Permit Technician I

City of Arlington, Washington; Arlington (WA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Arlington is looking for a motivated individual to process development permits and provide exceptional customer service. This role involves data entry, customer assistance, and clerical functions, serving as the first point of contact for the public. Candidates must have strong communication skills and be able to manage multiple tasks efficiently while adhering to legal requirements.

Qualifications

• Requires U.S. citizenship or legal eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Certification as a Permit Technician by ICC within one year of hire.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Process and route development permits and licenses.
• Provide customer assistance at the counter and via phone/email.
• Maintain Permit Center files and support various projects.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication

Data Entry

Organizational Skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

One year of advanced education in related coursework

Job description

This individual processes development permits and provides technical support to the Community and Economic Development Department. This position performs data entry, customer service, assistance to the public and other employees, and other clerical functions. Individuals are the first point of contact with customers and are expected to have very good communication skills, exercise sound customer service practices, and be capable of appropriately disseminating information. Individuals must be versatile in performing multiple aspects of the position on a daily basis and work as part of a team. Individuals work under general direction and supervision, following established practice and clearly defined policy and procedure in performing the majority of job duties. Individual initiative is necessary to perform some responsibilities involving some technical issues.
Note: Salary is effective July 1, 2025 at new AFSCME contract rate.

• Intake, process, route, and assist in issuing various permits and licenses when reviews are completed. Log, organize, and file all pertinent permit documents and data.
• Assist customers at the counter, via telephone and email in a professional and courteous manner, provide accurate routine information, and act as an advocate for the customer in obtaining requested information in a timely manner.
• Schedule and attend meetings, take minutes and follow up with customers as necessary.
• Enter citizen complaints into the tracking system and route to appropriate agency. Assist with complaints as necessary.
• Research and responds to requests for records.
• Maintain Permit Center files.
• Provide support for various projects, including processing requests and calculating fees.
• Prepare files for meetings, including verifying completeness and tracking files through completion.
• Intake as-built plans route and track as-built plans and bills of sale. Prepare final bills of sale for notary. Obtain final plan copies & electronic files and route to appropriate departments.
• Prepare and route legal documents.
• Assist with coordination between the homeowners, Combination Inspector and the City.
• Publish and post various public notices as in accordance with Federal, State, and local laws.
• Prepare various documents for archiving and storage.
• Predictable and regular attendance required.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the development permit process sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility.
• Skills and professionalism to provide high quality customer service.
• Ability to cooperate with others, communicate in a positive and diplomatic manner and present a positive image of both City services and legal requirements.
• Ability to manage complex timelines.
• Knowledge of files and record keeping procedures sufficient to organize project documents.
• Ability to perform highly detailed work accurately and within complex timelines.
• Skill in entering and retrieving data using computer.
• Some familiarity with land use planning and building construction terminology.
• Ability to work harmoniously with various field and office personnel and to deal efficiently with the public, either in person, by telephone, or via email.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, elicit cooperation and coordinate efforts to accomplish a task.
• Ability to clearly express thoughts to others and exchange information both orally and in writing.
• Ability to bend, lift and move files of approximately twenty (20) pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time.
• Requires manual dexterity to operate a computer, scanner, printer, and other office equipment.
• Requires visual acuity and ability to speak and hear to exchange information.

• U.S. Citizen or legally eligible to work in the United States.
• High school diploma or GED
• One (1) year of advanced education with emphasis on land use planning, building construction, office management or related coursework.
• Or any combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential job duties.
• Certification as a Permit Technician by the International Code Council (ICC) within one (1) year of hire.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License with a driving record acceptable to the City.
• Successfully pass a background check.

This position is represented by the Arlington City Employees, Local 2849 of the Washington State Council of County and City Employees, Council 2, AFSCME.