Permit Specialist

City of Bainbridge Island; Bainbridge Island (WA); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

The City of Bainbridge Island is seeking a Permit Specialist to be the first point of contact for information on codes and permitting processes. You will deliver accurate, professional assistance and help evaluate and improve permit processing with management to streamline operations.

A high school diploma and 2 years in a public agency permit counter or customer service setting are required, with ICC Permit Technician certification within 12 months. Hybrid schedule available in Washington state.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent with continuing education and 2 years of experience in a public agency permit counter or customer service setting.
• Pre-employment background check required; ICC Permit Technician certification within 12 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Acts as primary contact for the department and provides advanced technical permitting information to the public and professionals.
• Researches and prepares reports, evaluates permit processing, and implements procedural changes.
• Communicates permit status and coordinates with other departments to ensure timely issuance.
• Reviews and issues permit applications for building, street use, licenses and related permits; assists the public with applications.
• Maintains records, performs Energy Code reviews, and supports public information materials.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

GIS programs

Job description

Open until filled. Cutoff for first review of applications: 8 am, September 21, 2026. Applications received after this cutoff may not be reviewed.

Permit Specialists play a vital role in Planning and Community Development for the City of Bainbridge Island. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, has some experience and/or education in permitting and has the ability to deliver high-quality customer service in a collaborative work environment.

The Permit Specialist is the first contact for customers seeking information or assistance regarding the City’s codes and permitting processes. The Permit Specialist responds to each inquiry with information in accordance with the customer's level of technical understanding in an accurate, competent, efficient and professional manner. The Permit Specialist is also responsible for working with management staff to evaluate current permit processing and tracking procedures, researching possible improvements to streamline permitting processes and assisting in the implementation of new processes.

About the City of Bainbridge Island

The City of Bainbridge Island is a vibrant community with small-town feel, 52 miles of scenic shoreline and densely forested areas. Our employees are the most important asset in preserving and enhancing the special character of the Island, and in responding to the community's needs. The City provides competitive salaries, outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities.

• Acts as primary contact for the department; provides advanced technical permitting, and development review information to citizens, developers, builders, contractors, engineers, architects, other City departments and the general public; responsible for initial review of incoming permits; coordinates with applicants to schedule consultations and preapplication conferences.
• In consultation with management staff, develops, coordinates and administers department permitting system, including evaluating current permit processing and tracking procedures, identifying problems, researching improvements to streamline permitting process and implementing procedural changes.
• Researches, analyzes and prepares of variety of reports and statistical summaries, requiring judgment as to content, accuracy and completeness.
• Provides technical assistance to development professionals and the general public regarding applicable codes, ordinances and regulations involved in the permit process.
• Interprets 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.
• Assists the public in completing applications for building, planning and other related permits issued by the Department.
• Reviews, processes and issues permit applications for purposes including street use, business licenses, building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical permits. Performs a wide variety of advanced technical duties to support the permitting process.
• Tracks and answers questions related to status of permit applications; contacts applicant when permit is ready for issuance; communicates with personnel from other departments regarding status of permits.
• Calculates and assigns permit fees; performs Energy Code Compliance reviews; oversees updating public information materials relating to the permitting process and building codes; performs various field inspections as assigned.
• Plans day-to-day and project assignments, attends meetings and, together with colleagues, sets and maintains workloads and priorities.
• Maintains timely and regular attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Graduation from high school or equivalent with continuing education and 2 years of experience in a public agency permit counter or customer service setting; OR any combination of experience, education and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required.

Knowledge of:

• Construction technology, terminology, building materials, methods of construction and applicable building codes, including but not limited to the International Building Codes, Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code and the Washington State Energy Code.
• Zoning and land use practices, codes and procedures.
• City development regulations, building codes, engineering policies, and related processes.
• Computerized permit tracking systems and geographic information systems (GIS) programs.
• FEMA flood plain regulations and FEMA mapping.
• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret maps, property descriptions, blueprints, construction plans and specifications.
• Explain City procedures/processes to individuals of various levels of technical sophistication, presenting technical concepts.
• Maintain records and prepare written reports.
• Perform basic math calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Present a positive, professional image of the City through excellent customer service.
• Defuse angry or agitated people.
• Learn quickly.
• Support and model the identified vision, values and behaviors of the organization.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Operate a personal computer utilizing a variety of standard and specialist software.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

License and Certification Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check is required.
• Certification from the International Code Council as a Permit Technician is required within twelve months of employment

Additional Salary/Benefit Details

The salary range is $6070-$7615 per month. The hiring range is $6070-$6800 per month. Step increases are attained annually based on satisfactory performance.

Telecommuting/Residence

The Permit Specialist position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Regardless of position or telecommuting authorization status, city employees must reside in Washington and within a reasonable distance to their regular work location.

Working Conditions

This position is eligible for a hybrid (in-office and telecommuting) work schedule. The regular work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Work is primarily performed in an office which is busy, oriented to public service and subject to occasional work interruptions. Attendance at meetings before or after regular work hours may be required.

Physical Requirements

Continuous repetitive arm/hand movement is essential to performance. The incumbent in this position must be able to discern voice conversation, have the physical ability to perform essential job functions, and have hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate computers, do keyboarding and operate other office equipment. The incumbent must have the ability to produce legible handwritten documents and may need to push, pull, lift and carry up to 20 pounds.

Equal opportunity employer

The City of Bainbridge Island is an equal opportunity employer. All employees and candidates for employment will be recruited, selected, trained, promoted, compensated and, if necessary, disciplined or terminated without regard to sex/gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, color, marital status, veteran status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law.