Construction Services Permit Coordinator

City-of-Duluth-Minnesot; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Duluth is seeking three Permit Coordinators to provide information on construction, zoning, and land use. You will assist the public, explain code requirements, and route inquiries to the correct city staff in a fast, courteous manner.

Responsibilities include coordinating plans and permits across departments, researching property histories, and helping applicants throughout the development process with guidance on policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher in a related field as listed.
• Three years of related education or verifiable admin of building code.
• Must obtain ICC Permit Technician certification within 18 months.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary information contact on building, zoning, and development processes.
• Provide courteous, high-quality service and referrals to the public.
• Explain code requirements and city policies for permits and plans.
• Use GIS, permitting software, and records to respond to inquiries and review plans.
• Verify applicant licenses and bonding as required.
• Coordinate with multiple departments to obtain plan/permit approvals.

Skills

Customer service

Public information

Communication

Education

Associate's Degree in architectural drafting, building inspection technology, construction management, building trades, or civil engineering technology

Three years of related education or verifiable professional administration of building code

Tools

GIS

Permitting software

Job description

Construction Services has three Permit Coordinator positions that work in a cooperative environment, and receive support and assistance from others within the division.

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

To perform professional and technical work to provide information to the public, outside agency representatives and City staff in regard to laws, codes, ordinances, and requirements that apply to the construction and use of structures and land use. This position provides consultation related to zoning, building and engineering rules and procedures, and provides front-line customer service for the development process.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Employees in this class work independently with considerable latitude to make decisions when applying rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Employees in this class have a general knowledge of multiple departments' work focus (planning, construction services, fire prevention, parking, engineering, rental housing) in order to direct citizens to the correct staff for the service needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

For both one‑of‑a‑kind and repetitive tasks, the supervisor makes specific assignments that are accompanied by clear, detailed, and specific instructions. Incumbents work as instructed and consult with the supervisor.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

Does not supervise.

PLEASE NOTE:

This position does not have the ability to work remote.

• 1. Serve as primary point of contact to provide information related to construction, development, and use of land in the City, including building, zoning, and Uniform Development Code administration, planning division policies and procedures, and engineering policies and procedures.
• 2. Provide courteous, effective, and high quality service to the public by personally responding to requests for service or making appropriate referrals.
• 3. Provide information and assistance relating to the processing of various building and land use permits to members of the public and City staff, providing explanation of code requirements, City policies, and procedures that pertain to submitted plans and proposals.
• 4. Use GIS, permitting software, paper, microfilm, and other digital records to respond to questions, research property histories, and review plans and proposals.
• 5. Research and respond to inquiries and complaints using manual and electronic records.
• 6. Compile informational handouts answering commonly asked questions.
• 7. Communicate with applicants through permitting process orally and in writing.
• 8. Determine all necessary permits and applicable processes for proposed construction and land use.
• 9. Conduct preliminary reviews of plans for initial intake purposes, and determine if plans comply with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations; present plans to other staff for detailed review.
• 10. Review assigned types of site, erosion control, and construction for minor residential projects such as garages and decks, plans, and approve when appropriate.
• 11. Coordinate the review of permits and plans for compliance with state and city requirements, and process and issue permits.
• 12. Work with others to improve processes and practices to improve service and efficiency.
• 13. Verify that applicants are licensed and bonded as required.
• 14. Act as review process project manager, coordinating with multiple City departments, applicants, and construction and design teams to obtain approval of plans and permits.
• 15. Attend preliminary project meetings, and assist project owners from start to completion of development projects.
• 16. Attend zoning pre‑application meetings with architects, engineers, developers, and others to discuss projects in the preliminary zoning application phase and provide preliminary feedback as appropriate.
• 17. Assist with public outreach in the form of targeted events that serve to educate design professionals, contractors, and/or the general public about various building code topics, as well as permitting and review processes geared towards facilitating successful building projects.
• 18. Calculate and collect fees.
• 19. Maintain positive relationships with contractors, design professionals, homeowners, and others even in contentious situations.
• 20. Be an effective team member by exhibiting self‑motivation, supporting other employees in handling tasks, interacting effectively and respectfully with others, showing a desire to contribute to the team effort, accepting assignments willingly, and completing tasks within agreed upon timelines.
• 21. Other duties may be assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

A. Associate's Degree in architectural drafting, building inspection technology, construction management, building trades, or civil engineering technology, or a related professional field, and one (1) year of related professional experience; OR a minimum of three (3) years of related education and/or verifiable professional administration of the building code as a field inspector, plans examiner, or permit technician, or engineering field experience.

B. Must obtain and maintain certification as an International Code Council Certified Permit Technician within 18 months of hire.

License Requirements

A. Must obtain and maintain certification as an International Code Council Certified Permit Technician within 18 months of hire.

B. Must obtain and maintain certification through Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as an erosion and storm water control Construction Installer within 18 months of hire.

Education/Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point): Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.

Alternative Exam Process: For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at 218-730-5210, as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through 218-730-5630.

Right to Appeal: Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education/Experience Review, the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing, shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested, and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically, the notice should be sent by email to [e-mail].

Work Eligibility: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.