Planning Specialist - Permit Technician

City of Richmond•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The City of Richmond, Department of Planning and Development Review, is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the position of Planning Specialist. This position plays a specialized and technical role in support of building and planning permitting activities. As assigned, work may include assisting applicants who are applying for building and trade permits, performing initial intake plan reviews, reviewing preliminary drawings, responding to code questions, issuing permits, issuing Certificates of Occupancy, entering data, calculating fees, and coordinating the administrative aspects of the permitting process. This position will not exceed a max compensation amount of $58,693.20/year.

Requirements

Some combination of: construction terminology; International Building, Plumbing and Electrical Residential and Commercial Codes; Chapter 1 and Chapter 3 of the Virginia Construction Code; Chapter 3 of the Virginia Residential Code; organic agriculture practices; brownfields; polluted soils; city property boundaries and the pertinent laws; crop seasons; permit processes; and construction industry standards of workmanship
Basic understanding of the functions of different City departments and organizations
General mathematical knowledge including algebra, geometry, and arithmetic
Computer programs and software such as Microsoft Office Suite, architectural and engineering software and programming, EnerGov, word processing programs, GIS systems, scanners, Blue Beam, Auto CAD, etc.
Knowledge of Personal Computers, Microsoft Office Suite, and other common office software products
Associate's Degree in planning, engineering, building construction, or field related to assignment
Two years of paraprofessional planning review or permitting experience.
An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification
Employee must complete first attempt at initial certification test (ICC Permit Technician 14) within 12 months of hire.
Should a retest be required, employee must retest and pass required certification prior to the 18-month post-hire deadline
Employee is required to participate in additional/ongoing training as mandated by the agency

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Business Administration or Construction
Candidate will have working knowledge of GIS (Geographical Information Systems)
Construction experience and knowledge of building codes
Experience working in the public sector
Bilingual is a plus

Responsibilities

Serving as a Permit Intake Technician for Permits and Inspections
Issuing eligible permits over the counter in accordance with applicable codes and ordinances
Researching and responding to telephone, fax, email and over-the-counter requests for information pertaining to the permit application process
Assisting applicants to complete permit application forms
Reviewing construction documents for completeness and compliance with various construction codes and City regulations
Tracking permits via computer system to ensure application process is progressing
Researching permits and inspections using GIS programs
Researching, compiling and assembling permit information as needed
Performing administrative duties in conjunction with the intake of construction permits
Issuing permits and Certificates of Occupancy as required