Permit Technician

City of Yakima•Yakima, WA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Yakima is seeking a detail-oriented Permit Technician to assist contractors, builders, business owners, and community members through the permit and licensing process. In this role, you'll serve as a key resource by answering questions, processing permit applications, calculating fees, scheduling inspections, and helping ensure projects move smoothly from application to approval. You'll work closely with both the public and City staff while supporting safe, high-quality development throughout our community. If you enjoy working with people, learning technical information, and making a positive impact through excellent service, we encourage you to apply and become part of our team!

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
Eighteen months of experience in general office work.
Obtain and maintain a valid First Aid/CPR certificate within six months of appointment.
Knowledge of city ordinances, building codes zoning requirements and special regulations.
Knowledge of building construction technology, standard practices and design.
Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
Knowledge of business arithmetic, standard principles and practices of clerical, accounting and bookkeeping as required by the position.
Ability to perform a variety of mathematical computations and moderately complex clerical tasks.
Ability to perform typing at an acceptable level.
Ability to work efficiently and effectively using a computer database.
Ability to meet and deal with the public in a pleasant and courteous manner, and times, under stressful situations.
Ability to read, understand and interpret maps, plans and construction and Engineering drawings.
Ability to understand and apply moderately complex guidelines to varied operational requirements.
Ability to operate equipment associated with the position in a proper manner.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Continuous use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/fingering while performing duties operating on computers.
Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned.
Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory.
May work alone or with others.

Nice To Haves

Education or experience with an emphasis on understanding municipal codes and building regulations is preferred.
Certification as a Permit Technician from the International Conference of Building Officials is desirable.

Responsibilities

Assists contractors, builders, engineers, architects and the public by providing information about the permit application process.
Accepts permit applications, calculate fees and valuation; and issues all permits covered under the Code Administration Division.
Answer customer inquiries over the phone and in person about the permit application process, construction and building code regulations, project zoning and utility locations.
Answers telephones and staff the Code Administration desk answering questions about the permit application and approval process.
Responds to inquiries regarding construction and building code regulations; reads, understands and interprets Engineering drawings and dispenses information regarding zoning, utility type and location and building codes.
Accepts requests for and schedules necessary inspections and/or installation services.
Issues permits for building, plumbing, mechanical and sign permits; process and issues business licenses, explaining application processes for both permits and licenses issued by the Office of Code Administration.
Accepts applications over the counter and in the mail, calculates and receives necessary fees.
Calculates fees and valuations for permit applications.
Accepts and collects fees for permit applications and performs initial review of all applications for compliance with requirements of a completed permit application.
Balance cash receipts on a daily basis and prepares deposit for Finance Division.
Administer regulatory exams to public for specifically regulated licenses by the City of Yakima.
Records all permit application; tracks and answers questions as to the status of permit applications; and contacts applicants when permits are ready for issuance.
Schedules and logs requests for inspections.
Coordinates permit and application issues with supervisor and staff.
Researches and prepares reports, correspondence and other documents.
May be required to serve in an official capacity as the Clerk of the Community Review Board responsible for the designated record for all proceedings of the Board.
Will serve as a liaison between the Board and Department Staff.
Prepares agendas, calendar issues, maintain verbatim records and processes minutes.
Requires regular and reliable attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
May perform research and conduct special studies and prepare allied reports as needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned.