Permits Specialist

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Permits Specialist to join our team at the City of Boulder. As a key member of our Planning and Development Services department, you will play a critical role in ensuring that our community's building codes and regulations are enforced effectively and efficiently.

• Coordinate interactions with customers and staff to provide excellent customer service and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Monitor reviewer comments and communicate them to city customers and staff in a timely manner.
• Facilitate communication among staff to address review conflicts that may cause delays within the review process.
• Work with the Chief Building Official to monitor permitting review times and keep supervisor informed of potential delays and the need for managing permitting tracks.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of administrative systems and procedures specific to departmental functions to ensure that business practices are effective and provide a high level of service to customers.
• Analyze and interpret data regarding departmental effectiveness, service levels, and productivity, and implement approved recommendations.
• Track and manage the flow of information regarding permit issuance, permit resubmittals and revisions, and void or withdrawn permit requests throughout the department.
• Meet and strive to exceed established service standards for assigned areas of responsibility.
• Cross-train and provide coverage for others on the Service Operations team to issue certificates of occupancy or letters of completion, support the inspection scheduling process, and respond to customer inquiries via phone, email, or in person.
• Provide work direction and training to Operations Coordinators and temporary employees, and perform audits of their work, as needed.
• Remain aware of issues requiring special attention and follow up with appropriate staff to assure issues are addressed in a timely manner.
• Provide review services and act as an information resource for building code requirements and permit application processes.
• Serve as an expert information resource for customers and staff regarding specific cases, codes, and processes.
• Review and approve straightforward residential electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and roofing permits.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of administrative systems and procedures specific to building permit applications and functions to ensure that business practices are effective and provide a high level of service to customers.
• Monitor permit activities and coordinate with staff providing services that include: preparation of permits and expiration activities for all building permits; input to and research in permit database systems.
• Aid in software replacement projects.
• Identify high priority work issues and items regarding department tasks and coordinate a prompt response; may delegate requests or questions to appropriate staff and/or prepare a response; tracks and manages the flow of information and responses for the work area.
• Remain aware of issues requiring special attention in response to city directives; follows up with appropriate staff to assure that issues are addressed in a timely manner.
• Acts as an information resource for departmental staff and assists staff with the research and development of special projects including participating in and/or managing ongoing departmental projects.
• Monitors permit revision monthly audit report and performs workflow processes, as needed; performs retention processes for expired permits; and issues refunds for withdrawn permit requests.
• Establishes and oversees the implementation and maintenance of business process documentation and record-keeping procedures.
• Responds to and resolves issues and complaints.
• Performs research projects and prepares and modifies written materials such as status reports, correspondence, memos, and guidebooks.
• Facilitates development, implements, and continually improves the routing system for permit review including capturing necessary information and assuring timely review by appropriate review staff.
• Tracks individual building permit-related cases to ensure continuous progress of applications.
• Monitors information flow for building reviews to assure timely and accurate responses to customers regarding permit and review status.
• Creates and maintains a system for routing information to facilitate efficient and timely review processes.
• Reviews and updates business procedures on a routine basis.
• Maintains current knowledge of automated and other systems and strategies to ensure proficiency in evolving business processes and technology. Trains in new technologies in areas of responsibility. Researches, suggests, and implements opportunities to enhance knowledge and expertise.
• Coordinates, prioritizes, and reviews assignments of other staff including front-line customer service and related support functions.

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field or any equivalent combination of education/administrative experience.
• A minimum of three years of progressively responsible administrative, permitting, project management or related experience.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Interest, desire, and ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public and city staff and to provide excellent customer service both in person and over email and phone; must be courteous, patient, and personable when working with the public.
• Ability to work with confidential information.
• Demonstrated organizational and time and task management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word.
• Experience with database and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to develop and maintain accurate filing systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision; to prioritize and resolve problems; and to complete tasks while working under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in providing leadership and building consensus with groups of citizens or employees.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history and motor vehicle record.

• ICC Permit Technician training or certification.
• Previous formal or informal supervisory experience.
• EnerGov land management and permitting software experience.
• Knowledge of and experience with municipal government functions, codes, and processes.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Products including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Bookings.

Works primarily in a clean, comfortable environment. Works in a setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.

Machines and equipment used include, but are not limited to the following: Frequently uses standard office equipment including personal computers, telephones, calculators, and copy/fax machines.

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to