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Planning & Community Development Permit Technician

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Planning & Community Development Permit Technician

Salary

$32.32 - $39.52 Hourly

Location

City of Bellingham, WA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

25-PCD Permit Technician

Department

Planning and Community Development

Opening Date

05/02/2025

Closing Date

5/16/2025 4:30 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

Local 1937

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Nature of Work

Are you passionate about public service, detail-oriented, and great with people? The Planning and Community Development department (https://cob.org/gov/dept/pcd) is seeking a Permit Technician who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. In this vital role, you'll be the first point of contact for builders, developers, and residents—helping guide projects from plans to reality. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact on your community, we want to hear from you!

This position provides service and assistance to the general public and development professionals by giving information, direction and technical assistance regarding the permit application process and multi-disciplinary information in specialized areas. Responsible for accepting, reviewing, routing and tracking permit applications for building, land use, utility installation, street and civil construction, and development applications. Works with the public and has inter-departmental contact to facilitate coordination and cooperation in the permitting process. Responsible for ensuring completeness of permit applications and that permits are issued in compliance with City standards, policy, and practices. Independently performs regular and recurring complex work according to established procedures.

Salary Information and Benefits:

This position will start at Step 1 ($32.32/hour). Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule) and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $32.32 - $39.52. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page (https://cob.org/about/employment/benefits) and labor agreements page. (https://cob.org/about/employment/labor-agreements-pay-schedule)

+ 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time

+ 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year

+ 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly

+ Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families

+ Life insurance and long-term disability coverage

+ Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program

+ Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

+ Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security

+ Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time: Fri. 5/16/25 4:30 PM Pacific Time

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

+ Provides technical assistance and information to the public and development professionals regarding permit processes, building codes, development standards, and other relevant City ordinances at the public service counter and on the telephone. Tracks and answers questions related to status of permit applications, communicates with personnel from other departments regarding permit status. Explains City requirements and procedures in a clear, concise manner.

+ Reviews and accepts permit applications to ensure completeness and accuracy. Reviews and interprets plans, specifications and documents, applying knowledge of codes and regulations pertaining to permits in order to enforce code compliance.

+ Responsible for completing initial project review, using applicable codes, standards and other departmental regulations. Determines when projects requiring more extensive or specialized review are routed to other staff and other departments as appropriate.

+ Assists in ascertaining availability of City utilities, street and main extension requirements. Provides street, water and sewer locations and record drawings using GIS and other computer applications.

+ Calculates plan review fees from standard tables.

+ Prepares and enters technical data into automated permit tracking program related to the issuance of specific permits. Issues permits for standard or expedited plans. Explains permit provisions and inspection requirements to applicants.

+ Performs the work of the Permit Clerk or other lower classified staff as assigned.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

+ Performs related work of a similar nature or level.

Experience and Training

+ Certification from International Code Council (ICC) as a Permit Technician at time of hire.

OR

+ One year of direct experience in development plan review, development inspection and permit issuance, which includes working with the public, AND must obtain and maintain ICC certification as a Permit Technician within one year of hire.

+ Certification from ICC as a Plans Examiner is desirable.

Necessary Special Requirements

+ Valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving required. Candidates must submit a three-year driving abstract prior to hire.

+ Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions and local background check (see Fair Hiring Practices below).

+ Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.

+ Failure to obtain and maintain required certifications within established time limits will result in demotion to a lower classification for which qualified or dismissal if not qualified for a lower classification.

Selection Process

You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.

Application Review Process:

+ Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must provide specific, detailed information so an initial determination can be made regarding your level of qualifications for this position. Applicant status will be updated on or around May 19, 2025.

+ Experience and Training Rating: Applicants that meet minimum qualifications will go through an Experience and Training Rating. Applicant status will be updated on or around May 29, 2025.

+ The top eight (8) scoring applicants from the Experience and Training Rating will be invited to participate in an Oral Board Interview, tentatively scheduled for the week of June 9, 2025. Applicants must have a passing score of 60% or higher to be placed on the eligibility register.

+ Applicants will be notified via email of Final Scores & Ranks. The final ranking of the register will be based on total scores for the following Experience and Training Rating (40%) and Oral Board Interview (60%).

Final candidates will be referred to the department for additional examination, assessment, or test.

