Permit Specialist - Community Development

City of Wenatchee•Wenatchee, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs technical and administrative duties in support of the planning and building/fire divisions. Provides excellent internal and external customer service by providing assistance throughout the development permit application process by answering basic inquiries and asking questions to discern project goals & requirements. Refers complex inquiries and issues to appropriate personnel. Assists customers in creating and accessing account(s) in the City of Wenatchee Public Portal. Serves as front counter walk-in reception. Answers telephones. Maintains positive relations with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, property owners and the general public. Receives applications and performs simple preliminary plan review to ensure applications are complete. Routes applications, plans and supporting documents to appropriate personnel. Accurately enters data into the permitting & plan review software system. Effectively tracks and reports on up-to-date information regarding status of permits throughout the approval process. Creates, updates, files and maintains all records relating to permit files and inspections. Establishes and maintains an archive program for division records. Schedules inspections, assists in preparation, provides status updates to customers and follows up with inspectors to ensure documentation completion. Ensures thorough file maintenance. Processes approved permits, calculates fees, contacts customers for document pick up and collects fees. Prepares occupancy certificates. Prepares brochures and forms for public information. Compiles information and reports to assist with annual budget preparation. Prepares, compiles and disseminates correspondence, reports or other documents. Maintains current desk procedures and tasks to explain position responsibilities. Creates, updates and implements process improvement procedures, tasks, workflows and systems. Assists with public records request related to all documents maintained at the Public Services Center, in coordination with the City Public Records Officer. Provides basic utility and engineering permit information and directs non-basic questions to Public Works. Provides notary services as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Associates degree.
Two (2) years of related office environment experience dealing with the public regarding building trades or planning codes and land use permitting.
Must become a certified WA Notary Public within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment.
Must obtain an ICC Permit Technician certification within one (1) year of hire and maintain throughout employment.
Knowledge of the field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility.
Knowledge of principles, procedures, and practices of excellent customer service and recordkeeping.
Knowledge of basic building trades and planning codes.
Knowledge of time management; Mathematics; English composition and grammar.
Knowledge of safety and security hazards, precautions, standards, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of computer operation and software including Microsoft Office suite of products and databases.
Ability to consistently represent the City by maintaining a professional approach and demeanor.
Ability to foster a positive and productive work environment.
Ability to provide excellent internal and external customer service and maintain positive public relations.
Ability to be attentive to detail, maintain a high degree of accuracy, and communicate effectively in various digital formats.
Ability to ensure confidentiality as required and handle sensitive information appropriately.
Ability to use tact, discretion, respect, persuasion, diplomacy, and courtesy to gain cooperation and establish and maintain effective teams and professional relationships.
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to work effectively in a multi-task environment with deadlines and constantly shifting priorities.
Ability to take appropriate initiative.
Ability to apply sound judgment and problem-solving skills to make reasoned, timely, accurate, and consistent decisions.
Ability to listen attentively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain meticulous records and databases, ensuring all systems and files are accurate, organized, and easily retrievable.
Ability to understand, explain, and apply regulatory requirements, terminology, policies, and procedures.
Ability to develop ways to identify, improve, and promote efficient systems and processes.
Ability to maintain current knowledge and adapt to new technologies, keeping technical skills up to date.
Ability to work independently and cooperatively as a member of a team.
Ability to stay current with digital communications and emerging office technologies.
Proficiently utilize the Microsoft Office Suite and specialized municipal software.
Ability to use appropriate safety equipment and follow safety policies, practices, and procedures.
Ability to sit or stand for long periods.
Ability to occasionally bend, squat, reach, kneel, push, pull or twist at waist.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Municipal or county planning or engineering division experience in a permitting environment or a related field such as building construction administration.
Bilingual, English and Spanish, language abilities.
Knowledge of GIS, Bluebeam, and SmartGov or comparable permitting software.
Knowledge of building plans & specifications, planning review processes, and related construction documents and maps.

Responsibilities

Performs technical and administrative duties in support of the planning and building/fire divisions.
Provides excellent internal and external customer service throughout the development permit application process.
Assists customers in creating and accessing accounts in the City of Wenatchee Public Portal.
Serves as front counter walk-in reception and answers telephones.
Receives applications and performs simple preliminary plan review to ensure completeness.
Routes applications, plans, and supporting documents to appropriate personnel.
Enters data into the permitting & plan review software system.
Tracks and reports on the status of permits throughout the approval process.
Creates, updates, files, and maintains records relating to permit files and inspections.
Establishes and maintains an archive program for division records.
Schedules inspections, provides status updates to customers, and follows up with inspectors.
Processes approved permits, calculates fees, contacts customers for document pick up, and collects fees.
Prepares occupancy certificates.
Prepares brochures and forms for public information.
Compiles information and reports to assist with annual budget preparation.
Prepares, compiles, and disseminates correspondence, reports, or other documents.
Maintains current desk procedures and tasks.
Creates, updates, and implements process improvement procedures, tasks, workflows, and systems.
Assists with public records requests.
Provides basic utility and engineering permit information.
Provides notary services as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.