Permit Specialist

* SPECIAL NOTE
* Planning & Development is looking to fill One regular position and One project position of limited duration that is expected to end December 31, 2026, unless extended.

The Planning and Development Services Department is recruiting for the classified and represented position of Permit Specialist for the Permit Services Division. The Permit Services Division is responsible for most of the customer engagement during pre-development, multi-level customer support interfacing, permit processing, construction document review and intake and fee collection.

Under direction of the assigned team's supervisor and Senior Permit Specialists, the Permit Specialist operates as the central hub for permitting and communication for our customers and for internal staff. Permit Specialists provide front line customer service, answering questions related to permitting and processes, or re-directing customer inquiries to other departments as appropriate. Once the permit has been issued, the Permit Specialist remains a central point of contact for the customer as any additional needs arise including deferred submittals, field revisions, and inspections.

Our Ideal Candidate is a person who:

* Detail-oriented individuals with strong organizational and workload management skills.

* Maintains consistency, dependability, and engagement in daily responsibilities

* A team player and has the ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, the public, contractors, utility companies, and public agencies.  

* Able to multi-task a variety of duties, including customer service alongside technical document review

* Understands regulatory agency requirements.

* Experience using Accela database or other permit tracking software and maintaining accurate digital records. Competency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams

* Has the ability to work independently and display sound judgment at all times.

The Principles that Guide Us:

Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has a workforce of dedicated, talented employees with unique skills and perspectives.  We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service.

Essential Duties:

* Assist customers in person, by phone and by email with questions, demonstrating high customer service, efficiency and teamwork.

* Explain department policy and procedures; read, interpret, and explain the development and application process to the public.

* Respond to inquiries from permit applicants and other interested parties regarding permit requirements, fees, and process. Identifies codes and ordinances which may apply to projects and provide related information to applicants. Advises applicants of requirements of the permit process and refers them to other staff divisions or departments where appropriate

* Review over the counter applications and plan sets, route for review and issue permits as appropriate for the Planning and Development Services Department including building, land use and site development permits.

* Receive, review and process a variety of forms, applications and plans necessary for issuance of development and construction permits.

* Where still applicable, calulate permit fees and collect monies; issue permits and other required documentation; provide daily cashier deposit reports.

* Using GIS and other tools, provide detailed and accurate information regarding the existence, location, and extent of public improvements such as street, sidewalks, curbs, pavements and others; provide a variety of information in person, via email or on the telephone regarding permit requirements, building codes and regulations to realtors, developers, architects, contractors, engineers and the general public.

* Review construction plans and specifications to determine completeness and required details have been supplied and then route to required departments with accuracy.

* Communicate with personnel from other departments regarding zoning requirements, legal descriptions, boundaries, public improvement locations, violations and other permit-related issues.

* Operate a variety of office equipment including computer and associated software, phones, printers, copiers and related equipment.

* Work safely and cooperatively with other co-workers and the public.

* May perform other related work.

* Graduation from high school or equivalent, supplemented by course work in blueprint reading, basic electricity, drafting, mathematics or related subjects.

AND

* One year of experience performing engineering aide work; building construction work; title research or work with codes and/or permits, all involving substantial public contact.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician Certification obtained prior to end of probationary period with…