Description

Under general supervision, the Permit Technician III provides leadership and oversight to Permit Technician I and II staff, including mentorship, coaching, quarterly checkins, and the establishment of performance goals to support professional growth.  This role oversees the full permitting workflow intake, processing, issuance, and project closeout, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.  The Permit Technician III develops, refines, and implements policies and procedures that improve operational effectiveness within the Permitting Division and support broader initiatives across the Development Services Department.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Essential Job Duties: 

Leadership, Supervision & Staff Development

        Provide oversight and coordination of Permit Technician staff and daily permitting operations.

        Assign, monitor, and adjust workloads to ensure timely and accurate processing of permit applications.

        Conduct staff meetings, quarterly A.C.E. checkins, and ongoing mentorship and coaching.

        Maintain documentation on staff performance, training, professional development, and areas for improvement.

        Provide guidance and training on permit procedures, permitting systems, customer service, and code requirements.

        Participate in interviewing and hiring new Permit Technician staff.

        Manage schedules to ensure adequate coverage.

Permitting Operations & Technical Oversight

        Supervise the intake, review, and processing of permit applications to ensure compliance with City codes, regulations, and ordinances.

        Review complex permit applications or issues requiring supervisory judgement.

        Respond to inquiries regarding review times, discrepancies, technical questions, and escalated customer concerns.

        Support customer service functions, including assisting with applications, documentation, fee verification, and resolving processing issues.

        Monitor accurate data entry, transaction processing, documentation management, and tracking of plans from application through permit issuance.

        Ensure compliance with municipal policies, adopted building codes, and departmental procedures.

        Maintain compliance with the City’s records retention schedule for permitting documents.

Process Improvement, Policy Development & Division Support

        Develop, implement, and update policies, procedures, process guides, and standard operating procedures for the Permitting Division.

        Evaluate permitting workflows and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and consistency.

        Research and resolve operational issues, coordinating solutions internally and with other City departments.

        Assist with preparation of reports and statistical information related to permitting activity and performance metrics.

        Participate as a member of the Permitting Division team to address division-wide needs, communicate policy decisions, and support departmental initiatives.

        Develop and implement short and longterm plans, goals, and objectives for the division.

        Exercise independent judgment and initiative in resolving professional and technical issues.

Interdepartmental & Stakeholder Coordination

        Coordinate with Building Officials, Planning, Civil Engineering, Fire, and other departments to ensure consistent permitting practices.

        Participate in internal and external meetings with staff, applicants, contractors, and stakeholders to discuss permitting processes, project coordination, and operational improvements.

        Provide clear communication regarding project status, updates, and problem resolution.

        Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City leadership, coworkers, consultants, contractors, business owners, and the public.

Focused Job Duties (Building-Commercial): 

        Coordinate permitting activities for City Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), ensuring timely review and processing.

        Collaborate with the Economic Development Department on incoming commercial projects and priority developments.

        Monitor commercial permit submittals received through email and online portals, assigning projects to appropriate staff.

        Participate in meetings with developers and project representatives to discuss commercial permitting timelines, requirements, and expectations.

        Contribute to the development and evaluation of commercial user fees and impact fees.

        Assist in updating commercial checklists, procedures, and forms to maintain accuracy and improve efficiency.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or GED equivalent, and six (6) years of municipal experience in permitting, customer service and computer experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Municipal experience preferred. 

ICC Permit Technician Certification is required for those positions assigned to Building-Commercial division only 

Special Requirements: 

Possession of a valid Arizona driver’s license
Six (6) years’ experience in project coordination

Special Requirements (Building): 

Advanced knowledge of adopted ICC Codes with six (6) years of industry experience
Extensive expertise in building projects and their documentation requirements based on project type
Building terminology, practices and procedures with six (6) years of industry experience
        Read and interpret basic building plans

Advanced knowledge in development impact fees
Highly advanced understanding of Planning & Zoning policies, practices and procedures
Highly advanced understanding of Civil Engineering policies, practices and procedures