Location
Tacoma, WA | United States
Job description
Transportation Permit Review Specialist
Salary
$35.93 - $50.58 Hourly
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Classified
Job Number
N0020-24
Department
Public Works
Division
PW Transportation
Opening Date
02/26/2024
Closing Date
3/25/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position Description
The City of Tacoma, Public Works Department, Transportation Division, is recruiting a full-time position for a Transportation Permit Review Specialist (Development Services Specialist). We are seeking an outgoing, highly motivated person who is interested in joining our dynamic team.
Under general direction, the Transportation Permit Review Specialist is responsible for reviewing plans and applications submitted for preliminary review and permit processing, review and approval of over-the-counter and electronic permits, and monitoring the status of plans during the plan review process with a focus on traffic engineering. Additionally, the position serves as a liaison between review engineers, plan reviewers, land use planners, inspectors, developers, contractors, architects, property owners, and the general public providing high quality customer service.
Division Overview:
The mission of the Transportation Division is to support the City of Tacoma’s goals through the fiscally and environmentally responsible planning, design, maintenance, and operation of transportation systems for everyone who lives, works, or plays in Tacoma. Our services enhance the community by improving the function of the multi-modal transportation network for all users.
Safe: We prioritize the safety of all users, and strive to build a transportation system that provides safe and reliable access for all users and neighborhoods
Equitable: We center anti-racism in our work and work to decrease disparities in our transportation system.
Sustainable: We recognize that transportation is a leading contributor to local greenhouse gas emissions and work to improve the efficiency of our existing investments and to prioritize active transportation and transit in new investments.
The Transportation Division collaborates with a broad cross-section of disciplines within the City of Tacoma staff organization, City Council, Transportation Commission and other boards and commissions, and community stakeholders to establish and implement transportation plans and policies, such as the Transportation Master Plan, Safe Routes to School Action Plan, Vision Zero Action Plan, and the transportation elements of long range planning documents. We work closely with local, county, and statewide partners to create a transportation system that is safe and accessible for all ages and abilities.
The Principles that Guide Us:
Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has a workforce of dedicated, talented and open-minded employees with unique skills and perspectives. We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement in all that we do. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service.
Our Ideal Candidate possesses the following skills:
Ability to read and understand engineering plans, site plans, technical reports and manuals.
Ability to effectively collaborate and work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience.
Ability to write clear, complete and logical reports and proposals.
Ability to be assertive and resolve disputes.
Effective problem solving skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, representatives of private businesses, and the community.
Understanding of/willingness to learn about the intersections between equity and transportation and a commitment to grounding work in anti-racism and justice.
Skill in operating a personal computer and utilizing basic programs, including Outlook.
Essential Duties:
Assisting with review and approval of daily traffic permit applications in Accela as well as over the counter permit requests, which require staff to be On Call to meet walk-in customers at the Permit Center. Working with customers and staff to solve permit-related issues.
Providing technical customer assistance in the Permit Center in person, via virtually, telephone and e-mail, regarding City policies and processes as they pertain to Site and Right-of-Way development, proposed construction, and private use.
Reviewing traffic control plans for utility permits, special events, residential development, and Capital construction projects.
Reviewing and approving residential projects for land use and traffic code compliance.
Dispensing clear and accurate information to a variety of people with different technical levels of understanding.
Understanding, applying, and clearly explaining regulations, guidelines, and standards. Reading and interpreting maps, plans, and construction drawings.
Responding to customer inquiries and complaints. Conducting site visits to perform field observations for proposed development sites.
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
City of Tacoma Recruitment Information:
One of the primary goals of the City of Tacoma Equity and Empowerment Initiative is that the City of Tacoma workforce reflects the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and we welcome candidates with diverse and/or multicultural skill sets and personal experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work and play.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS (TRAINING AND EDUCATION):
An equivalent combination of:
A High School diploma plus 5 years of related plan review and/or permitting experience including 1 year of prior journey or advanced level experience.
*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education
DESIRED LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge & Skills
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
Our City:
With a population of over 200,000, Tacoma is the second largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, our schools are exceptional.
When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible schedules with some job classifications, continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Interested individuals must complete the online application and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.
Candidates who are eligible for Veteran's Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application, to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference, with redacted birth date and social security numbers.
This is a competitive hiring process. Candidates on the Referral List will have their application materials, resume and cover letter reviewed in depth. Hiring Managers will select and invite to interview the candidates deemed to potentially best meet business needs, as vacancies arise.
Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, please call the Human Resources Department at (253) 591.5400 before 5:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement.
Agency
City of TacomaAddress
Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764Phone
253-591-5400Website
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Public Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
The City of Tacoma has a technical requirement that employees filling classified roles be residents of the City at the time of their original appointment to a classified job. However, there is a process to request a waiver of this requirement from the Civil Service Board if we identify an outstanding candidate who is a nonresident. Not residing within the City limits of Tacoma is not an automatic disqualifier and everyone is encouraged to apply.
I understand that the City will request a waiver for me if necessary
Not applicable, I'm a City of Tacoma resident
02
The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.
Yes
No
03
Do you possess a High School diploma plus 5 years of related plan review and/or permitting experience including 1 year of prior journey or advanced level experience?
Yes
No
04
Please select below the number of years of work experience in the engineering or construction industry that best describes you.
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years or more
None of the above but willing to learn
05
Do you have experience providing customer service and/or explaining government policies, procedures and regulations?
Yes
No
06
In 300 words or less, please describe your experience providing customer service and/or explaining government policies, procedures and regulations. If you do not have any experience, place "N/A" in the box below.
07
In 300 words or less, please describe a situation when you had to deliver bad news to a customer or co-worker. What strategies/tactics did you use to communicate the information? If you have no experience in this area, respond with N/A.
08
One of the City's Principals that Guide Us is Equity. In 300 words or less, describe what equity means to you and describe any experience you have working with diverse groups of people.
09
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
Job Interest Card notification
Internet search
Professional organization
Community organization
Military organization
Union job posting
City of Tacoma employee
Online job board posting
Word of mouth
Other
10
Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.
11
Did you remember to upload a cover letter and resume, AND a DDForm 214 Member Copy 4 if you are a Military Veteran who is eligible for Veteran's Preference, to this application?
Yes
No
Required Question
Agency
City of Tacoma
Address
Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764
Phone
253-591-5400
Website
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