Building Permit Tech - Trainee

Douglas County Building Department

Full time position. Includes excellent benefit package, including medical/vision/dental/long-term disability/basic life coverage and County-paid PERS retirement after required waiting periods. Onsite (Courthouse complex) childcare available at a discounted employee rate through Roseburg Professional Childcare (Fowler St. location only). Availability is subject to center waitlist.

This position performs duties to coordinate the building permit application process between the public and county departments. Technician will provide information to the public related to department procedures; review construction plans and specifications for compliance to appropriate state and local building and planning codes and ordinances; issue building permits; receive and answer public questions; perform inspection duties when necessary.

This is not an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties or functions associated with the job.

• Learn to respond to questions regarding permits, specialty codes and compliance procedures to architects, engineers, builders and the public under the guidance of experienced staff.
• Assist with coordinating the permit application process between the public and county and other agencies as necessary. Learn to determine value of structure and necessary permits; compute fees; and issue permits under supervision.
• Assist in reviewing building plans and specifications for compliance with structural, mechanical, plumbing, fire/life safety, zoning, and other applicable codes. Learn to interpret state specialty codes, Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS), Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR), and city and county ordinances while documenting plan reviews under supervision.
• Maintain accurate records and learn to use automated permit application and tracking systems to document permit activities and support department operations.
• As needed, participate in field inspections with qualified inspectors to observe and learn inspection procedures for new construction, remodeling, and repairs. Assist with documenting inspection findings, preparing correction notices, and learning enforcement procedures under the direction of certified staff.
• Develop knowledge of applicable building codes, policies, procedures, and customer service practices through on-the-job training.
• Perform related duties and special projects as assigned in support of the Building Official.

This is not an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties or functions associated with the job.

Any combination of education and experience, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities required, will be considered. However, the following is preferred:

• Associate’s degree plus two years work‑related experience OR
• Any combination of education, experience or training.

Building industry experience is preferred.

• Oregon driver’s license.
• Regular and consistent attendance.

Considerable knowledge of Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules, Oregon specialty codes, city and county ordinances that govern building permit process; considerable knowledge of permitting process; coordination between appropriate departments and agencies for permit purposes; structural engineering design to determine structural soundness of plans and specifications; building construction, mechanical, and plumbing principles, practices, and procedures as applied to construction.

Read and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications; conduct plans reviews, use automated permit application tracking systems and equipment.

Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; establish and maintain records and reports; perform mathematical computations related to permit fees; make decisions independently in accordance with established rules, regulations and codes and use initiative and judgment in carrying out tasks and responsibilities; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high‑pressure situations; efficiently manage time;

conduct inspections, document findings, determine correction actions, and implement compliance according to appropriate specialty codes; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, builders, architects, engineers, city officials, contractors and the public.

Position requires infrequent driving. Finalist will be required to provide a driving history that meets the Douglas County Driver Policy as part of contingent offer of employment. In addition, a criminal history background check may be required as part of a contingent offer of employment.

Douglas County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Douglas County Statement on Equal Employment Opportunity