Permit Specialist

Summary:

This is a specialized position under the direction of the Community and Economic Development Director that performs technical work, including but not limited to, intake, processing and tracking of permits, disseminating permit information, computing fees, as well as research, processing and issuance of permits and approvals. Functions also include, but are not limited to, inputting data in the permit tracking software program, computing planning, building and engineering fees, issuing permits and approvals, disseminating zoning, engineering and building code information and providing technical support to planning, building permit and other staff. A major component of the position includes tracking and monitoring land use applications and their associated notice requirements, statutory deadlines and procedural requirements and keeping customers apprised of the application status.

Work involves the analysis of factual information requiring judgment to select appropriate guidelines and procedures for a variety of development applications. Additionally, requires preparation of and written correspondences related to land use, building permits and permitting activity. This position deals with case sensitive and occasionally controversial issues affecting the public.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide superior daily front counter customer service for the Planning and Building Divisions and other city departments; communicate with customers and staff using appropriate levels of technical skills and terminology, perform daily operations and procedures via record system.

• Respond to inquiries, explain and provide information regarding codes, regulations and processes from builders, developers, architects, engineers, contractors, individual homeowners and staff regarding City requirements for development and/or building.

• Receive and log permit use application data into the tracking and monitoring program; update information as changes occur; distribute plans and materials to appropriate staff for response and review. Track revised submittals in similar fashion.

• Calculate, collect, and monitor a variety of application, development fees, construction permit fees, plan review fees, utility permit fees and trust accounts.

• Support Planning/Building staff in the processing of land use and building applications with basic research, analysis, and preparation of background materials and exhibits for staff reports.

• Review commercial and home occupation business license applications for conformance with the zoning requirements and permitted uses.

• Coordinate pre-application meetings between staff and customers.

• Issue a variety of permits related to Building, Planning, Engineering and fire functions.

• Record daily inspection requests from Inspection Request Line. Prepare, run and distribute daily report of requested inspections for Building, Fire and Engineering Department inspection personnel.

• Maintain City’s address and permit system files. Provide information to appropriate City Departments for updating of City maps.

• Assist in development and update of informational handouts and fact sheets, brochures, fliers, forms and other related materials to clearly communicate code and/or process information to contractors, developers, architects, etc. and general public.

• Process and research public records requests.

• Administer customized permit software creating customized reports, updating, formulating fees and providing training and assistance to staff in the efficient utilization of the permitting software to achieve consistent data among all departments.

• Keep account of CED permit activity and revenues on a routine basis.

• Scan and archive plans as necessary and enters into Mapping Retrieval System.

• Assist in code enforcement efforts related to land use, with some field investigation and administrative follow-up on code cases.

• Other duties as assigned.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties, essential functions, and qualifications contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions, the level of knowledge, and scope of the responsibility typically required of the job. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise balance the workload.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

• High school diploma or GED Certificate. Associates Degree preferred. Continued professional development anticipated.

• Three years qualifying experience in a general government setting involving customer service with a data and research emphasis with experience in building and/or land use permit management desired; OR, an equivalent combination of experience, training and related education.

• Must pass a thorough background investigation.

• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license (or be able to attain at time of appointment) and a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier.

• Verification of identity and United States work authorization.

• ICC permit technician certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 1 year.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Business English, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation.

• General knowledge of local government permitting processes and procedures.

• Effective and superior customer service, on telephone, in person, and in writing.

• PC based software; including (but not limited to), Windows operating systems, spreadsheets, databases, computerized permit tracking system, PowerPoint and other software.

• Procedures for receipting fees and for tracking the progress of applications.

• Range of researching methods using a variety of information and data sources.

• Basic planning and building terminology.

• Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fire Codes; City Land Use/Zoning Codes and related development standards.

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Compile and maintain clear, concise and accurate records and report on items that need attention.

• Demonstrate detailed organizational skills.

• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines and effectively deal with stressful situations and working conditions.

• Critically analyze and understand construction and survey documents, and recognize the format of technical reports.

• Evaluate projects and proposals for application completeness.

• Understand, interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures.

• Lift and move up to 50 pounds (i.e., file boxes and development plans).

• Move across uneven terrain when visiting work sites, and maintain a safe environment for yourself and co-workers.

• Process monetary transactions.

Supervision Received:

Supervision received from Community and Economic Development Director or his/her designee.

Supervision Exercised:

None.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Duties are preformed primarily in an office environment but may also require site visits in all types of weather and travel to meetings and conferences.

• Frequent demands: Sitting, standing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, bending at the waist, filing, repetitive hand motion and fine finger manipulation with use of a keyboard and paper.

• Occasional demands: climbing stairs; reaching kneeling (below the knees, knees to shoulder and above the shoulder); and lifting/moving file boxes.

• Environmental Factors: Moderate to loud noise levels.

Schedule and Compensation:

This position is scheduled to work 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday- Friday. This position is non-exempt with an annual salary of $71,742 - $88,190.

Application Process:

Position open until filled. Apply online at www.cityofmlt.com/Jobs. Offline/paper application or more information can be requested at HRCity@mltwa.gov or 425-744-6225. Due to a high volume of applications we receive, only candidates whose qualifications closely align with the role will be contacted for further consideration. Please note, incomplete submissions may not be considered.

The City reserves the right to review applications prior to this date and may select a finalist for the position at any time; therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and the requirements of the job change.

The City of Mountlake Terrace is an equal opportunity employer.We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce and community.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $71,742.00 - $88,190.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Security clearance:

• Confidential (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $71,742 - $88,190