Job ID #32214: Permit Application Specialist (Periodic)

cityofhamilton; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hamilton is seeking a Permit Application Specialist (Periodic) to process building permit applications and verify compliance with the Ontario Building Code and related regulations. You will maintain client relations, provide excellent service, and collaborate with plan examiners, fire prevention, and other authorities to ensure accurate approvals.

Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and adaptability are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Community College diploma or University degree in an Architectural or Civil Engineering Technology Program or equivalent.
• Experience or training in building and/or construction environment is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret construction plans and provide customer service.

Responsibilities

• Accept and process building permit applications for compliance with the Ontario Building Code and Zoning By-laws.
• Maintain client relationships and provide excellent customer service.
• Coordinate with Fire Prevention Bureau, Niagara Escarpment Commission, and Conservation Authorities as needed.
• Accepts and refers inquiries from homeowners and professionals; advise on procedures and regulations.
• Input and retrieve data and maintain files for permit issuance.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Numerical aptitude

Construction plans interpretation

Education

Architectural or Civil Engineering Technology

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

• Job ID #32214: Permit Application Specialist (Periodic)
• Union: CUPE Local 5167
• Job Description ID #: 2706
• Close date: 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday September 23, 2026
• This is a periodic post for all current and upcoming temporary and permanent vacancies for the period of September 10, 2026 to March 10, 2026
• Vacancy type: This posting will be used to fill current vacancies, as well as any further vacancies which arise during the period noted above

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reporting to the Supervisor, Plan Examination; responsible for accepting and processing building permit applications to determine compliance with the Ontario Building Code, Zoning By-laws and other relevant legislation for issuance of building permits.

GENERAL DUTIES

Maintain and build client relationships by providing optimum customer service with a passion for helping people and a positive attitude.

Demonstrated ability to proactively listen, identify issues and solve problems with solid multitasking skills.

Strong communication skills with the ability to receive and answer enquiries from homeowners and industry professionals with regards to Ontario Building Code, Zoning By-laws, practices, regulations and procedures.

Excellent administrative skills, be enthusiastic, reliable, punctual and have a willingness to learn

Attention to detail and comprehension skills a must, compose correspondence.

Ability to work effectively as part of a team and the flexibility to adapt to a constantly changing environment

Determine acceptance or refusal of building permit applications based on conformity with applicable legislation.

Examine, amend, approve/issue building permits for swimming pool enclosures and Part 9 residential buildings such as garages, decks, minor alterations, accessory structures and additions to one and two family dwellings.

Administer Ontario Building Code and other applicable laws. Determine that materials and methods of construction meet approved standards.

Research zoning maps, survey and property files to verify compliance with Zoning By-laws and Subdivision Agreements.

Work in co-ordination with other regulatory bodies, staff and other agencies such as Fire Prevention Bureau, Niagara Escarpment Commission, and Conservation Authorities in matters relating to permit issuance.

Receive complaints and refer to appropriate staff for follow up.

Investigate and follow up on approvals relevant to permit issuance.

Advise owners and building inspectors/plan examiners on procedures and regulations where deviations or revisions have occurred after issuance of building permits.

Input and retrieve data, process and distribute permit applications and plans to plan examination staff.

Create and maintain files required for the issuance of building permits such as subdivision files, demolition agreements files, etc.

Attend training courses as required.

Conduct all duties responsibly, addressing risk management issues, thereby minimizing exposure to personal and municipal liability.

Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.

Work in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Community College diploma or University degree in an Architectural or Civil Engineering Technology Program or a combination of equivalent training, education and/or experience.
2. The successful candidate must be eligible to be appointed as an inspector under the Ontario Building Code Act and must successfully meet the following required qualifications not more than 6 months after gaining employment:
   • General Legal/Process
   • House
   • HVAC - House
3. Previous Municipal Building experience will be considered an asset.
4. Client/customer-orientated experience and service in a building and/or construction environment.
5. Demonstrated ability to interpret construction plans.
6. Must possess numerical aptitude.
7. Experience in a computerized environment. Working knowledge of Word and Excel.
8. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form.

SALARY

Salary Grade J

HOURS

35 per week

THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE

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Disclaimer

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy.Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes.Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.