Building Services Permit Technician

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Permit Technician to join our Building Services Department. In this role, you’ll support contractors, homeowners, and staff by processing permit applications, verifying licensing and payments, and helping ensure projects meet City requirements. From answering inquiries to coordinating paperwork and logistics, you’ll play a key role in keeping development projects on track.

If you’re organized, proactive, and enjoy working with both people and processes—we encourage you to apply and help keep our city growing safely and efficiently.

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying.

Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city.

Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!

The Permit Technician position provides technical, clerical, administrative support, information dissemination services for the Building Services department. The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

• Accepts, reviews and processes building, zoning, renewal, temporary and final certificate of occupancy (COs), permit applications (i.e. fences, decks, re-roofs, re-sidings, etc.) and researches and accurately analyzes all applications are accurately completed.
• Conducts research and assists customers with questions concerning the building department.
• Coordinates permit logistics and ensures all necessary paperwork is obtained prior to approvals.
• Verifies all payments (cash / credit) received are balanced on a daily basis against the cash sheet and audits associated reports to ensure all GL codes match permits.
• Verifies registered and certified contractor licensing.
• Develops and maintains relationships with builders/contractors to identify issues in permit applications and applies basic principles to assist the applicant in conforming to city standards.
• Performs all administrative and planning technician activities.
• Attends mandatory training sessions, proactively works with supervisor to schedule ride-along training with inspectors to gain insight on requirements for handling inspection inquiries and works on continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Performs related work as required.

• High School diploma or equivalency and
• One (1) to three (3) years’ experience of customer service and data entry. Must have some experience with building plans or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population.

• Ability to obtain Certified Permit Technician through the International Code Conference (ICC) within one year of appointment.

Monday - Friday 7am to 3:30pm