Description

Application Deadline:  Open until filled.  

Hiring Range: $23 - $26 Hourly DQE. Non-Exempt.

Benefits: Paid Time Off, PERSI Retirement, City pays 100% Employee Health Insurance (medical/dental) premiums for employees and 60% for dependents.

Job Description

The Permit Technician performs technical permit in-take, processing and issuance in support of the Building Department’s full range of services. This position performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks to efficiently expedite the processing and issuance of both commercial and residential permits, manages permit files, information and documentation, calculates fees and monitors permit progress and status through completion. Incumbents accept, review and process applications, coordinates plan review routing to all applicable departments, assists with inspections scheduling, takes in final occupancy documentation and follows through until certificate of occupancy and closure of the permit. Incumbents utilize digital methods for applications and plans submittal, mark-up, and retention to establish consistent and thorough permit tracking, coordination and management. Duties include responding to inquiries and providing information on the permit application process, application and submittal standards, adopted building codes, local design criteria and inspection processes. Works to create and implement efficient and effective procedures to facilitate growth and manage volumes. Responsibilities include maintaining permit information standards, building plan files, supplemental documents, and applicant information, per the department’s application submittal requirements. The Permit Technician assists applicants and customers when navigating through multiple city department and agency approvals. This essential role contributes to the overall success of the building safety program by providing high quality services and technical support in permit management and building code administration.

Scope of Responsibility  

This position and classification level is responsible for performing the full range of duties as assigned, working both independently and in team collaboration, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive general instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and utilizes operating procedures and policies implemented while working to improve and enhance overall services, performance and processes. This position requires strong construction knowledge and excellent customer service skills to handle a diverse customer base. Work is generally reviewed upon completion and for overall results and outcomes. The position is primarily independent and receives general supervision and reports to the Building Official.

Essential Functions  

Reviews, routes, and issues permit applications to various City departments including Planning and Zoning, Fire Dept., Civil/Structural engineers, building plans examiners, mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspectors.

Acts as primary contact for the department, 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; directs more technical questions to appropriate staff. 

Assists the public in completing applications for building and other permits; seeks to provide answers to technical questions concerning general zoning, building and other similar regulations; or directs to appropriate City staff as needed. 

Calculates and collects permit fees due; provides statements of charges and receipts to the applicant and to the Finance Department. 

Receives, reviews, and processes a variety of forms, applications and plans necessary for issuance of development and construction permits. 

Prepares reports and enters technical data related to the issuance of specific permits.

Provides a variety of information regarding permit requirements to homeowners, realtors, developers, architects, contractors, engineers, and the general public.

Performs intake plan review of plan set submittals and supporting documents.

Assists with the scheduling of pre-construction meetings and attends as requested.  

Coordinates and performs administrative duties to support department functions, including maintaining programs in compliance with City and department standards.

Performs research and generates monthly reports and other statistical data. 

Proactively explores and implements solutions to improve overall results and outcomes.

Provides general customer service, including answering department phone and email messages and other office routines such as ordering supplies and inspection tags.

Creates, maintains, and utilizes multiple databases and computer programs for the retention of public records, plans, and files per City retention policies.

Provides administrative support on changes, additions and updates to the department’s webpage and permit portal.

Maintains certification and CEUs by attending local and online conferences and educational seminars.

Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge of 

City and State adopted Building Codes, permit process, procedures, and requirements.

Building plans and International Code Council (ICC) Codes related to residential

and commercial construction.

Advanced use of Citizenserve Portal. 

Applicable Federal, State, and City regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. 

English usage, with proficiency in communication, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation. 

Effectively providing a high level of customer service. 

Ability to  

Analyze, interpret, and accurately review construction, land use and improvement applications and submittals. 

Route permit applications to the appropriate department or division based on technical details in the application. 

Work under pressure and/or with regular interruptions and completes work according to a varied schedule with a combination of immediate, short, and long-term deadlines. 

Interpret, apply, and explain applicable State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations. 

Operate modern office equipment including computer office programs with proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, Google Earth and Adobe programs. 

Make accurate mathematical calculations for plan review and permit fees based on various fee schedules. 

Organize own work, set priorities, multi-task and meet time deadlines. 

Effectively communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. 

Understand scope of authority in making independent decisions. 

Review situations accurately and determine appropriate course of action using judgment according to established policies and procedures. 

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Additional Requirements

Possession of a valid Idaho Driver's License (or ability to obtain) and a driving record free of significant moving violations.

Willingness to travel both independently and with other staff to project sites, conferences, or to perform other official business.

Successful completion of a pre-employment background check is required. 

Ability to obtain ICC Permit Technician Certification from the International Code Council within 18 months of employment. 

Basic use and functions of BlueBeam Revu preferred.

Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience  

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. High school diploma with college-level course work is preferred, and three years of municipal, governmental office experience and familiarity with general construction processes and adopted building codes.

Working Conditions 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in a busy office setting requiring remaining stationary for long periods of time and frequently providing service at public-facing counter. Work requires the ability to talk, hear, and see including close vision. Work is performed in an environment with moderate noise. Position infrequently requires outdoor work which can include uneven and unstable walking surfaces, trip hazards, inclement weather conditions, and may require driving a city vehicle. Attendance at meetings before or after work hours may be required. 

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to discern voice conversation, perform continuous repetitive movements to sufficiently operate computers, keyboards, and other office equipment. The incumbent must possess the ability to move objects weighing up to forty (40) pounds and produce legible handwritten documents.

Supplemental Information
 

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

 
Hours
 

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Attendance at City meetings, training and conferences or other after-hours events may be requested.

 
Supervision Received

The Permit Technician position reports to the Building Official.

 
Hiring Process

Please submit a cover letter, resume, references and city employment application, available online at https://middleton.id.gov/career-opportunities

City of Middleton,
P.O. Box 487, 
Middleton, Idaho 83644

or

citmid@middletoncity.com

The city will conduct interviews with selected qualified candidates. 

Contact information for three professional references will be required of candidates prior to the City making an offer of employment.

Hiring decisions will be based on application materials, rating of education and experience, oral interview, reference check, examples of relevant work products, and/or job-related tests.