Permit Specialist

Salary : $72,840.00 - $91,380.00 Annually
Location : City Hall, 280 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Department: Planning & Community Development
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: IAM

Permit Specialists play a vital role in Planning and Community Development for the City of Bainbridge Island. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, has some experience and/or education in permitting and has the ability to deliver high-quality customer service in a collaborative work environment.

The Permit Specialist is the first contact for customers seeking information or assistance regarding the City's codes and permitting processes. The Permit Specialist responds to each inquiry with information in accordance with the customer's level of technical understanding in an accurate, competent, efficient and professional manner. The Permit Specialist is also responsible for working with management staff to evaluate current permit processing and tracking procedures, researching possible improvements to streamline permitting processes and assisting in the implementation of new processes.
Essential Functions

• Acts as primary contact for the department; provides advanced technical permitting, and development review information to citizens, developers, builders, contractors, engineers, architects, other City departments and the general public; responsible for initial review of incoming permits; coordinates with applicants to schedule consultations and preapplication conferences.
• In consultation with management staff, develops, coordinates and administers department permitting system, including evaluating current permit processing and tracking procedures, identifying problems, researching improvements to streamline permitting process and implementing procedural changes.
• Researches, analyzes and prepares of variety of reports and statistical summaries, requiring judgment as to content, accuracy and completeness.
• Provides technical assistance to development professionals and the general public regarding applicable codes, ordinances and regulations involved in the permit process.
• Interprets information for customers about basic construction/design requirements, land-use related procedures and regulations, development standards and process information, permit costs and other procedural issues.
• Assists the public in completing applications for building, planning and other related permits issued by the Department.
• Reviews, processes and issues permit applications for purposes including street use, business licenses, building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical permits. Performs a wide variety of advanced technical duties to support the permitting process.
• Tracks and answers questions related to status of permit applications; contacts applicant when permit is ready for issuance; communicates with personnel from other departments regarding status of permits.
• Calculates and assigns permit fees; performs Energy Code Compliance reviews; oversees updating public information materials relating to the permitting process and building codes; performs various field inspections as assigned.
• Plans day-to-day and project assignments, attends meetings and, together with colleagues, sets and maintains workloads and priorities.
• Maintains timely and regular attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent with continuing education and 2 years of experience in a public agency permit counter or customer service setting; OR any combination of experience, education and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required.

Knowledge of:

• Construction technology, terminology, building materials, methods of construction and applicable building codes, including but not limited to the International Building Codes, Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code and the Washington State Energy Code.
• Zoning and land use practices, codes and procedures.
• City development regulations, building codes, engineering policies, and related processes.
• Computerized permit tracking systems and geographic information systems (GIS) programs.
• FEMA flood plain regulations and FEMA mapping.
• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret maps, property descriptions, blueprints, construction plans and specifications.
• Explain City procedures/processes to individuals of various levels of technical sophistication, presenting technical concepts.
• Maintain records and prepare written reports.
• Perform basic math calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Present a positive, professional image of the City through excellent customer service.
• Defuse angry or agitated people.
• Learn quickly.
• Support and model the identified vision, values and behaviors of the organization.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Operate a personal computer utilizing a variety of standard and specialist software.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

License and Certification Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check is required.
• Certification from the International Code Council as a Permit Technician is required within twelve months of employment

Additional Information

Additional Salary/Benefit DetailsThe salary range is $6070-$7615 per month. The hiring range is $6070-$6800 per month. Step increases are attained annually based on satisfactory performance.

Telecommuting/ResidenceThe Permit Specialist position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Regardless of position or telecommuting authorization status, city employees must reside in Washington and within a reasonable distance to their regular work location.

Working Conditions
This position is eligible for a hybrid (in-office and telecommuting) work schedule. The regular work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Work is primarily performed in an office which is busy, oriented to public service and subject to occasional work interruptions. Attendance at meetings before or after regular work hours may be required.

Physical Requirements
Continuous repetitive arm/hand movement is essential to performance. The incumbent in this position must be able to discern voice conversation, have the physical ability to perform essential job functions, and have hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate computers, do keyboarding and operate other office equipment. The incumbent must have the ability to produce legible handwritten documents and may need to push, pull, lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
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How would you describe your communication style?
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Describe your experience working with customers of any type.
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What is your favorite part of public service? Why?
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