This recruitment process will create a Civil Service eligibility register that will be used to fill current and future vacancies as they become available. There is currently 1 full-time vacancy in Planning and Community Development. This position is represented by a union.

If you wish to claim Veterans’ Preference Points, please complete the Veterans Scoring Criteria Declaration Form (https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/COB-Veterans-Scoring-Criteria-Declaration-PDF.pdf) and upload it to your application with your DD214.

Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.

There are many good reasons for working at the City of Bellingham. The work is rewarding and you have an opportunity to serve your community. Another good reason is the great benefits that the City offers its employees. See our benefits section (https://www.cob.org/employment/pages/benefits.aspx) for additional information.

This position is represented by The Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 bargaining unit. Specific benefit information including Holidays, Vacation Accruals, Health, Dental and Vision Plans with cost sharing and Deferred Compensation Match can be found in the Local 1937 labor agreement (https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/1937-2022-2023-CBA.pdf) .

This position is covered by the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems PERS plan. PERS requires mandatory employee and City contributions. Please visit the DRS website (http://www.drs.wa.gov/) for more information on PERS.

Civil Service Information

This position is subject to the Bellingham Civil Service Commission. When a vacancy occurs, the top fifteen candidates or the top 25% of the register will be forwarded to the department for further consideration. All new Civil Service employees are subject to a one-year probationary period. A candidate may challenge the scope, content, or method of an examination or test, and a protest may be filed in writing with the Examiner within five (5) days following the date of the challenged examination. A candidate may also challenge the scoring of an examination or test, failure of the candidate on any part of an examination, or clerical error in examination results of any examination or test, and a protest may be filed in writing with the Examiner within five (5) days of notification of the challenged result. The Examiner shall consider all timely filed protests and make appropriate corrections if an error is demonstrated.

Veteran's Scoring Criteria

Applicants who have been honorably discharged from active military duty may be eligible to receive veteran's scoring criteria points as provided by Washington State Law (RCW 41.04.010). If you wish to claim Veterans’ Preference Points, please complete the Veterans Scoring Criteria Declaration Form (https://cob.org/wp-content/uploads/COB-Veterans-Scoring-Criteria-Declaration-PDF.pdf) and upload it to your application with your DD214.

01

Thank you for your interest in this position at the City of Bellingham! To ensure a consistent review, only the City of Bellingham job application and required supplemental documents will be reviewed. Cover letters and resumes are not reviewed unless they are required as part of the process. When applying for this position, you must thoroughly complete each section of your application, and provide a thorough response to each of the supplemental questions. Please do not indicate "see resume" or copy content that is unrelated to the position being applied for from your resume when answering these questions.

Have you read and understood the information listed above?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Do you have a certificate from International Code Council (ICC) as a Permit Technician?

+ Yes

+ No

03

If you answered NO to question #2, do you have one year of direct experience as a Permit Technician in development plan review, in development inspection or in permit issuance that includes working with the public AND the ability to obtain ICC certification as a Permit Technician within one year of hire?

+ Yes

+ No

04

If you answered "Yes" to question #3, please explain where the one of year of direct experience as a Permit Technician, in the development plan review, in development inspection or in permit issuance, that includes working with the public was obtained. (Note: this experience must be reflected under work experience on application as well.)

05

Do you have a certificate from International Code Council (ICC) as a Plans Examiner? (Note: This is desirable)

+ Yes

+ No

06

Do you have or are you willing to obtain a Washington State drivers license and provide a 3-year driving history prior to hire if required by the position?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Describe your knowledge and experience in researching and explaining building, plumbing, mechanical and related codes as well as your interpretation of construction drawings and industry terminology.

08

Describe your experience explaining procedures and processes, especially as they relate to permit applications, to individuals of various levels of technical knowledge.

09

If you are requesting Veteran's Preference points, a completed Veterans Scoring Criteria Status Declaration is required along with a copy of your DD214. The required form is in the Selections Process section of the Job Posting. Check "YES" here if you are attaching a Veteran's Declaration form and DD214.

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of Bellingham

Address

104 West Magnolia Street Bellingham, Washington, 98225

Phone

360-778-8228

Website

http://www.cob.org/employment

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