Permit Tech

City of Lakewood (WA); Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lakewood is seeking a Permit Technician to support the Planning and Public Works Department’s permitting operations. You will serve as a key connection between customers and technical review staff, assist with permit submittals, issue permits, schedule inspections, and maintain accurate permit records.

Ideal candidates have strong clerical and customer service experience, attention to detail, and comfort with technology.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and two years increasingly responsible clerical and customer service experience involving filing and interpretation and application of regulations or technical guidelines.
• Bi-lingual ability in Korean or Spanish is highly desirable.
• ICC Permit Technician certification highly desired.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license by date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with permit questions, generate reports, receive and process applications, review submittals for required information, issue permits, schedule inspections, maintain accurate permit records, and help customers navigate online permitting tools and City processes.
• Route technical inquiries to inspectors and coordinate with planners, engineers and staff to keep permits moving through the review process.
• Maintain and input permit-related information into the city’s computer system; produce correspondence and reports; prepare and maintain records related to permit issuance and routing activities.
• Explain and provide information to the public regarding permit requirements and the permitting process; assist with building, zoning, engineering permits and business licenses; answer questions related to inspection processes.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

ICC Permit Technician (desirable)

Job description

Are you seeking an opportunity to work in a collaborative, diverse and dynamic Department focused on improving customer services and processes across several programs and services?

The City of Lakewood’s Planning and Public Works Department is a diverse, dynamic and talented team of professionals working to improve the quality of life for all Lakewood residents. The Department is entrusted with a wide range of public services including community planning, building and maintaining transportation and stormwater infrastructure, managing the health of our lakes, building and land use permitting, housing services and rental assistance, economic development and much more!

This position is at the center of the City’s permitting operations and serves as a key connection between customers and technical review staff. On a typical day, the Permit Technician will assist customers with permit questions, generate reports, receive and process applications, review submittals for required information, issue permits, schedule inspections, maintain accurate permit records, and help customers navigate online permitting tools and City processes. Under the direction of the Permit Center Supervisor, the position also works closely with planners, engineers, building staff, inspectors and other subject matter experts to help keep permits moving through the review process. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, comfort with technology, the ability to learn complex processes quickly and a customer-service mindset focused on providing clear information and helping customers understand their next steps. The role also provides opportunities to identify process improvements, reduce unnecessary steps and help make the permitting experience more efficient for both customers and staff.

This is an AFSCME represented position.

Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Administrative and Technical Support

• Assist with receiving permit application submittal packages.
• Verify current State licensing and current City business license and issue permits according to established procedures.
• Assist with tracking expired permits.
• Assist in the coordination of inspection activities.
• Schedule inspections and provide inspection files.
• Route technical inquiries to an appropriate inspector.
• Operate office machines and equipment including a personal computer, printer, calculator, fax machine, and copier.

Records Maintenance

• Input information related to permit applications into the city’s computer system.
• Utilize software application to maintain files and records and to produce correspondence and reports.
• Prepare compliance forms, noncompliance forms, notice and orders, and submit to the City Clerk to be recorded.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to permit issuance and routing activities; maintain active permit files, process finalized permit files, and convert or cancel permit files according to established procedures.

Staff and Customer Service Support

• Assist the public and city staff with the routing process for building permits, zoning permits, engineering permits, and business licenses.
• Explain and provide information to the public regarding permit requirements and the permitting process.
• Answer questions related to building inspection processes and requirements.
• Assist the public with basic code enforcement information; receive complaints over the telephone or in person; maintain confidentiality of the complainant and issues; refer questions and complaints to the Code Enforcement Officer and other inspectors as needed.
• Answer incoming telephone lines for the Community Development Department; assist callers as appropriate and take messages or refer to proper personnel as necessary.
• Communicate with City departments and outside organizations to coordinate activities, exchange information, and to resolve issues and concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Attendance

Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Safety

Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that would likely provide the candidate with the knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the job will be considered. A typical combination is: graduation from high school or GED equivalent and two years increasingly responsible clerical and customer service experience involving filing and interpretation and application of regulations or technical guidelines.

Bi-lingual ability in Korean or Spanish is highly desirable.

ICC Permit Technician certification highly desired.

Valid Washington State driver’s license by date of hire.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Lakewood Municipal Code concepts and terminology.
• Building code concepts and terminology.
• Basic operations of the Community Development Department.
• Basic rules, regulations, and requirements regarding the issuance of development permits.
• Operation of a personal computer and related software.
• Record keeping techniques.
• Interpersonal skills including tact, patience, courtesy, and etiquette. Oral and written communication skills.

ABILITY TO:

• Learn, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Provide information to the public regarding permit requirements and procedures.
• Issue a variety of permits for the Community Development Department as assigned.
• Read and interpret blueprints, maps, and technical drawings.
• Maintain records, reports and files. Complete work with many interruptions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Meet schedules and time lines.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including computers and related software.