Permit Technician

Chelan County Comunty Development Dept.; Wenatchee (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Washington State Retirement Systems (L

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)

Deferred compensation

Paid holidays

Floating holidays

Vacation accrual

Sick leave accrual

Job summary

Chelan County Comunty Development Dept. is seeking a dedicated permit clerical specialist to support permit intake and the review process for building and land use projects.

Responsibilities include helping the public with information, receiving customers and calls, processing applications, and maintaining department records while coordinating with staff to ensure compliance with zoning and codes.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in planning, architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field.
• 1 year of professional experience in a comparable position; OR 2 years in planning/architecture/project management.
• Advanced computer literacy with SmartGov, ESRI GIS and MS Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Assist the public with general and technical information about permit requirements and land use regulations.
• Receive walk-in customers and provide information about permit processes.
• Receive and direct incoming phone calls to staff.
• Review building and other permits for compliance with regulations and records.
• Process permit applications and enter data into the permit tracking system.
• Prepare permits for issuance and receipts, and handle monetary transactions.
• Maintain and organize department records and files; support clerks and coordinators.

Skills

Effective communication

Conflict management

Public relations

Detail orientation

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s degree in planning/architecture/engineering/construction management

Tools

SmartGov

ESRI GIS

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Description

Salary: PW12 Steps 2-4 at $4,996.80 - $5,463.65 Longevity Steps 5-8 $5,714.72 - $6,545.79

The comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as participation in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Chelan County also contributes to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Optional benefits, including deferred compensation, are also available. Employees receive paid holidays, additional floating holidays as provided under the applicable collective bargaining agreement, and monthly vacation and sick leave accruals.

Summary

Under the direction of the Building Official, this position serves as one of the primary department interfaces with the public regarding building permits, code enforcement, and land use requirements by assisting with the intake of permit applications, and initiating the review process for project applications. Assists the public with general and technical information related to building permits, and land use requirements; when necessary, directs technical questions to appropriate staff. Accepts permit applications, issues permits, and assists in maintaining department records. Review and processing of building permit applications and land use applications as directed. Administrative duties include reception, responding to requests for public records disclosure, limited clerical support, processing financial accounts and records, copying, supplies, and inventory. Strong, adaptable abilities in communication, tact, and diplomacy are essential to the successful performance of duties. This position is included in a bargaining unit.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Assists the public with general and technical information and assistance related to building permit requirements, procedures and land use regulations.
• Receives walk-in customers and provides general information about permit process and procedures. Provides general information to the public regarding all land use and building codes and the application process.
• Receives and directs incoming phones calls to the proper staff.
• Performs intake review of building and other code regulated development permits to ensure compliance with zoning and related development regulations, comprehensive plan policies and conditions of approval for prior discretionary permits.
• Provides support and back-up assistance to the Permit Clerks; and the Permit Coordinator.
• Receives, receipts and enters all building, plumbing, and mechanical permit applications into the computer-based permit tracking system.
• Prepares permits for issuance and receipts same.
• Handles monetary transfers that include cash, check, and credit card transactions.
• Makes copies and sends, receives and distributes documents.
• Develops and maintains files, computer data bases, and forms.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with the public, customers, and peers.
• Facilitates General Information Meetings with internal staff and customers regarding proposed development.
• Reviews and processes building permit applications for compliance with zoning, related development regulations and critical areas.
• Archives historical records.
• Respectful, courteous, and friendly to customers, other county employees, and county leadership; demonstrates and maintains honest and ethical behavior. Develops and maintains a positive working relationship with peers and management.
• A team player that helps the organization meet its objectives; takes initiative to meet department and county goals.
• Effectively communicates with customers and other county employees. Positively represents the county.
• Regular attendance and punctuality
• Works with other members of the Department in collaborative problem solving, identifying and implementing process improvements, and completion of tasks.
• Reviews and processes building permit applications for building, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes, and zoning compliance.
• Word processing may include documents such as resolutions, ordinances, development codes, department agenda items and maintenance of all departmental records related to legislative process.
• Assists with the development of public brochures and media materials, as assigned.
• May perform portions of the work of higher classified positions occasionally, as assigned.
• May serve the County in a support role in the event of an emergency or disaster.
• Assists with the processing of Public Records Requests for the Department.
• Assist with the creation of RFP or RFQ for various department needs related to these job responsibilities.
• As needed, provide reports and sworn testimony in quasi-judicial and judicial hearings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
• This position has no supervisory responsibilities

