficient to communicate effectively and respond appropriately both in person and remotely. Repetitive motions for computer and telephone use. Occasionally they may be required to kneel, reach, bend, crouch, twist, squat, and lift up to 25 pounds. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• A history of and ability to maintain safe and responsible driving that meets the city’s motor vehicle record minimum driving requirements.
• Ability to pass position relevant pre-employment screening.

At the City of Gig Harbor, our aim is to extend salary offers that fall within the range from the minimum to the midpoint. These offers will be determined by assessing the applicant's relevant experience in alignment with the requirements of the applied position at the city, alongside a comprehensive evaluation of pay rates for our existing employees engaged in comparable roles. It's important to note that our salary ranges are currently under review and may be subject to adjustment.

• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters 117.  
• If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact Human Resources at . 
• To be considered you must submit and complete an online application through that reflects all relevant education and experience which addresses how you meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications for this position.
• Applications will be screened beginning May 15 with interviews scheduled May 28.

Salary : $62,733 - $78,499