Permit Tech

Are you seeking an opportunity to work in a collaborative, diverse and dynamic Department focused on improving customer services and processes across several programs and services?

The City of Lakewood’s Planning and Public Works Department is a diverse, dynamic and talented team of professionals working to improve the quality of life for all Lakewood residents. The Department is entrusted with a wide range of public services including community planning, building and maintaining transportation and stormwater infrastructure, managing the health of our lakes, building and land use permitting, housing services and rental assistance, economic development and much more!

This position is at the center of the City’s permitting operations and serves as a key connection between customers and technical review staff. On a typical day, the Permit Technician will assist customers with permit questions, generate reports, receive and process applications, review submittals for required information, issue permits, schedule inspections, maintain accurate permit records, and help customers navigate online permitting tools and City processes.

Under the direction of the Permit Center Supervisor, the position also works closely with planners, engineers, building staff, inspectors and other subject matter experts to help keep permits moving through the review process. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, comfort with technology, the ability to learn complex processes quickly and a customer-service mindset focused on providing clear information and helping customers understand their next steps.

The role also provides opportunities to identify process improvements, reduce unnecessary steps and help make the permitting experience more efficient for both customers and staff.

This is an AFSCME represented position.

Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist with receiving permit application submittal packages.
• Verify current State licensing and current City business license and issue permits according to established procedures.
• Assist with tracking expired permits.
• Assist in the coordination of inspection activities.
• Schedule inspections and provide inspection files.
• Route technical inquiries to an appropriate inspector.
• Operate office machines and equipment including a personal computer, printer, calculator, fax machine, and copier.

• Input information related to permit applications into the city’s computer system.
• Utilize software application to maintain files and records and to produce correspondence and reports.
• Prepare compliance forms, noncompliance forms, notice and orders, and submit to the City Clerk to be recorded.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to permit issuance and routing activities; maintain active permit files, process finalized permit files, and convert or cancel permit files according to established procedures.

• Assist the public and city staff with the routing process for building permits, zoning permits, engineering permits, and business licenses.
• Explain and provide information to the public regarding permit requirements and the permitting process.
• Answer questions related to building inspection processes and requirements.
• Assist the public with basic code enforcement information; receive complaints over the telephone or in person; maintain confidentiality of the complainant and issues; refer questions and complaints to the Code Enforcement Officer and other inspectors as needed.
• Answer incoming telephone lines for the Community Development Department; assist callers as appropriate and take messages or refer to proper personnel as necessary.
• Communicate with City departments and outside organizations to coordinate activities, exchange information, and to resolve issues and concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that…