Permit Specialist

City of Bainbridge Island•Bainbridge Island, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Permit Specialists play a vital role in Planning and Community Development for the City of Bainbridge Island. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, has some experience and/or education in permitting and has the ability to deliver high-quality customer service in a collaborative work environment. The Permit Specialist is the first contact for customers seeking information or assistance regarding the City’s codes and permitting processes. The Permit Specialist responds to each inquiry with information in accordance with the customer's level of technical understanding in an accurate, competent, efficient and professional manner. The Permit Specialist is also responsible for working with management staff to evaluate current permit processing and tracking procedures, researching possible improvements to streamline permitting processes and assisting in the implementation of new processes. The City of Bainbridge Island is a vibrant community with small-town feel, 52 miles of scenic shoreline and densely forested areas. Our employees are the most important asset in preserving and enhancing the special character of the Island, and in responding to the community's needs. The City provides competitive salaries, outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent with continuing education and 2 years of experience in a public agency permit counter or customer service setting; OR any combination of experience, education and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required.
Knowledge of: Construction technology, terminology, building materials, methods of construction and applicable building codes, including but not limited to the International Building Codes, Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code and the Washington State Energy Code.
Zoning and land use practices, codes and procedures.
City development regulations, building codes, engineering policies, and related processes.
Computerized permit tracking systems and geographic information systems (GIS) programs.
FEMA flood plain regulations and FEMA mapping.
City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
Ability to: Read and interpret maps, property descriptions, blueprints, construction plans and specifications.
Explain City procedures/processes to individuals of various levels of technical sophistication, presenting technical concepts.
Maintain records and prepare written reports.
Perform basic math calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
Present a positive, professional image of the City through excellent customer service.
Defuse angry or agitated people.
Learn quickly.
Support and model the identified vision, values and behaviors of the organization.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships
Use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
Operate a personal computer utilizing a variety of standard and specialist software.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check is required.
Certification from the International Code Council as a Permit Technician is required within twelve months of employment

Responsibilities

Acts as primary contact for the department; provides advanced technical permitting, and development review information to citizens, developers, builders, contractors, engineers, architects, other City departments and the general public; responsible for initial review of incoming permits; coordinates with applicants to schedule consultations and preapplication conferences.
In consultation with management staff, develops, coordinates and administers department permitting system, including evaluating current permit processing and tracking procedures, identifying problems, researching improvements to streamline permitting process and implementing procedural changes.
Researches, analyzes and prepares of variety of reports and statistical summaries, requiring judgment as to content, accuracy and completeness.
Provides technical assistance to development professionals and the general public regarding applicable codes, ordinances and regulations involved in the permit process.
Interprets information for customers about basic construction/design requirements, land-use related procedures and regulations, development standards and process information, permit costs and other procedural issues.
Assists the public in completing applications for building, planning and other related permits issued by the Department.
Reviews, processes and issues permit applications for purposes including street use, business licenses, building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical permits.
Performs a wide variety of advanced technical duties to support the permitting process.
Tracks and answers questions related to status of permit applications; contacts applicant when permit is ready for issuance; communicates with personnel from other departments regarding status of permits.
Calculates and assigns permit fees; performs Energy Code Compliance reviews; oversees updating public information materials relating to the permitting process and building codes; performs various field inspections as assigned.
Plans day-to-day and project assignments, attends meetings and, together with colleagues, sets and maintains workloads and priorities.
Maintains timely and regular attendance.
Other duties as assigned.