Permit Specialist

Job Description:

Permit Specialist

Description

Position Description

*** SPECIAL NOTE***

Planning & Development is looking to fill One regular position and One project position of limited duration that is expected to end December 31, 2026, unless extended.
The Planning and Development Services Department is recruiting for the classified and represented position of Permit Specialist for the Permit Services Division. The Permit Services Division is responsible for most of the customer engagement during pre-development, multi-level customer support interfacing, permit processing, construction document review and intake and fee collection.

Under direction of the assigned team’s supervisor and Senior Permit Specialists, the Permit Specialist operates as the central hub for permitting and communication for our customers and for internal staff. Permit Specialists provide front line customer service, answering questions related to permitting and processes, or re-directing customer inquiries to other departments as appropriate. Once the permit has been issued, the Permit Specialist remains a central point of contact for the customer as any additional needs arise including deferred submittals, field revisions, and inspections.

Our Ideal Candidate is a person who:

• Detail-oriented individuals with strong organizational and workload management skills.
• Maintains consistency, dependability, and engagement in daily responsibilities
• A team player and has the ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, the public, contractors, utility companies, and public agencies.
• Able to multi-task a variety of duties, including customer service alongside technical document review
• Understands regulatory agency requirements.
• Experience using Accela database or other permit tracking software and maintaining accurate digital records. Competency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams
• Has the ability to work independently and display sound judgment at all times.

The Principles that Guide Us:
Tacoma, the City of Destiny , has a workforce of dedicated, talented employees with unique skills and perspectives. We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service.

Essential Duties:

• Assist customers in person, by phone and by email with questions, demonstrating high customer service, efficiency and teamwork.
• Explain department policy and procedures; read, interpret, and explain the development and application process to the public.
• Respond to inquiries from permit applicants and other interested parties regarding permit requirements, fees, and process. Identifies codes and ordinances which may apply to projects and provide related information to applicants. Advises applicants of requirements of the permit process and refers them to other staff divisions or departments where appropriate
• Review over the counter applications and plan sets, route for review and issue permits as appropriate for the Planning and Development Services Department including building, land use and site development permits.
• Receive, review and process a variety of forms, applications and plans necessary for issuance of development and construction permits.
• Where still applicable, calulate permit fees and collect monies; issue permits and other required documentation; provide daily cashier deposit reports.
• Using GIS and other tools, provide detailed and accurate information regarding the existence, location, and extent of public improvements such as street, sidewalks, curbs, pavements and others; provide a variety of information in person, via email or on the telephone regarding permit requirements, building codes and regulations to realtors, developers, architects, contractors, engineers and the general public.
• Review construction plans and specifications to determine completeness and required details have been supplied and then route to required departments with accuracy.
• Communicate with personnel from other departments regarding zoning requirements, legal descriptions, boundaries, public improvement locations, violations and other permit-related issues.
• Operate a variety of office equipment including computer and associated software, phones, printers, copiers and related equipment.
• Work safely and cooperatively with other co-workers and the public.
• May perform other related work.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent, supplemented by course work in blueprint reading, basic electricity, drafting, mathematics or related subjects.

AND

• One year of experience performing engineering aide work; building construction work; title research or work with codes and/or permits, all involving substantial public contact.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician Certification obtained prior to end of probationary period with maintenance thereafter.

Desired Qualifications:

• Two years of experience processing permits, working in construction, planning, code compliance, or related regulatory environment.
• Current International Code Council Permit Technician Certification.
• Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Prior experience providing excellent customer service in a fast paced, front facing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret the scope of construction drawings, site plans, and technical project documentation.

Knowledge & Skills

• City zoning ordinances, building codes and specialized regulations related to permit issuance.
• Materials, methods and safety standards of building and street construction.
• Understanding of City government services and processes.
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Dependable and consistent team collaboration.
• Competent use of computer applications including permitting software and related databases.
• Show etiquette in effective communications, both verbally and in writing.
• Read and interpret maps, blueprints and legal descriptions.
• Analyze, interpret and accurately review construction and improvement plans and specifications.
• Maintain records, files and logs per jurisdictional record-keeping policy.
• Establish and maintain positive working relations with other employees, the general public and representatives of other agencies.
• Operate a variety of office equipment.
• Independently manage workload and meet deadlines.
• Complete work with many interruptions.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Application Process

Interested individual should complete the online application and attach a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.
Candidates who are eligible for Veteran's Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application , to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points, with redacted birth date and social security numbers.
Examination Process:
This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the Supplemental Questions #7 - 13 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities. DO NOT respond with "see resume" in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score.

Applicants who pass the test will be placed on an Eligible List for potential interview and hiring consideration. If selected for an interview, candidate will complete a brief Technical Competency Assessment following the interview.

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between The City of Tacoma and the Local 17 PTE. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $34.75 - $42.25

Annual Salary: $72,280.00 - $87,880.00

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 3/5/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$34.75 - $42.25 Hourly