Qualifications

• Knowledge of:
  • Building codes and procedures, and land use regulations; the interrelationships between land use, the environment, and economics.
  • Documents such as resolutions, ordinances, development codes, and records related to departmental related legislative processes.
  • Basic filing, record keeping, and file organization principles and practices.
  • Principles of conflict management and effective communication.
  • Basic bookkeeping and record keeping.
  • Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
  • Mapping and graphic design application techniques, GIS, and computer applications supporting the Department.
  • Knowledge of documentation and records procedures and standards, including understanding of Washington State Public Records Disclosure laws.
  • Skills in:
    • Effective written and oral communications and prepare effective and technical written reports.
    • Proactive and effective conflict resolution with other county staff, managers, customers, and the public.
    • Highly proficient public relations and interpersonal communications.
    • Computer and standard office equipment operations necessary to the functions of the position including the use of a variety of software programs such as Windows, MS Office (including Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint), SmartGov, and ESRI GIS products.
    • Being flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and job functions. Ability to:
    • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other county employees and the general public.
    • Work independently with little direction or oversight.
    • Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy for extended periods.
    • Work with and maintain confidential information.
    • Maintain necessary records and prepare required reports.
    • Meet expected deadlines and manage periodic interruptions.
    • Read legal descriptions, plats, maps, and other engineering, survey, or land use related depictions of properties, boundaries, projects, and zoning.
    • Handle contentious and potentially disagreeable customers with tact and diplomacy.
    • Explain codes, ordinances, and regulations to the public with diplomacy, tact, consistency, and thoughtfulness.
    • Research, document, and prepare public records requests with strong knowledge of Washington State Public Records Disclosure laws and procedures.
    • Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
    • Ability to work successfully in stressful situations and manage multiple tasks.
• Education and experience:
  • An Associate’s degree with experience in planning, architecture, engineering, construction management, or other closely related field*; AND
  • With one (1) year of professional experience in a comparable position with a city or county government; OR Two (2) years of private or public sector experience in planning, architecture, project management, or residential/commercial construction.
  • Advanced computer literacy with experience in SmartGov, ESRI GIS applications, and Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint is strongly desired.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience to perform the essential functions of the job may be considered in lieu of Associates degree.
• LANGUAGE SKILLS
  • Proper English, spelling, grammar, punctuation and word usage.
  • Bi-lingual with the ability to read, write, and speak fluently in Spanish desired, but not required.
• MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
  • Calculating figures and amounts such as percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• REASONING ABILITY
  • Analyze and resolve work related problems.
  • Exercise initiative and judgment and make decisions within scope of assigned authority.
  • Exercise discretion and independent judgment in choosing approaches, methods, and resources to solve problems and achieve results.
• CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
  • Must have or be able to obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License within 90 days of hire.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Sitting for extended periods of time while working at a computer, preparing written documents, attending meetings and driving a passenger vehicle.
  • Climbing stairs in County offices and other agency buildings.
  • Lifting (up to 40 pounds waist high), bending, stooping and twisting.
  • Manual dexterity for the operation of a keyboard for computer and equipment use.
  • Negotiating uneven terrain while performing site inspections.
  • Sight and hearing of acceptable standards.
  • Ability to physically operate a standard highway vehicle in a safe manner.

EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

• Education and experience:
  • An Associate’s degree with experience in planning, architecture, engineering, construction management, or other closely related field*; AND
  • With one (1) year of professional experience in a comparable position with a city or county government; OR Two (2) years of private or public sector experience in planning, architecture, project management, or residential/commercial construction.
  • Advanced computer literacy with experience in SmartGov, ESRI GIS applications, and Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint is strongly desired.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience to perform the essential functions of the job may be considered in lieu of Associates degree.
• LANGUAGE SKILLS
  • Proper English, spelling, grammar, punctuation and word usage.
  • Bi-lingual with the ability to read, write, and speak fluently in Spanish desired, but not required.
• MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
  • Calculating figures and amounts such as percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• REASONING ABILITY
  • Analyze and resolve work related problems.
  • Exercise initiative and judgment and make decisions within scope of assigned authority.
  • Exercise discretion and independent judgment in choosing approaches, methods, and resources to solve problems and achieve results.
• CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
  • Must have or be able to obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License within 90 days of hire.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Sitting for extended periods of time while working at a computer, preparing written documents, attending meetings and driving a passenger vehicle.
  • Climbing stairs in County offices and other agency buildings.
  • Lifting (up to 40 pounds waist high), bending, stooping and twisting.
  • Manual dexterity for the operation of a keyboard for computer and equipment use.
  • Negotiating uneven terrain while performing site inspections.
  • Sight and hearing of acceptable standards.
  • Ability to physically operate a standard highway vehicle in a safe manner.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Duties are performed primarily in an office environment and public settings, but may include as needed outside inspections or public contacts subjecting this position to a variety of weather and driving conditions.
• Work is mostly performed independently but does include small and large group settings.
• Managing multiple activities, addressing citizen needs and meeting established timeframes for work performance.
• Position requires appropriate attire and image, projecting a professional attitude.
• Occasional attendance at evening meetings may be required as needed.
• Out-of-town travel and a non-traditional work schedule may be required, at the sole discretion of the county.