Community Development Assistant

Position Overview

Community Development Assistant – an administrative para‑professional role in the Community Development Department of the City of Gig Harbor. The incumbent processes permits, provides specialized administrative support, and assists the public with permitting and construction code requirements.

• Consult with customers on general and project‑specific planning and construction code requirements and processes.
• Receive permit applications, submittals, re‑submittals and route them to the appropriate staff member.
• Prepare and maintain all project close‑out documents and permit‑specific address files.
• Prepare approved permits and submittals for issuance.
• Enter data into the permit tracking system and provide data and reports related to development permit activity.
• Develop and maintain public information materials, checklists and application packets for distribution to the public.
• Maintain the division’s archives, scanning, organizing and recording of paper and digital documents.
• Maintain the division’s website and update as needed.
• Recommend process improvements and fee adjustments to improve customer service and department effectiveness.
• Process applications, coordinate payment and issue permits through the permit processing program.
• Track permit application and review processes to assure compliance with statutory mandates and performance goals.
• Coordinate response to requests for access to public records.
• Prepare correspondence, conduct research and prepare reports as directed by the Community Development Director.
• Support the city addressing and street‑naming program and coordinate with Pierce County and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate public notice, recruitment and other advertisements with the city clerk.
• Serve as backup to the permit coordinator and, as needed, to planning technicians and night meetings.
• Support part‑time, temporary or intern personnel and maintain punctual and reliable attendance.

• Effective communication (verbal, phone, in‑person and written).
• Build and maintain working relationships with employees, the public and stakeholders.
• Composure, tact, discretion and courtesy, even when dealing with dissatisfied customers.
• Organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities with many interruptions.
• Basic mathematical calculations.
• Accuracy and reasonable speed in task completion.

• High school diploma or GED; preferred: two‑year college or business‑school program.
• Two (2) years of general administrative experience; preferred experience in a municipal planning, building, public works, engineering, or similar office.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license within 30 days of hire.

• Valid Washington State driver’s license (or ability to obtain within 30 days). Minimum two years of driving experience.

Employee will sit for long periods, use keyboarding, talk, read, stand and walk. Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral, depth perception and focus adjustment. Ability to kneel, reach, bend, twist, squat and lift up to 25 lb. Repetitive motions for computer and telephone use.

• History of safe and responsible driving that meets city motor‑vehicle‑record requirements.
• Ability to pass relevant pre‑employment screening.

Position is non‑exempt; eligible for overtime under the FLSA. Classified under Teamsters I‑117.

Work schedule:

Monday‑Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with a one‑hour meal break. Travel outside the office is occasional; overnight travel may be required a few times per year.