Planning Specialist - Permit Technician

City of Richmond•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The City of Richmond’s Department of Planning and Development Review is seeking a Planning Specialist to provide specialized technical support for building and planning permitting activities. Depending on assignment, the position assists applicants with building and trade permits; performs initial intake reviews of plans and permit applications; reviews preliminary drawings; responds to code questions; issues permits and Certificates of Occupancy; enters data; calculates fees; and coordinates the administrative aspects of permitting. The employee receives and reviews documents for accuracy and compliance with City guidelines, assesses project scope and permit requirements, and decides whether to accept proposals. The position also responds to customer inquiries, maintains and updates records, and may perform other local duties such as researching, extending, or voiding permits, verifying required permit information, or covering another station. Specific assignments may vary with department needs. The maximum hiring compensation is $29.13 per hour. The employee must attempt the ICC Permit Technician 14 initial certification test within 12 months of hire and, if a retest is required, pass the certification by 18 months after hire. Ongoing training mandated by the agency is also required.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in planning, engineering, building construction, or a field related to the assignment.
Two years of paraprofessional planning review or permitting experience; an equivalent combination of training and experience may be accepted with department approval.
Complete the first attempt at the ICC Permit Technician 14 certification test within 12 months of hire; if a retest is needed, pass the certification before the 18-month post-hire deadline.
Participate in additional or ongoing training as mandated by the agency.
Knowledge of relevant construction terminology, codes, permit processes, construction standards, and applicable City or state requirements.
Basic understanding of City departments and organizations and general mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and arithmetic.
Computer knowledge and familiarity with relevant programs and software, which may include Microsoft Office, architectural and engineering software, EnerGov, GIS, scanners, Bluebeam, and AutoCAD.
Skills in relational data, geodatabase management, calculations such as fees and square footage, communication, and customer service.
Ability to read and understand architectural drawings, including plumbing, mechanical, electrical, gas piping, and fire alarm drawings.
Ability to pay attention to detail, multitask, learn new codes and technology, communicate with people of varying experience levels, think critically, remain composed under stress, work in a diverse team, and demonstrate patience.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, business administration, or construction.
Working knowledge of GIS (Geographical Information Systems).
Construction experience and knowledge of building codes.
Experience working in the public sector.
Bilingual ability.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite products.

Responsibilities

Receive and review documents, verifying that information is accurate and conforms to City guidelines.
Assess project scope and required permits and decide whether to accept proposals.
Issue permits and Certificates of Occupancy for residential projects or new building change-of-use projects.
Respond to customer requests and inquiries and provide information.
Maintain and update records.
Perform additional local duties such as researching, extending, or voiding permits; verifying permit information; conducting initial application reviews; or covering a different station.