Permit Technician

City of Yakima; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Free healthcare clinic

WA State PERS pension plan

457 deferred compensation plan

Leave accruals and holidays

Job summary

The City of Yakima is seeking a detail-oriented Permit Technician to assist contractors, builders, business owners, and community members through the permit and licensing process.

In this role, you\'ll answer questions, process permit applications, calculate fees, schedule inspections, and help ensure projects move smoothly from application to approval while supporting safe, high‑quality development throughout our community.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent plus eighteen months of general office experience.
• Education or experience with municipal codes and building regulations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist contractors, builders, engineers, architects and the public by providing information about the permit application process; accepts permit applications, calculates fees and valuation, and issues permits under the Code Administration Division.
• Answer customer inquiries over the phone and in person about the permit application process, construction and building code regulations, and zoning and utility locations.
• Schedule inspections and issues permits for building, plumbing, mechanical and sign permits; process and issue business licenses; explain application processes for both permits and licenses.
• Balance cash receipts daily, prepare deposits, and administer regulatory exams as required.

Skills

Customer service

Permit applications

Fees calculation

Inspections scheduling

Communication

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Salary

$3,952.00 - $4,529.20 Monthly

Location

Yakima, WA

Job Type

Full-time

Department

Community Development

Division

Code Administration

Opening Date

08/10/2026

Closing Date

8/19/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

AFSCME

Overview And Minimum Class Requirements

Are you passionate about helping people and providing outstanding customer service? The City of Yakima is seeking a detail-oriented Permit Technician to assist contractors, builders, business owners, and community members through the permit and licensing process.

In this role, you'll serve as a key resource by answering questions, processing permit applications, calculating fees, scheduling inspections, and helping ensure projects move smoothly from application to approval. You'll work closely with both the public and City staff while supporting safe, high-quality development throughout our community.

If you enjoy working with people, learning technical information, and making a positive impact through excellent service, we encourage you to apply and become part of our team!

Minimum Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent plus eighteen months of experience in general office work. Education or experience with an emphasis on understanding municipal codes and building regulations is preferred.

LICENSES, REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATE

Obtain and maintain a valid First Aid/CPR certificate within six months of appointment. Certification as a Permit Technician from the International Conference of Building Officials is desirable.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, assists contractors, builders, engineers, architects and the public by providing information about the permit application process; accepts permit applications, calculate fees and valuation; and issues all permits covered under the Code Administration Division. Answer customer inquiries over the phone and in person about the permit application process, construction and building code regulations, project zoning and utility locations. Work is performed with considerable latitude within assigned areas and is reviewed through observation, customer comment and results attained.

Essential Functions

Answers telephones and staff the Code Administration desk answering questions about the permit application and approval process. Responds to inquires regarding construction and building code regulations; reads, understands and interprets Engineering drawings and dispenses information regarding zoning, utility type and location and building codes.

Accepts requests for and schedules necessary inspections and/or installation services. Issues permits for building, plumbing, mechanical and sign permits; process and issues business licenses, explaining application processes for both permits and licenses issued by the Office of Code Administration. Accepts applications over the counter and in the mail, calculates and receives necessary fees.

Calculates fees and valuations for permit applications. Accepts and collects fees for permit applications and performs initial review of all applications for compliance with requirements of a completed permit application.

Balance cash receipts on a daily basis and prepares deposit for Finance Division. Administer regulatory exams to public for specifically regulated licenses by the City of Yakima.

Records all permit application; tracks and answers questions as to the status of permit applications; and contacts applicants when permits are ready for issuance. Schedules and logs requests for inspections. Coordinates permit and application issues with supervisor and staff. Researches and prepares reports, correspondence and other documents.

Position may be required to serve in an official capacity as the Clerk of the Community Review Board responsible for the designated record for all proceedings of the Board. Will serve as a liaison between the Board and Department Staff. Prepares agendas, calendar issues, maintain verbatim records and processes minutes.

Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Functions

May perform research and conduct special studies and prepare allied reports as needed. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Major Worker Characteristics

Knowledge of: city ordinances, building codes zoning requirements and special regulations; building construction technology, standard practices and design; modern office practices and procedures; business arithmetic, standard principles and practices of clerical, accounting and bookkeeping as required by the position. Ability to: perform a variety of mathematical computations and moderately complex clerical tasks; perform typing at an acceptable level; work efficiently and effectively using a computer database; meet and deal with the public in a pleasant and courteous manner, and times, under stressful situations; read, understand and interpret maps, plans and construction and Engineering drawings; understand and apply moderately complex guidelines to varied operational requirements; operate equipment associated with the position in a proper manner; communicate effectively orally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or while standing for a period of time. Occasionally needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Continuous use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/fingering while performing duties operating on computers. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs and ladders while maintaining balance. Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. May work alone or with others. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

May encounter angry or upset citizens. Subject to frequent interruptions and extensive contact with the public. Extension of the workday may be required due to meetings and workload.

The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.

The City Of Yakima Is a Premier Employer In The Yakima Valley With Extensive Opportunities For Training And Growth. The City Offers a Competitive Benefit Package Including

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic!
• WA State PERS pension plan
• 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
• Leave accruals:
• Vacation - Starting at 7.67 hours/month
• Sick - 8 hours/month
• Personal holiday - 2 days
• Observed holiday - 11 holidays
• Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
• Life Insurance
• Much more!

The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima's Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.

City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.

This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit. Click here to view the union contract and benefits.