Permit Technician

Under general supervision, the Permit Technician assists citizens, contractors, and developers with navigating the planning, building, fire, and engineering permitting process by collecting, reviewing, and filing paperwork and responding to inquiries.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides technical assistance to users by explaining procedures and processes required to comply with City requirements and applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations. 
• Accepts various permit applications to include residential and commercial building, land use, engineering, commercial tenant improvements, and fire permits; reviews paperwork for completeness and required content using established checklists; communicates with applicants to obtain missing information as needed. 
• Prepares and disseminates various documents and correspondence related to the permitting process and applications. 
• Responds to public records requests; refers citizen inquiries to the appropriate department or agency within the City, County, or State as appropriate.
• Provides clerical support to Boards, Committee, and Developer groups as required. 
• Works with other Department staff to ensure proper records management. 
• Performs related duties as assigned. 

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines 

High school diploma or GED equivalent AND two (2) years of customer service experience, preferably in a construction related environment; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of: 

• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. 
• General office policies, procedures, and equipment. 
• Customer service principles, practices, and etiquette. 
• Records maintenance and retention policies and procedures. 
• Basic permitting processes and requirements. 
• General clerical and bookkeeping practices.

 Skill in:

• Reading and accurately interpreting site plans and building plans. 
• Completing mathematic calculations.
• Maintaining accurate records and filing systems. 
• Interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public. 
• Organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines. 
• Completing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy. 
• Preparing clear and concise communications, reports, and technical documents. 
• Analyzing complex issues and implementing appropriate responses.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

BENEFITS

 APPLICATION PROCESS: 

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application no later than Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 11:59 pm. 

For additional information, or a complete job description, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mtvernonwa/classspecs

The City of Mount Vernon provides and enforces a drug free workplace and maintains a smoke free work environment. 

The City of Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.