Plan Review Support Apprenticeship

State of Montana•Helena, MT

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Step into a career that blends public service, problem solving, and technology. As a Plan Review Support Staff Apprentice with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, you will learn how construction and development move from idea to approved plans, build in demand skills with permit and GIS systems, and gain hands on experience using Montana’s statewide electronic permitting platforms such as Accela and online plan review tools that are reshaping how government serves citizens. This structured apprenticeship gives you a clear path to grow, earn, and advance—whether your future is in planning, inspections, code enforcement, or broader public administration. MISSION STATEMENT: Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity. DLI CORE VALUES: Responsiveness Respect Integrity Excellence Cohesiveness It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here. Position Overview: The Plan Review Support Staff Apprentice plays a key role in how construction and development projects move from application to approved plans across Montana. This position supports the Department of Labor & Industry’s plan reviewers and inspectors by ensuring permit applications are complete, plans and documents are organized and ready for technical review, and information is accurately captured in statewide electronic systems such as Accela, eStop and other related permitting tools. Through a structured four‑level apprenticeship, the position blends on‑the‑job learning with a clear evaluation framework so apprentices always know what skills they are building and how they are progressing. Under the guidance of an assigned mentor or supervisor, apprentices develop technical plan reading skills, learn to interpret basic zoning and setback information, provide high‑quality customer service, and gain confidence using specialized software, GIS, and document management systems that are essential to modern plan review operations in Montana

Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:
Structured plan reading and documentation: Ability to identify plan types and sheets, recognize key code related elements, and record findings in clear, organized notes that match apprenticeship evaluation standards.
Zoning and reference utilization: Skill in interpreting basic zoning overlays and setbacks and using codebooks, zoning maps, and digital references within systems like Accela with increasing independence.
Customer service and communication excellence: Capacity to maintain a professional, respectful tone; actively listen; explain processes and online submission steps clearly; and manage difficult situations calmly.
Follow through and resolution management: Ability to track open issues, provide accurate follow up, and ensure permit and plan review steps are completed and documented.
Software and system proficiency: Competence in navigating permit systems (including Accela), entering data accurately, managing electronic documents, and working within GIS and mapping tools.
Technical troubleshooting and adaptability: Capability to solve minor system issues, recognize when to request support, and adapt quickly as procedures or platforms are updated.
Professionalism and ethics: Demonstrated reliability, respect for confidential information, and adherence to ethical standards in all customer and internal interactions, as reflected in the evaluation packet and readiness checklist.
Basic proficiency with computers and standard office software, and interest in learning specialized systems including Accela, permit databases, GIS, and electronic document management tools.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work with diverse customers and staff in a regulatory environment.
Commitment to completing the full apprenticeship program, participating in scheduled evaluations, and working toward identified certification goals (such as permit technician certification) documented in the Apprentice Evaluation Packet.
Skills may be gained through a combination of professional experience, training, or education. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position.

Responsibilities

Intake, verify, and process permit applications and related submittals, ensuring required information is complete and properly entered into Accela and associated permitting/plan review systems.
Review plans and supporting documents to identify plan types, relevant sheets, and basic code related elements, routing materials appropriately for professional technical review and documenting preliminary findings.
Use zoning maps, overlays, setback standards, and electronic references to support basic zoning and land use interpretations and assist the public and plan reviewers with initial questions.
Provide front line customer service by greeting customers, listening actively, explaining permitting processes and online submission steps (including how to use Accela), and documenting interactions for follow up.
Operate permit management, GIS/mapping, and document management systems to enter, retrieve, upload, and organize records efficiently, including electronic submissions received through Accela or other state platforms.
Maintain organized electronic and physical files, ensuring that notes, comments, and decisions are clearly documented and aligned with the apprenticeship evaluation criteria.
Coordinate meetings, inspections, and timelines for plan review activities, monitoring open items and working with applicants to close loops and move projects forward.

Benefits

Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Our mountains, waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling. Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs, rodeos, and theaters. Read more about our great state here.
See our other incredible benefits here. These are some of our benefits just to name a few:
Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click here to learn more.
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to learn more.
Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73%25 - 9.07%25 of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. – Click here to learn more.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click here to learn more!
Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.
This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.
This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)