CITY OF VANCOUVER LEAD PERMITS SPECIALIST DEFINITION To lead and perform a wide variety of responsible and difficult clerical and technical duties involved in providing assistance to the general public at the development review permits counter; and to provide assistance to and support to the development review staff. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from higher level supervisory and management staff. Exercises functional and technical supervision over lower level staff. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the advanced journey level class within the Permits Specialist series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Permits Specialist II by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including duties requiring the interpretation of general City policy and procedures. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. ESSENTIAL AND OTHER FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Examples of Essential Functions: Provide technical review of plans and proposals for completeness in areas of complex, technical, and administrative codes and rules such as building and fire codes, the City’s development standards, platting guidelines, etc. Resolve problems related to permits and permit fees. Interpret and apply regulations in accordance with both literal meaning and the regulations intent. Act as lead in work group; train less experienced staff in processes and procedures; review work products ensuring quality, quantity and compliance with policies and procedures.
1
CITY OF VANCOUVER Lead Permits Specialist (Continued) Examples of Essential Functions: Confer with and advise members of the general public, property owners, architects, engineers, developers, and others regarding City planning and development policies, procedures and standards; provide and explain requirements of building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning and related codes and ordinances. Receive and respond to complaints and inquiries on property conditions and zoning violations; forward complaints to code enforcement. Review applications and construction plans for completeness; issue permits for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and related work; calculate and collect fees. Accept, review and recommend actions regarding various planning related applications including those related to business licenses and variances; verify possession of State license. Accept plan check applications; calculate and collect fees; assign document number; tag plans; identify required plan corrections with correct code requirements; forward for plan review. Follow up on reports, letters, and items requiring further action including stop work orders and correction notices. Coordinate inspections and appointments for inspectors and administrative personnel; coordinate occupancy inspections with other agencies. Prepare, maintain and update planning-related files and records; maintain and update the permit tracking system. Examples of Other Functions: Assist in preparing information and reports for various committees and advisory boards as directed; may research information and prepare materials for presentations at public hearings. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
2
CITY OF VANCOUVER Lead Permits Specialist (Continued) QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Modern office methods, procedures and equipment including a computer. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Business letter writing and basic report preparation. Principles and procedures of record keeping. Basic plan checking principles. Principles of mathematics. Basic principles of lead supervision and training. Ability to: Learn, interpret and apply building codes. Learn methods and practices of construction and materials used in building constructions. Perform complex technical and clerical work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative. Lead, organize, and review the work of staff in the area of work assigned. Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities. Compile and maintain records. Use a personal computer and appropriate computer software programs. Read and interpret construction plans and determine compliance with various codes. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Experience and Training Guidelines 3
CITY OF VANCOUVER Lead Permits Specialist (Continued) Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Three to five years of increasingly responsible customer service experience preferably in a building, planning, or construction-related office. Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by course work in urban planning, building, public administration or a related field. WORKING CONDITIONS Office environment. OPERATING PRINCIPLES Individuals are expected to work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles; specifically: Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other city employees; provide a high level of customer service at all times; project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work; develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others; and, consistently provide quality service. 1996 BE Rev 2000 dw
4