Permit Coordinator/Specialist

Under general supervision, performs a variety of difficult, responsible, specialized analytical and administrative duties; provides highly responsible staff support to the Building and Planning Department; interacts with County personnel from a variety of Departments and the public on technical matters; and performs related duties as assigned.

Processes all applications for construction permits; receives logs and tracks all plan submittals. Learns the County's various relevant applications and systems and is able to develop necessary reports. Conducts administrative analyses and studies related to the activities or operation of Building and Planning Department and the Permit Center, specifically.

This position is open until March 12, 2025.

Benefits Information

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes

• Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life InsuranceÂ
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours
  
  

The County

Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work. Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas.

• Provide permit applications to the public. Accept applications and review for completeness and errors.
• Provide customer service, which may include providing guidance or advice regarding the permit process and requirements, provide code explanation or interpretation and offer referrals to appropriate channels or contacts.
• Process and route permit application materials through the county's permit process, and track the process of applications. Respond to inquiries about status information of permit applications.
• Develop and maintain department forms and handout materials to facilitate the "one-stop permit process" concept.
• Perform simple plan reviews of residential and other non-complex structures to assure code compliance.
• Assist Code Technicians with non-complex building inspections and other code related duties as assigned by supervisors.
• Perform a diversity of clerical and administrative duties to maintain and perform the permit process and maintain its efficiency and timeliness.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings. Provide input and recommendations to improve own work processes and the general operation, performance and services provided by the department.
• Attend training seminars.
• Conduct financial transactions as back-up cashier function for permit transactions.
• Data entry and report processing using the County's automated permit software.
• Uses appropriate techniques and data-gathering processes to obtain required information; process building construction permit applications, including verification of property location, contractor information, and other pertinent information.
• Advises the public on whether proposed construction conforms to application requirements, regulations and directives.
• Computes all plan review and permit fees.
  
  

Non-Essential Duties

• Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the supervisor.
  
  

Permit Coordinator

• High School diploma or equivalent. Possess and maintain certification as a building inspector or as a permit technician with the International Code Council.
• Ability to deal pleasantly and efficiently with the public under pressure.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
  
  

Permit Specialist

In Addition To Above Qualifications

• Possess and maintain certification as a building inspector or as a permit technician with the International Code Council.
• Two (2) years' experience as a Permit Coordinator or a combination of education, training, and/or experience, or substitute with a degree in construction management, building codes or a closely related field.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with the public and others requiring services.
• Work in a cooperative and teamwork environment, as well as able to perform work in a multi-task work environment.
• Work under deadline requirements, and handle public pressure or disgruntled public.
• Skills to effectively and clearly communicate and explain processes and legal aspects to the public, and those served by the department. Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing and in a professional business-like manner.
• Possess a good general understanding of the codes and ordinances that related to the functions of the department and codes division, and able to interpret and apply them.
• Advanced knowledge of mathematical principles.