Permit Technician I

Madison Fire Department; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Zero-cost premium medical coverage

PERSI retirement plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b

10 hours vacation/month

10 weeks paid parental leave

Job summary

The Madison Fire Department in Boise is looking for a Permit Technician who will be instrumental in shaping the city's growth. This position involves exceptional customer service while guiding individuals through the permitting process, reviewing applications for accuracy, and assisting with development projects.

A high school diploma is required along with strong customer service and technical review skills. Enjoy a competitive benefits package including zero-cost medical coverage and generous vacation days.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with building plans and code specifications.
• Ability to read and interpret building plans and site plans.
• Experience in general customer service techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers in a fast-paced business environment.
• Conduct technical reviews of plans for completeness.
• Issue and manage various types of permits.

Skills

Customer service

Technical review

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The City of Boise is hiring a Permit Technician! Be part of the first step in shaping the future of the City of Boise. As a Permit Technician, you will help homeowners, business owners, contractors, architects, engineers, and developers turn ideas into projects that shape the community’s neighborhoods, businesses, and public spaces. Serving as a key first point of contact in the development process, you will provide exceptional customer service while guiding applicants through permitting requirements, reviewing applications for completeness, coordinating plan review processes, and supporting safe and efficient development throughout the city. This role combines public service, technical review, problem‑solving, and collaboration in a fast‑paced environment where your work has a visible impact on the community every day.

Why You’ll Love This Job

• Play an important role in the projects that shape Boise’s growth and development.
• Work with a wide variety of customers and development professionals every day.
• Combine customer service and technical skills in a dynamic, team‑oriented environment.
• Gain valuable experience in permitting, construction processes, and building codes.
• Enjoy meaningful public service work where you help move projects from idea to reality.

Why the City of Boise?

The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:

• Zero‑cost premium medical coverage for you and your family
• PERSI retirement plus employer‑matched 401(k)/457b
• 10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
• 10 weeks paid parental leave
• $500 annual wellbeing incentive
• Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
• Basic life and long‑term disability insurance at no cost

Disclaimer: This job posting may close earlier than the listed closing date. If this occurs, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be provided prior to closing.

Applications received for this recruitment may be used to fill similar vacancies within the City of Boise as they occur.

Essential Functions

Assists customers in a high volume, fast‑paced business environment in person, on the phone, through written correspondence and by electronic means. Provides explanations of necessary plan submittal requirements, code requirements and departmental procedures to department customers, including homeowners, architects, engineers, developers and contractors.

Conducts a technical review of plans to ensure completeness and minimum standards are met for inclusion in the city plan review process. Provides a preliminary review and accepts plans and applications for various types of building projects. Prepares a review of approved permits by stamping all included plans and documents. Inputs applications into the permitting software. Manages permit workflow. Informs applicants of the review and issuance processes. Receives inspection requests and coordinates inspections for subcontractors and builders.

Creates and issues building, grading, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, erosion and sediment control and ADA County Highway District permits. Collects and tracks bonds posted for demolition and deconstruction. Issues permits and temporary and permanent occupancy certificates.

Performs and reviews technical calculations of fees due. Prepares and collects fees and facilitates payments. Maintains individual cash drawers and accounts for all transactions posted daily.

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge of:

• Building plans and code specifications
• Submittal requirements for building permits
• General business office equipment and procedures
• General mechanical, electrical and plumbing procedures
• Computer usage including related software
• Record keeping and filing practices
• Basic math and geometry
• General customer service techniques.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret building plans, site plans, property descriptions and code specifications.
• Process 40 words per minute.
• Work with frequent interruptions, while under time constraints.
• Show good attention to detail.
• Work independently and in a team environment.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
• Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• College coursework in construction technology and blueprint reading.
• Two years of office experience and familiarity with construction processes.

Knowledge of:

• International Code Council (ICC) codes related to residential and commercial construction.
• Content management and related software.

Licensing And Other Requirements

• International Code Council (ICC) certification.
• Permit Technician Certification certifications within 6 – 8 months of the incumbent’s date of hire.
• Valid state‑issued driver’s license.

Special Requirements

Applicants must be able to pass:

City of Boise Background Check Processes

City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation.

Driving Record Check

Driving Record Check.

Working Conditions

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts

• Frequently lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 20 pounds.
• Frequently pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds and rarely up to 50 pounds.
• Moderate noise level.
• Required sensory abilities include close, distance, peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Requires sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching and grasping. Hand/finger dexterity is required.

Working Environment

The work environment will include inside conditions. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.