On-call Permit Technician

The role of the Permit Technician is to provide technical information to the public and developers regarding development code regulations and permit procedures. Performs initial review of the permit application and plans to determine completeness. Routes the permits to the appropriate City department. Administers policies and ensures that all applications for construction comply with State and City regulations.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the journey level classification in the Permit Technician group, which follows diversified procedures and implemented processes to accomplish end results within established guidelines. This position does not handle the more complex technical and investigative work that the Senior Permit Technician performs.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Responsible for providing general and technical information to the public. Interprets general code and permit requirements for development services permits. Responds to public inquiries, in person, by telephone, and by e-mail. Informs and assists customers on the available information and usage of our various websites.
• Responsible for performing the initial review of permit applications and plans to determine completeness. Assists the public and developers with the permit application submittal process. Evaluates and determines the permit process and time frames. Calculates permit fees based on square footage, construction type, construction quality, per appliance type and valuation basis. Accepts the application documents.
• Routes permits to the appropriate city departments based on type of permit. Prepares permits for issuance.
• Calculates water meter size and water supply piping for all new construction based on the adopted Plumbing Code. Utilizes information provided by the customer and established criteria to determine size of water meters and size of water supply piping.
• Handles and processes complaints regarding development activities and Landlord-Tenant Act complaints.

• Provides ongoing support and training to the Planning and Building Department personnel in the use and operation of Permitting software.
• May assist with authoring web content for the Planning and Building Department Internet and Intranet pages. Serves as a Department Web Representative on the Web Committee, to provide a liaison between the City Webmaster and the Planning and Building Department and to authorize updates as needed.
• Calculates fees for recording documents and collects securities for house moving permits. Provides explanations to customers and ensures that the correct security and legal documents are obtained for individual projects.
• Develops and organizes training for permitting software. Trains new City employees in other departments, in a classroom setting, in the use of permitting software.
• Develops, reviews, and updates the Permit Technician and Division policies, procedures, and standards.
• Reviews plans for single family sites to ensure that placement of the exterior mechanical unit complies with the zoning code.
• Assists the Building Official in formulating city ordinances as necessary.

• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Ability to work in a stressful environment doing several tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work with constant interruptions.
• Ability to work with diverse, difficult, and upset customers.
• Precise attention to detail. Good organizational skills and ability to continually re-prioritize work.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other members of technical service-oriented teams and a development review team.
• Ability to attain a basic knowledge of the multiple codes.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, codes, regulations, standards, legal descriptions, and various government and legal documents is preferred.
• Possess effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to utilize various software applications including but not limited to MS Word, permit tracking database, spreadsheets, and presentation applications.
• Ability to monitor, respond, and transmit information to field personnel.
• Good math skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Experience: 2 years office experience with heavy public contact and 2 years of general computer experience is required.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

• Requires intermediate computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and ability to utilize permit tracking database application.
• Must possess and maintain current International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Permit Technician or obtain within one year of hire.
• 1 year Permit Technician experience is preferred.
• Basic engineering drafting is preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Job includes extensive customer contact at the counter and over the telephone, as well as desk work. Work is performed in an office environment and includes standing for long periods of time. Occasionally, this position will require site visits in the field to verify appropriate addressing and to enhance construction knowledge.

Selection Process

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. Job is open and all applications will be accepted until the role is filled with first review of applicants by 15th day of original posting.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 711.