Permit Specialist chez City of Bremerton, WA

About the Department

The salary indicated above includes longevity (1% earned after five years and increases to a maximum of 4% after 20 years). Additionally, a cost-of-living adjustment of 2.70% has been approved for 2026.

Responsible for receiving applications for building and land use permits and coordinating the application review process. Reviews submittals for code compliance/completeness and provides information and assistance to the general public, other city staff, governmental agencies, etc., relating to site development, building and land use regulations and requirements. Responsible for reviewing over-the-counter development and construction plans and permits. Work involves providing customer service in a fast-paced permit counter environment.

Position Duties

(Note – This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.)

Accepts and reviews building and land use permit applications to ensure necessary information is provided. Assists in completing various site development, building and land use applications and explains the process and regulations governing permits and related matters and verifies applications adherence to applicable codes and construction standards. Answers land use and general building code questions for zoning, building, infrastructure locations, and any other information relating to development and permits. Enters application information into permit tracking system. Routes applications and plans to applicable city staff and other governmental agencies. Monitors the review process informing applicants of status of plans, including deficiencies in plans, or denial of permit and possible solutions. Calculates and advises applicants of permit fees due and proper payment procedures: collects, receipts and deposits funds.  Issues permits once applications have received all required reviews and approvals, and all necessary documents are signed or posted. Informs applicants of conditions placed on permits and required inspections. Generates, processes and prepares Certificates of Occupancy for commercial projects that are completed.

Processes and reviews business license applications for building and land use compliance. Communicates and routes to applicable city staff and other governmental agencies.   Communicates any concerns or questions to the applicant regarding building or land use codes. 

Schedules and coordinates inspections as requested by the permit holder and required by the permit issued; provides the applicant with the inspection process and procedures, etc.  Schedules and organizes pre-application and pre-construction conferences with the applicants, owners, architects, engineers, contractors and city staff.

Prepares and distributes statistical reports of permit activity and maintains permit files and other records.   Provides information to property owners, investors, real estate developers, and other interested parties pertaining to building/land use permit applications, ordinances, codes and related standards either by composing letters, providing copies of existing permits, verbal information, etc. Prepares legal notices for publications, postings and mailings.  Sets up and maintains files for active and archived city records.

Receives and assesses records requests and complaints and directs them to the proper city staff or other governmental agencies.

Answers incoming calls and greets customers at the front counter either by assisting in their needs or directing them accordingly.   Process cash and deposits. Process Departmental mail.

Other Duties 

• Regular attendance is an essential requirement
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned and/or required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES (Entry Requirements)

Knowledge of:

• Terminology and development procedures pertaining to land use, building and construction codes, preparing and maintaining files, reports, statistical information.  
• Basic principle practices, regulations, and techniques in the field of municipal land use planning, construction development, and civil engineering.
• Standard office equipment operation. 
• Permit tracking system, Microsoft Word, Excel, and other computer programs.
• Basic accounting skills.

Ability to:

• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Display extreme patience under difficult and stressful conditions.  
• Read, interpret and apply work-related codes, ordinances, legal property descriptions, and other regulations and guidelines governing the building permit process. 
• Work independently with minimal supervision. 
• Give, receive, understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Reads and interprets maps, drawings and blueprints.
• Reconcile deposits.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, planning, building, or a related field, or any combination of education, certification, and experience which provides the applicant with desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job. A Permit Technician, Building Inspector, or Plans Examiner valid certification is desired and may be used as a substitution for education. Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License.

• Stooping. Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
• Kneeling. Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Crouching. Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Reaching. Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Standing. Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Pushing. Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Lifting. Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Grasping. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Talking. Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing. Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.
• Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes.

• None. The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work.)

Other Qualifications

The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.
 
Applicants can apply on-line at http://www.BremertonWA.gov/169/Current-Jobs, or application packets may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, or by calling (360) 473-5348. First Review of Applications - October 3
 
Required Application Materials: City application and personal résumé are required. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Required application materials must be returned to the Human Resources Office by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. The City of Bremerton is NOT responsible for errors of any kind with faxed or e-mailed application packets. Original signature is required on paper application forms. It is the responsibility of the applicant to carefully list all pertinent experience and training.

Important Application Note: Please do not attach copies of certifications to your application unless they are listed as a requirement for the position. You are welcome to mention relevant certifications on your resume. 
 
Appraisal of Experience and Education/Training: At this initial review, application packets may be evaluated entirely on the basis of information you provided in the completed City application form. Applicants should include all relevant information on the City application. Applicant’s education, training, and experience will be assessed. The passing score is 70%. The top qualifying candidates will be invited to participate further in the examination process. Meeting or exceeding qualifications does not guarantee the applicant will be invited to participate in the oral examination process.
 
Oral Examination: A panel will evaluate the applicant’s training, experience, and ability to perform the job. Placement on the eligibility list is determined by weighted examination scores as follows:
 
Appraisal of application packet regarding Experience and Education/Training - Passing Score 70% - Weight 40% Oral Examination - Passing Score 70% - Weight 60%

Applicants must achieve a score of 70% or better on each portion of the exam in order to be placed on the hiring list.
 
Employee Preference: Regular City employees applying for and passing an Open Examination will have seven point five (7.5) percent of their PASSING score added to establish their final score.
 
Veteran's Preference: Veterans, who have passed an examination, shall be entitled to preference pursuant to Chapter 41.04 RCW.
 
NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: Applicants with disabilities who will need special accommodation for examination must advise Human Resources no later than one (1) week prior to the scheduled examination so that appropriate arrangements can be made. (360) 473-5348.
 
LEGAL and REGULATORY EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

Fair Labor Standards Act: The classification is non-exempt under the laws of Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage and overtime provisions.

Representation: The classification is included in the bargaining unit pursuant to the Recognition Article of the current labor agreement between the City of Bremerton and the Teamsters Local 589.

Civil Service:  The classification is excluded from the City's Civil Service System.

Appointment and Removal Authority: The position is filled by appointment by the Department Head.  Removal is by action of the Department Head in conformance with Human Resources Policies.  

This classification specification does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and employee.  It is subject to change by the City, with the approval of Human Resources, as the needs of the City and requirements change.