Planning Specialist - Permit Technician

Location: City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 05M-157 05M-203 05M-204

Department: Planning and Development Review

Closing Date: 10/9/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

Description: The maximum hiring compensation for this position is to not exceed an hourly rate of $29.13/hourThe City of Richmond, Department of Planning and Development Review, is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the position of Planning Specialist. This class is devoted to providing specialized and technical activities in support of building and planning permitting activities. As assigned, work may include assisting applicants who are applying for building and trade permits; performing initial intake plan reviews; reviewing preliminary drawings; responding to code questions; issuing permits; issuing Certificates of Occupancy; entering data; calculating fees; and coordinating the administrative aspects of the permitting process. Duties include but are not limited toReceives and reviews documents and verifies information is accurate and conforms to City guidelines. 30%Assesses the scope of projects including required permits and decides whether or not to accept proposals. 20%Issues documents such as permits or certificates of occupancy for residential projects or new building change-of-use projects. 20%Responds to customer requests and inquires and provides information. 10%Maintains and updates records. 10%Performs additional duties at the local level, such as researching, extending and killing permits, verifying permits have the required information, performing initial review of permit applications, or filling in at a different station. 10%Note: Class description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. The employee may perform other duties of a similar nature or level subject to the needs of the department. Qualifications, Special Certifications and LicensesKNOWLDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESKNOWLEDGE:Some combination of: construction terminology; International Building, Plumbing and Electrical Residential and Commercial Codes; Chapter 1 and Chapter 3 of the Virginia Construction Code; Chapter 3 of the Virginia Residential Code; organic agriculture practices; brownfields; polluted soils; city property boundaries and the pertinent laws; crop seasons; permit processes; and construction industry and standards of workmanship Basic understanding of the functions of different City departments and organizations General mathematical knowledge including algebra, geometry, and arithmetic Computer programs and software such as Microsoft Office Suite, architectural and engineering software and programming, EnerGov, word processing programs, GIS systems, scanners, Blue Beam, Auto CAD, etc. Basic computer knowledge Designing and building a complete working planSKILLS:Relational data skills Managing geodatabases Performing calculations such as fees, square footage, and acreage Oral, graphic, and written communication Customer service including listening to and interpreting customer needs and assisting when needed Reading and understanding architectural drawings including plumbing, mechanical, electrical, gas piping, and fire alarms (both manually and via computer)ABILITIES:Pay attention to detail Multi-task Learn new information (such as new codes, systems, and technology) Communicate with individuals of varying experience levels Think critically Maintain composure in stressful situations Work in a large and diverse team environment Demonstrate patience in difficult circumstancesMINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:Associate's Degree in planning, engineering, building construction, or field related to assignment Two years of paraprofessional planning review or permitting experience. An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classificationLICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:Employee must complete first attempt at initial certification test (ICC Permit Technician 14) within 12 months of hire. should a retest be required, employee must retest and pass required certification prior to the 18-month post-hire deadline. Employee is required to participate in additional/ongoing training as mandated by the agencyPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree in Architecture, Business Administration or Construction Candidate will have working knowledge of GIS (Geographical Information Systems) Construction experience and knowledge of building codes Experience working in the public sector Bilingual is a plus Microsoft Office Suite of products. Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Veronica Kenner, by email at HR-ADA@rva.gov.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The City of Richmond Values Veterans. We are an official V3 Certified Company. The City of Richmond is a proud partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program. With over 4,000 employees, the City of Richmond is an "Employer of Choice" among cities throughout the nation. The City strives to hire and retain employees who bring dedication and talent to the workforce. Offering a competitive, cost effective, and quality benefits package is one element of an "Employer of Choice".The City offers a full range of benefit programs from initial hire through retirement. Please visit our Web site for details.0110-point compensable veteran. You must have an existing compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more. Other 10-point veteran include disabled veteran or a veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart for wound or injuries received in action, veteran's widow or widower who has not remarried, wife or husband of a veteran who has a service-connected disability, widowed, divorced or separated mother of an ex-service son or daughter who died in action, or who is totally and permanently disabled. Do any of these apply? YesNo025-point veteran's must have been discharged under honorable conditions and had one of the following: Active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, in a war, or during the period 4/28/52-7/1/55 or active duty for more than 180 consecutive days other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning 2/1/55 and 10/14/76 or active duty during the Gulf War sometime between 8/2/90 - 1/2/92 or active duty in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized or active duty for which more than 180 consecutive days other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning 9/11/2001 and ending on the date prescribed by the Presidential proclamation or by the law as the last date of operation Iraqi Freedom. Do any of these apply? YesNo03Which best describes your highest level of education? High School Diploma/GEDSome college Associates Degree Bachelors Degree MastersNone of the above04Which best describes your years of experience with permits and inspections? Less than two years of experienc Two to five years of experienceMore than five years of experience05Do you have a certification as a Permit Technician in the State of Virginia? YesNo, but can obtain one within 18 months of hire No06Which best describes your experience with GIS (Geographical Information Systems)?Limited experienceIntermediate experienceAdvanced experienceNo experience07Which best describes your years of experience working with the International Residential Code (IRC)?Less than two years of experienceTwo to five years of experienceMore than five years of experience08Which best describes your years of experience working with the International Building Code (IBC) Less than two years of experienceTwo to five years of experienceMore than five years of experience09Which best describes your years of experience working with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)?Less than two years of experienceTwo to five years of experienceMore than five years of experience10Which of the following do you have at least two (2) years of experience? (Check all that apply.)Building Construction Reviewing construction plans Design of technical drawings Preparation of technical drawings Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software Architectural engineering Building codes Building inspections Reviewing permit applications for accuracy Face-to-face customer interaction/service Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) None of the above11Which best describes your experience level with Microsoft Office Suites? Beginner experienceIntermediate experienceAdvanced experienceNo experience12Are you bilingual? (If 'Yes,' please indicate on your application the language(s).YesNoRequired Question