Permit Specialist/Technician

Make an impact:
The Building and Safety Division is seeking a Permit Specialist or Permit Technician depending on experience (please refer to the minimum qualification listed below). We are looking for an outstanding individual who has a proven record in reviewing and accepting construction plans, specifications, and engineering materials. These documents are submitted in electronic format through our online portal.

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. There are many cross-training opportunities within the department. We encourage continuing education and certification within other disciplines of the trade; structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing.

What you will do:
The Permit Specialist/Technician provides the initial screening and review of applications, plans and documents submitted for review during the building permit process. In addition, this position issues permits, calculates, and accepts fees, informs customers of missing or incomplete information, explains city and State policy and procedures along with building code requirements to customers and staff. The candidate for this role will also respond to inquiries from the public and other city departments.

The ideal candidate is knowledgeable in submittal requirements with people-oriented skills who can work independently, communicate effectively and professionally, while clearly articulating code requirements with on-site customers, including demonstrating excellent skills in a high-volume work environment and accomplishing daily workload goals while working with walk-in customers.


Additional information on job responsibilities:

• Review submitted applications, plans, and documents for completeness.
• Correspond with internal and external customers via email, phone, and in-person.
• Articulate building code requirements to contractors, engineers, and homeowners.
• Works independently in a fast-paced environment with many interruptions.
• Respond to inquiries from the public.

• 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 7:30 a.m. ' 4:30 p.m.
• Our team follows a hybrid schedule working in-office 555 Liberty St. SE 3 days a week and remotely for the rest with manager approval. This is subject to change based on business needs.

• 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.

• Must pass the pre-employment background check.
• For some positions, must have an Oregon Driver license and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.
• High school graduate or GED and three years of responsible clerical support experience in a construction, code enforcement, urban development program or related technical field, including practical experience with automated record keeping systems, 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.
• International Code Council Permit Technician certification required.
• 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 skills preferred.

• Principles, practices, and terminology of building construction, building plans; applicable local and state codes, regulations, and policies; and of permit/license transactions.
• Computer input and permit tracking data software experience.
• Bluebeam or similar PDF software experience.
• Experience in a high-volume environment that requires multitasking and prioritization skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, officials, and the public.
• Respect, seek to understand, and value individual differences to foster and support a diverse and inclusive workplace.