Permit Technician

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information within the application regarding education and work experience.

About the Role

The City of Yakima is seeking a detail-oriented Permit Technician to assist contractors, builders, business owners, and community members through the permit and licensing process. In this role, you'll serve as a key resource by answering questions, processing permit applications, calculating fees, scheduling inspections, and helping ensure projects move smoothly from application to approval. You'll work closely with both the public and City staff while supporting safe, high-quality development throughout our community.

Responsibilities

• Answer telephones and staff the Code Administration desk, addressing questions about the permit application and approval process.
• Respond to inquiries regarding construction and building code regulations; read, understand, and interpret engineering drawings and provide information on zoning, utility type and location, and building codes.
• Accept requests for and schedule necessary inspections and/or installation services.
• Issue permits for building, plumbing, mechanical, and sign permits; process and issue business licenses, explaining application processes for both permits and licenses.
• Accept applications over the counter and by mail, calculate and receive necessary fees.
• Calculate fees and valuations for permit applications; perform initial review of applications for compliance.
• Balance cash receipts daily and prepare deposits for the Finance Division.
• Administer regulatory exams to the public for specifically regulated licenses by the City of Yakima.
• Record all permit applications; track and answer questions regarding the status of permit applications; contact applicants when permits are ready for issuance.
• Schedule and log requests for inspections; coordinate permit and application issues with supervisor and staff.
• Research and prepare reports, correspondence, and other documents.
• Serve as Clerk of the Community Review Board, responsible for maintaining records of all proceedings, preparing agendas, and processing minutes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including research and special studies.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent plus eighteen months of experience in general office work.
• Education or experience with an emphasis on understanding municipal codes and building regulations is preferred.
• Obtain and maintain a valid First Aid/CPR certificate within six months of appointment.
• Certification as a Permit Technician from the International Conference of Building Officials is desirable.

Skills

• Knowledge of city ordinances, building codes, zoning requirements, and special regulations.
• Understanding of building construction technology, standard practices, and design.
• Proficiency in modern office practices and procedures, business arithmetic, and clerical tasks.
• Ability to perform mathematical computations and moderately complex clerical tasks.
• Ability to meet and deal with the public courteously, even under stressful situations.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret maps, plans, and construction/engineering drawings.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to operate office equipment and use computer databases efficiently.

Physical Demands

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment, sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods or standing intermittently.
• Occasional movement inside the office to access file cabinets and office machinery.
• Continuous use of both hands for tasks such as typing and operating computers.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional use of stairs and ladders.
• Continuous use of senses including talking, hearing, seeing, and feeling while performing duties and communicating with coworkers and the public.
• Ability to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory.

Unusual Working Conditions

• May encounter angry or upset citizens.
• Subject to frequent interruptions and extensive contact with the public.
• Extension of the workday may be required due to meetings and workload.

Pay

$3,952.00 - $4,529.20 monthly. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Free healthcare clinic.
• WA State PERS pension plan.
• 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan.
• Leave accruals:
  • Vacation – Starting at 7.67 hours/month
  • Sick – 8 hours/month
  • Personal holiday – 2 days
  • Observed holiday – 11 holidays
• Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay.
• Life Insurance.