Permit Technician

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Please do not contact Human Resources in regards to your application. Please use the online application system to monitor the status of your application. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Pays $33.23 to $38.53 per hour
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.  HRA VEBA account may also be provided.  Retirement benefits include a choice between PERS 2 or 3 and optional Deferred Compensation.  The City recognizes 11 paid holidays and provides 2 personal holidays annually.   Vacation leave is accrued at 0.0385 hours per straight time hour paid in the first 2 years of employment, with increases thereafter.  Employees earn 0.0462 hours of sick leave per regular straight-time hour paid.  More benefit details are available by clicking on the "Benefits" tab of this job posting.

Major Function and Purpose
The Permit Technician performs high-level permit coordination as well as all duties of a Permit Clerk in to enhance the efficient operations of DCD’s Permit Center.

General Function
The Permit Technician accepts and coordinates applications; answers permit application questions about the process, and applicable codes and regulations; refers complex questions and issues to the appropriate personnel; performs simple plan review which requires interpreting information on applications and plans; reviews low complexity applications for compliance with local, state and federal regulations; calculates permit fees and provides statements of charges to applicants; and issues permits.

Supervision Responsibilities
This position has no supervision responsibilities, but may serve as a lead worker in the absence of the supervisor.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
This job description reflects general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  These listed duties and responsibilities in no way imply these are the only duties to be performed.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to: working in other function areas to cover absences or provide relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload.   Accordingly, individuals occupying this position will be required to follow any job-related instructions, tasks, or other duties as assigned by the Director or designee, and must be able to proficiently perform all assigned duties.

• Review simple applications for accuracy and completeness related to adopted codes and standards
• Process and issue over-the-counter permit applications
• Assist with the completion of permit processing steps (determination of complete application, notice of application, bonding, etc.)
• Monitor, track, and reconcile development fees, task order deposits, bonds, and other financial data related to permit processing
• Identify and apply codes and ordinances relevant to projects under review
• Provide technical assistance related to permitting questions posed by applicants concerning, but not limited to: zoning designations, planning review process, building and fire codes, building setbacks, City code and ordinances, and planning and engineering standards as they apply to permits
• Refer more complex questions to appropriate personnel
• Explain information for customers about basic construction/design requirements, land use related procedures and regulations, development standards and process information, permit costs and other procedural issues 
• Verify the appropriate conditions and inspections are listed on permits prior to issuing
• Coordinate and review license (such as business licenses) and permit issuance (such as special events) by other departments on behalf of Community Development 
• Issue letters for occupancy requirements
• Research, analyze and prepare a variety of reports and statistical summaries requiring judgement as to content, accuracy and completeness
• Provide task orders and track consultant services on private development permits; track permit-related deposits and consultant invoices
• Suggest improvements in processes and procedures to enhance efficiency of the Permit Center
• Perform all duties outlined in the Permit Clerk job description 
• Reliable and regular attendance is required
• Other duties as assigned

Contacts and Relationships
May have extensive contact with the public, builders, engineers, contractors, developers and works with department staff, other City personnel, and representatives from other governmental agencies. Communication may be by telephone, in person, or through written message.

Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in an office which is busy, oriented to public service and subject to repeated interruptions.  Noise level is moderate. Attendance at meetings before or after regular work hours is not anticipated; however, the individual may from time to time be required to return to duty after normal work hours.  Telecommuting within Washington state is permitted at the supervisor’s discretion in accordance with City policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of planning, building, and site development terminology, international building codes and permitting requirements used to review applications, documents, information on building and site plans for permit approval, basic land use and planning concepts, Port Orchard codes, all permit types processed by the Permit Center, and all required knowledge outlined in the Permit Clerk job description.

Ability to evaluate permit applications for consistency with local regulations; communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing; and to utilize MS Office Software (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher and PowerPoint) proficiently.

Physical Requirements
Continuous repetitive arm/hand movement is essential.  Must be able to discern voice conversation, have hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate computers and other office equipment, and have the physical ability to perform essential job functions.   Position requires  crouching, stretching and kneeling, as well as producing legible handwritten documents.  May need to push, pull, lift, and/or carry  up to twenty (20) pounds.

Minimum Requirements
High School Diploma or GED; ICC Permit Technician Certification; and three (3) years of office experience, at least two of which include building, engineering, planning, zoning, land use, municipal permitting or similar, are required.

Preferred qualifications include prior experience as a municipal employee, and/or with Bluebeam, Adobe Acrobat professional programs, SmartGov or other electronic permit tracking system, public record retention schedules, and Port Orchard Municipal Codes. 

Requirements outlined in this job description may be subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment in this position. However, some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

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

Salary : $69,118 - $80,142