PERMIT PROCESSING SPECIALIST (OVERSTRENGTH)

Please Note: This is an Overstrength position. It is expected to last up to one year, with the possibility of becoming permanent at a later date. 

Arlington County’s Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development (CPHD) is hiring a Permit Processing Specialist to coordinate and complete the construction permit application and issuance process, including providing customer-service to communicate information regarding permits and building code regulations to the public.

This position will join our IAS-accredited, award-winning Inspection Services Division (ISD), which is responsible for working with Arlington citizens, contractors, architects, and developers to build and maintain property throughout the County.

Specific duties include:

• Providing customer service for a large number of calls, emails, and walk-in customers;
• Resolving issues and answering questions related to permit applications, fees, calculation of square footage, construction plans and specifications, and submission requirements;
• Communicating information and educating homeowners, developers, architects, engineers, and contractors on the construction code and document requirements for permits and the review, issuance, and inspection process;
• Processing permit applications and issuing building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire permits, and Certificates of Occupancy;
• Evaluating electronic construction plans for accuracy and ensuring all necessary information is provided for submission and review;
• Maintaining databases to create permits, including cataloging, tracking, and managing the flow of customers and documents through the permitting process; and
• Determining, calculating, and collecting fees.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills.  The ability to work successfully on a team in a multi-cultural office environment, with a busy customer service counter. The ideal candidate will also have demonstrated the ability to set priorities, multi-task, and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Minimums: Associate Degree in construction, engineering, architectural technology, project management, planning, public/business administration, or related area, plus:

Permit Processing Specialist I

• 1 year of experience in the building or construction trades industry and/or customer service experience;
• Completion of the DHCD Core Module and the DHCD Permit Technician Course within 12 months of hire; and
• Obtainment of the ICC Permit Technician Certification within 12 months of hire.

Permit Processing Specialist II

• 1 year of experience as a Permit Specialist/Technician, Plan Reviewer, Inspector, or other related trades work;
• 1 year of experience in the building or construction trades industry and/or customer service experience; and
• Must possession of ICC Permit Technician certification at time of hire.

Permit Processing Specialist III

• 2 years of experience as a Permit Specialist/Technician, Plan Reviewer, Inspector or in other related trades work; and
• 1 year of experience in the building or construction trades industry and/or customer service experience; and
• Must possess ICC Permit Technician certification at time of hire.

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience in building, construction, trades industry, administrative processes or customer service may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Delivering customer service to the public and building construction industry stakeholders;
• Familiarity with permit-processing software;
• Working with permitting application processes;
• Reading and understanding plans, construction drawings, and technical construction terminology; and/or
• Having earned one or more of the following certifications issued or courses completed through the International Code Council (ICC) and/or the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
  • ICC Permit Technician Certification
  • DHCD Permit Technician Certification
  • DHCD Core Module Course
  • DHCD Permit Technician Course

Employees must complete the following requirements within 12 months of hire:

• The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Core Module and Permit Technician Course; and
• Obtain and maintain the ICC Permit Technician certification.

* CPHD will cover the cost of the initial ICC Permit Technician test and the required DHCD courses.

A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted.  It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Covid-19 Vaccination: Arlington County Government is committed to the health, safety, and wellness for all staff.  In support of that commitment, all current and newly hired employees are required to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination. For those qualified employees with a disability or sincerely held religious belief which prohibits them from receiving a vaccine, you will be able to contact the Office of Human Rights to request a reasonable accommodation. Adherence to this policy is a condition of employment.

Work hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Attendance is required when the office is open to the public, but flexible and telework hours are available.

Candidates who already possess an ICC Permit Technician certification and have required applicable experience in the building or construction trades industry are eligible to be hired as a Permit Processing Specialist II/III. The pay ranges for levels are:

Permit Processing Specialist I: $48,817.60 – $74,568.00
Permit Processing Specialist II: $53,476.80 – $81,660.80
Permit Processing Specialist III: $57,907.20 – $88,400.00

Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Please do not give “see resume” as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.