Planning Specialist - Permit Technician

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This is an EXCITING time to Join the City of Richmond! We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides to becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the below employee benefit enhancements:

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

The City of Richmond, Department of Planning and Development Review, is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the position of Planning Specialist. This position plays a specialized and technical role in support of building and planning permitting activities. As assigned, work may include assisting applicants who are applying for building and trade permits, performing initial intake plan reviews, reviewing preliminary drawings, responding to code questions, issuing permits, issuing Certificates of Occupancy, entering data, calculating fees, and coordinating the administrative aspects of the permitting process.

• Serving as a Permit Intake Technician for Permits and Inspections;
• Issuing eligible permits over the counter in accordance with applicable codes and ordinances;
• Researching and responding to telephone, fax, email and over-the-counter requests for information pertaining to the permit application process;
• Assisting applicants to complete permit application forms;
• Reviewing construction documents for completeness and compliance with various construction codes and City regulations;
• Tracking permits via computer system to ensure application process is progressing;
• Researching permits and inspections using GIS programs;
• Researching, compiling and assembling permit information as needed;
• Performing administrative duties in conjunction with the intake of construction permits;
• Issuing permits and Certificates of Occupancy as required

• Some combination of: construction terminology;
  International Building, Plumbing and Electrical Residential and Commercial Codes;
  Chapter 1 and Chapter 3 of the Virginia Construction Code;
  Chapter 3 of the Virginia Residential Code; organic agriculture practices; brownfields; polluted soils; city property boundaries and the pertinent laws; crop seasons; permit processes; and construction industry standards of workmanship
• Basic understanding of the functions of different City departments and organizations
• General mathematical knowledge including algebra, geometry, and arithmetic
• Computer programs and software such as Microsoft Office Suite, architectural and engineering software and programming, Ener Gov, word processing programs, GIS systems, scanners, Blue Beam, Auto CAD, etc.
• Knowledge of Personal Computers, Microsoft Office Suite, and other common office software products

• Associate's Degree in planning, engineering, building construction, or field related to assignment
• Two years of paraprofessional planning review or permitting experience.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Business Administration or Construction;
• Candidate will have working knowledge of GIS (Geographical Information Systems);
• Construction experience and knowledge of building codes;
• Experience working in the public sector;
• Bilingual is a plus;
• Microsoft Office Suite of products.

• Employee must complete first attempt at initial certification test (ICC Permit Technician 14) within 12 months of hire. Should a retest be required, employee must retest and pass required certification prior to the 18-month post-hire deadline
• Employee is required to participate in additional/ongoing training as mandated by the agency