Permit Technician
: Job Details :

POSITION SUMMARY

The Permit Technician plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the Community Development Department by performing a wide range of administrative, technical, and customer service duties related to permit processing. This position supports both the Building and Planning Divisions and works closely with staff, applicants, and the public to coordinate permit intake, tracking, routing, and issuance for building and land use projects.

The position serves as one of the primary points of contact at the public counter and helps ensure responsive and accurate service to customers navigating City permitting processes. The Permit Technicians work collaboratively with the department's Administrative Assistant to improve front counter operations, enhance permitting efficiency, and maintain organized records and workflows. The position involves coordination with the Engineering Division during the permitting process, as needed.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The recruitment may close early to begin the interview process. We encourage candidates to apply sooner rather than later to be considered.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Community Development Department is responsible for economic development, land use planning, zoning administration, building inspection, historic preservation, code enforcement, and the Urban Renewal Districts. The Department provides staff support to: Planning Commission (APC), Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC), Design Review Commission (DRC), and the Astoria Development Commission (ADC). The Department administers the City Comprehensive Plan, the Development Code, the Zoning map and the City's Building Inspection Program.

SCHEDULE

The regular schedule for this position is full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinates intake, tracking, and processing of building permits, planning permits, and land use applications.
• Assists with front counter operations and provides first-point-of-contact support for walk-in customers, phone calls, and online inquiries.
• Provides general information to the public on permit requirements, application procedures, fees, timelines, and City code provisions.
• Routes permit applications for review to appropriate City departments and outside agencies; tracks review status and communicates updates to applicants.
• Performs data entry, scanning, and file management to maintain accurate and complete project records in electronic and physical formats.
• Maintains and updates permit tracking databases, spreadsheets, and digital folders.
• Coordinates building inspections with the Building Official and contractors.
• Assists customers with the Oregon State ePermitting system, including account access and online application submittals.
• Accepts, processes, and reconciles payments and refunds for permit fees and other charges.
• Issues permits for approved projects and Certificates of Occupancy for completed construction.
• Prepares and distributes routine correspondence, memoranda, public notices, and form letters related to permitting.
• Supports and collaborates with the Building Official in determining valuation of projects and calculation of permit fees.
• Provides administrative support to code enforcement activities, including complaint tracking, letter preparation, and coordination with staff.
• Helps maintain standard operating procedures for permitting functions.
• Participates in department meetings and training to support continuous improvement of permitting processes.
• Coordinates with the Engineering Division on permits, utility service applications, or right-of-way requests as needed.
• Maintains punctual, regular and predictable attendance.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Respectfully takes direction from the supervisor.
• Follows all safety rules and procedures established for various work areas.
• Follows policies, procedures, and guidelines as described in the City of Astoria Personnel Manual and other documentation related to this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Municipal permit processes including building, planning, zoning, and code enforcement procedures.
• Basic understanding of Oregon State Building Codes and local land use regulations.
• Records management, permit software systems, and project tracking methodologies.

Skills and Abilities:

• Communicate clearly, professionally, and courteously in person, over the phone, and in writing.
• Organize tasks and manage multiple projects with accuracy and efficiency.
• Work collaboratively with internal staff, contractors, and the public.
• Interpret permit and code-related information and explain it in accessible terms.
• Operate computers, printers, large format scanners, and relevant software (Microsoft Office, ePermitting, permit tracking databases).
• Stay calm and problem-solve effectively in a fast-paced, public-facing environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

High school graduation or equivalency

Two years' experience or experience in a building, planning, or construction-related field; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.

Ability to pass a City-required background check which includes criminal, SSN trace, sex offender records checks and reference checks.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in municipal planning or building department.

ICC Permit Technician Certification or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Familiarity with Oregon ePermitting system and land use permitting.

Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and site plans.

Experience dealing with the public and resolving permit-related issues.

Strong file organization skills and attention to detail.

Ability to deal with difficult citizens using effective confrontational and problem solving skill.

Ability to organize tasks and working environment in order to maximize efficiency with attention to customer service.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands or arms. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move materials up to and over 25 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate (examples: business office with computers and printers).

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement.