Permit Specialist

Make an impact:
The Building and Safety Division is seeking an enthusiastic and service driven Permit Specialist. The Permit Specialist performs clerical support duties for the City's centralized Permit Application Center, advising customers on the appropriate licenses or permits needed, the procedures to obtain them, and the associated fees. The work involves clerical duties of substantial variety and complexity, such as processing transactional documents, interpreting of City ordinances and administrative procedures, determining and accounting for fees to be collected, providing customer service, and preparing correspondence and reports.

This position plays an integral role in the entire permitting process, which ensures the construction of safe buildings and structures within the City of Salem.

Learn and grow: 
We value our employees and their professional development. The Permit Specialist classification offers a flex path to Permit Technician, supporting employee growth where advancement opportunities exist within the division or department. After completing probation as Permit Specialist, earning the ICC Permit Technician certification, and upon demonstrating the necessary knowledge and proficiency, employees may request reclassification. Progression within a flex role requires approval from the Department Director and Human Resources Director, along with available budget funding.
 
What you will do: 
The ideal Permit Specialist candidate is knowledgeable about submittal requirements, possesses strong people skills, and can work independently. This position will communicate effectively and professionally, clearly articulate code requirements to on-site customers, and demonstrate excellent skills in a high-volume work environment. The selected candidate for this position will need to be able to manage daily workload goals while assisting walk-in customers.

Additional information on job responsibilities: 

• Review submitted applications, plans, and documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Correspond with internal departments and external stakeholders, including customers via email, phone, and in-person.
• Articulate building code requirements to contractors, engineers, and homeowners.
• Works independently in a fast-paced environment, managing frequent interruptions while maintaining productivity and accuracy.
• Respond to public inquiries by providing accurate information and guidance regarding permit processes and requirements.

• 5% Bilingual incentive for qualifying candidate.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.
• Position schedule is Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Equal Pay.

• Must pass the pre-employment background check.
• High school diploma or equivalent including or supplemented by cash accounting or customer service or related field and two years of experience in customer service work, or any combination of experience and training that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed, and ability to perform the essential job functions.
• Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.

• Bilingual Spanish skills preferred. 
• Possession of a current ICC (International Code Council) Certification is preferred.

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and terminology of building construction, building plans; applicable local and state codes, regulations, and policies; and of permit/license transactions;
• Experience with computer input and permit tracking data software;
• Experience using Bluebeam or similar PDF software;
• Experience working in a high-volume environment that requires multitasking and prioritization skills;
• Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff, officials, and the public;
• Commitment to respecting, understanding, and valuing individual differences to foster and support a diverse and inclusive workplace.

The City of Salem organization has eight primary departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community Planning and Development. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City of Salem employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members and works collaboratively with five labor unions.

This announcement is not an implied contract and may be modified or revoked without notice.