Permit Specialists process plan reviews and permits to ensure compliance with City of Olympia codes. They review materials for completeness, issue approved permits, assist the public with inquiries, and maintain accurate permit records.

Please be aware this position is working full-time through 2026 but may be reduced to half-time in 2027 and beyond.

The Community Planning & Economic Development Department seeks a qualified individual to fill the position of Permit Specialist. The Permit Specialist will work as a member of the Housing team to plan, coordinate, and direct a broad range of services and tasks in support of the Rental Registry and Inspection program. Work involves performing a higher level of administrative services and providing excellent customer service to aid in facilitating program goals and objectives of preserving rental housing stock in Olympia. Primary responsibilities involve receiving registration applications, verifying completeness, providing technical assistance to customers submitting incomplete registration applications, and approving annual registration of rental properties. The Permit Specialist is responsible for maintaining accurate records and tracking registration activity. 

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong Customer service skills – Communicates clearly and professionally with landlords, rental property management companies, developers, and the public.

• Attention to detail—Carefully reviews applications for rental registration to ensure completeness and compliance

• Organizational ability—Manages multiple applications, tracks deadlines, and maintains accurate records.

• Problem-solving skills—Identifies issues in applications for registration and helps guide applicants toward compliant solutions

• Familiarity with software platforms—Ability to utilize platforms such as ArcGIS and SmartGov.

Salary

This American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) position's full-time salary range is $76,632.36 to $93,147.11.

Contact

For questions about this position and/or requirements, please contact Tim Smith, Community Planning & Economic Development Director, at via email at tsmith@ci.olympia.wa.us.

To Apply

Attach cover letter and resume to your online application by end of day June 30.

Essential Functions

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:
1. Provide technical assistance to customers to gain compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances and regulations involved in the rental registration process.
2. For projects requiring more extensive or specialized review, responsible for routing to the appropriate reviewers.
3. Develop and maintain records as necessary to track and evaluate an increasing level of rental registration permit activity.
4. Prepare all rental registration permits, including the assignment of fees.
5. Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

6. Identify and notify non-compliant property owners who have failed to register.

7. Draft and send notices and reminders to rental property owners concerning program requirements.

8. Produce educational materials for the Rental Registry & Inspection program.

9. Other duties as needed to support the Rental Registry and Inspection program.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

1. Proficiency in use of commonly used software applications including word processing, spreadsheet applications, relational databases, and presentation programs.

2. Willingness to learn new software and become proficient in the use of specialized software, as required.

3. Ability to review, compile, and organize forms, documents, and related records.

4. Ability to read, update, and maintain various records and files.

5. Ability to identify process improvements.

6. Accurate and professional oral and written communication.

7. Skilled at de-escalation tactics that effectively reduce, prevent, or resolve conflict.

8. Ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external staff, customers, the community, and other interested parties.

9. Ability and willingness to demonstrate the Community Planning & Economic Development department’s three keys to success: strong customer service orientation, respectful communication, and technical competence.

10. Ability to clearly communicate technical information, code requirements, and City services and procedures in a clear and concise manner to audiences of varying backgrounds and levels of sophistication.

11. Willingness and ability to be innovative and creative.

12. Skill in presenting a positive, professional image of the City.
13. Ability to communicate regulatory requirements in easy-to-understand language.
14. Ability to work cooperatively with others as a member of a technical, service-oriented team.
 

Experience/Education:
1.    High school diploma or GED and three (3) years of customer service experience providing technical information and assistance;
2.    OR technical certification in a related field and one (1) year of experience as listed above;
3.    OR a combination of experience, certification, education and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas.
 

Special Requirements:
1. Valid Washington State Driver's License may be required.

2. Customer service experience in areas of development plan review, development inspection, or permit issuance is preferred.

Supplemental Information

Contacts:

1. The Permit Specialist is the first contact for customers seeking information or assistance regarding the Division's permitting responsibility.
2. A customer may be a development professional well-versed in the process or a homeowner with little understanding of the technical issues.
3. The Permit Specialist is required to respond to each individual with information in accordance with the customer's level of technical sophistication.
4. It is of critical importance that the information be presented in a accurate, competent, efficient and professional manner.
5. Encounters with the public can occasionally be of a negative nature making clear communication, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills of the utmost importance. 
 

Supervision:

1. Reports to a Division supervisor. Has no supervisory responsibility.
 

Accountability:

1. The Permit Specialist is accountable for presenting an image of concern and competence to customers and the City's citizens; efficiently responding to requests for information and service; and technical accuracy to assure permit compliance with submittal requirements, codes, and ordinances. 
 

Working Conditions:

1. The Permit Specialist works in a busy, public office easily accessible to other Division and Department personnel.
2. The Permit Specialist performs detailed, technical work requiring a high degree of concentration while continuing to respond to requests for information and assistance.

The City of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Union:

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Compensation (minimum-maximum):

$76,632.36 - $93,147.11

Exempt:

No

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at humanresources@ci.olympia.wa.us.

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Manny Bosser, Director of Human Resources, at (360)753-8309 or mbosser@ci.olympia.wa.us. This contact is for ADA accommodations only. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager noted in the Contact section near the top of this recruitment.