Permit Technician

City of Tukwila; Tukwila (WA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tukwila invites applicants for a Permit Technician to join the Permit Center, where staff coordinate review and issuance of building, electrical, and other permits, and assist customers in person, by phone, or online.

This position works with a team of four to process applications, enter data into the permit portal, answer questions about inspection processes, and help applicants understand permit procedures.

Qualifications

• Two years of progressively responsible general office support experience with a strong emphasis on customer service.
• Experience in an office setting handling permits or front-counter duties is preferred.
• Strong data entry and records management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide front counter assistance and answer inquiries in person, by phone, or email.
• Assist with permit applications for building, electrical, plumbing, and other departments.
• Enter data into permit portal and route plans to the appropriate departments.
• Process payments for items, fees, and services; maintain records in tracking systems.
• Maintain and archive records; respond to public records requests as needed.
• Schedule appointments and coordinate inspections and meetings.

Skills

Customer service

Telephone etiquette

Office procedures

Data entry

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

TRAKiT Software

Bluebeam

Job description

Permit Technician

The City of Tukwila's Department of Community Development is currently searching for a Permit Technician to join our team! The Permit Center coordinates the review and issuance of various permits, including, building, mechanical, plumbing/gas piping, electrical, fire, land use, and public works permits. The Permit Technician is part of a team of four employees assigned to the Permit Center. The successful candidate will provide excellent customer service via phone, email, or in person while also being able to multi-task in a busy front office environment.

The City of Tukwila is 9.6 square miles of opportunity and a dynamic place to work. The population is over 22,000 at night and up to 150,000+ during the day. Tukwila shares borders with the Cities of Seattle, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, and Kent. Its central location lies in the heart of the Puget Sound region, sitting 12 miles south of downtown Seattle, 17 miles north of downtown Tacoma, and just east of SeaTac Airport. It is easily accessed by I-5 and I-405 or via either of Tukwila's two train stations, the Sounder Station or the Sound Transit Light Rail Station.

Our Mission

To provide superior services that support a safe, inviting, healthy environment for our residents, businesses and guests.

Caring - We support the diverse community we serve with compassion, empathy and kindness.

Professional- We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and act with integrity and transparency. We are respectful and courteous with all.

Responsive- We are timely and effective in the delivery of great customer service. We continually strive to find innovative ways to improve.

Salary Range

$5,988 - $7,278 per month. This position is represented by the Teamsters, Local #763.

Please note: We do not typically hire at the top of the range.

Veteran's Preference

The City of Tukwila follows the guidance given by the State of Washington regarding applying Veteran's Preference under provisions of RCW 73.16.010 and WAC 357.16.110 (2). Please attach a copy of your DD214 or NGB Form 22 to your online application if you are eligible to claim Veterans Preference. Character of service should reflect as being Honorable. General discharge under Honorable Condition does not qualify.

The City of Tukwila is an equal opportunity employer and strives to employ a diverse workforce reflective of the community it serves. Qualified applicants with multicultural experience and/or backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please send a request to [e-mail] for assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process.

• Performs routine administrative support activities involving compiling information and processing a variety of documents, forms, logs, correspondence, applications, and reports for the Permit Center.
• Performs office opening and closing procedures. Assists and provides guidance to applicants for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, land use, and public works permits by explaining permit processes, entering information into the permit portal, routing construction plans and documents and issuing permits.
• Answers general questions relating to inspection processes, administrative code, development standards/procedures, and land use permits and regulations. Assists applicants in how to use the online permitting portal, how to apply for permits, how to request inspections and other general permitting questions.
• Accepts, reviews, and processes all development permit applications, plans, and other related documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Performs data entry into automated tracking systems and routes submittal information and plans. Receives payments for items, fees, services and/or applications.
• Serves as the primary contact for the Permit Center at the front counter, on the phone or through email.
• Answers departmental phones and routes calls as appropriate; responds to applicant complaints and provides referrals for emergency requests; schedules and organizes appointments, meetings, rooms, events, inspections, and activities.
• Creates, archives, digitizes, and maintains various records management systems. Assists with permits/records filing system and archiving.
• Processes public disclosure requests and provides copies of plans and permit files. Utilizes multiple resources such as the City's Digital Records Center to fulfill public records requests.
• Processes resubmitted plans and documents and routes to the appropriate departments.
• Processes requests for permit extensions and enters data into the permit tracking system.
• Maintains reasonable, predictable, and regular attendance during the standard work week.

Knowledge (position requirements at entry)

• Basic practices and principles of land use and zoning;
• Applicable permitting related laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures;
• Proper telephone etiquette and methods of dealing with the public;
• Grammar, spelling and punctuation;
• File maintenance procedures;
• Customer service techniques;
• Mathematical and accounting principles;
• Office practices and procedures

Skills (position requirements at entry)

• Creating and maintaining file systems;
• Providing excellent customer service to the public, co-workers, and other City Employees;
• Reading, understanding, and following procedures involved in all aspects of permit processing;
• Establishing and accurately maintaining electronic file systems and permit records;
• Operating a computer using permit related software;
• Meeting schedules and timelines by planning and organizing varied work assignments;
• Handling tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions;
• Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive and confidential materials;
• Scheduling meetings, appointments, and rooms;
• Using office equipment such as multi-line phones, copiers, calculators, and other equipment specific to assigned department;
• Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels and with the public; and
• Communication, both oral and written, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Training, Experience, and Licensing Requirements (Position requirements at entry)

High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and two (2) years of progressively responsible general office support experience with a strong emphasis on customer service, preferable in an office with similar functions; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Desired Qualifications

• Three (3) or more years of experience working in a Permit Division
• Experience with Building Department Processes and Procedures
• Experience with Bluebeam
• Experience with TRAKiT Software
• Permit Technician Certification through ICC