Fire Permit Technician
13 days ago
Renton
Job Description If you are seeking a role where your work directly supports public safety and helps protect the community you live in, you have come to the right place. As a Permit Technician with Renton Fire, you’ll be part of the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM), working in an active fire station environment where the mission is clear, the pace is meaningful, and the impact of your work is easy to see. As the right candidate for this role, you will be the professional face of the OFM and take pride in providing high-quality service to internal and external stakeholders and customers. You’re detail-oriented and understand that accuracy matters. You’re comfortable learning and using new and emerging technology, and you don’t shy away from change—you adapt to it. You also thrive in a strong support role, anticipating team needs, staying flexible, and doing what it takes to help the division meet its goals. If you’re someone who enjoys helping others, values precision and organization, and wants to play a key role in fire prevention and community safety, this position is for you. Bring your best customer service skills, adaptability, and attention to detail, and apply today to help us build a more resilient Renton. First review of applications will be on February 27, 2026. Anticipated start date of April 1, 2026. JOB SUMMARY Under the direction of the Fire Marshal or designee, perform a variety of tasks related to the regulation of construction, use and maintenance of structures to secure compliance with adopted State and City fire codes and ordinances. Plan and perform complex administrative office coordination to assure smooth, timely and efficient office operations for the division; relieve the Fire Marshal of technical clerical and administrative duties having division wide impact; research, collect, analyze and compile data and information for inclusion in reports; files related to division operations, programs and expenditures. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Provide information to customers and the general public, regarding fire permit approval processes and procedures, permit requirements, fire plan review information, fire inspection requests and results, and related documentation., • Receive requests for fire permits and input information into computer programs., • Review fire permit applications, plans and other related documents for completeness and accuracy; determine acceptability for processing; update, modify, and correct data as needed; organize and route completed applications, plans and related documents in accordance with established procedures., • Provide accurate and timely billing data for preventable alarms, re-inspection fees, permits, and refunds to the appropriate party in accordance with established procedures. Maintain permits and billing contacts in Department database to support billing processes., • Provide information and services to Department personnel, City departments, various outside agencies, organizations, and the general public., • Provide general fire code related information to developers and the general public and assist them in filling out fire permit applications., • Receive, respond, or direct inquiries regarding fire related information and fire code violation complaints., • Prepare fire permits, fire inspection reports, fire investigation files and other program related files for record retention and/or destruction., • Maintain accurate records of all program-related activities and assist in the preparation of various reports., • Compose, prepare, and type a variety of correspondence, memos, reports and other materials., • Organize and coordinate office functions, activities, and communications; ensure efficient workflow and operations., • Develop new and improved programs, systems, and procedures as a result of changes in policies or processes., • Participate in shared phone duties of the Department and assist with general and special administrative department assignments on an as needed basis., • Serve as the records coordinator for the Division for public records requests, including compiling records and submitting within the established timeline to the Department’s coordinator., • Assist supervisor, department personnel and other administrative staff as required., • Participate in and assist with ongoing evaluation of processes to improve customer service, productivity, and efficiency., • Prepare and coordinate purchase of office supplies, equipment and other expenditures and complete required paperwork for payment processing., • Provide staff support and administrative assistance to boards and committees when assigned; prepare reports, agendas, correspondence, and other materials appropriately and according to decisions and approval actions., • Perform other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • High School Diploma or successful completion of a GED program, including or supplemented by two (2) years of experience working with the public in an office environment, utilizing typical office equipment., • Course work in business administration, office management, secretarial training or related field and three (3) years of increasingly responsible secretarial or administrative office support experience., • OR a combination of relevant education, training, and/or experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities required above., • Must be a citizen of the United States of America, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient. An applicant for a position of any kind under civil service under the provisions of the RCW 41.080.070 must be able to speak, read and write the English language. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Valid Driver License preferred. DEMONSTRATED ATTRIBUTES • Provide basic technical and customer assistance and information regarding fire code and permitting issues., • Assist customers, developers, architects, and others with the completion of permit applications., • Maintain an effective, professional, and positive role in interacting with difficult, confrontational individuals., • Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication verbally and in writing, and provide positive customer service to diverse individuals, using tact, patience, empathy, and courtesy to accomplish common goals., • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others., • Understand and follow verbal and written direction., • Maintain records and prepare reports., • Operate a computer, typical office software, and office equipment., • Understand and work within scope of authority., • Meet schedules and timelines., • Knowledge of permitting processes and related documents., • Knowledge of applicable City and State codes and ordinances, policies and procedures., • Knowledge of technical aspects of field of specialty., • Using office equipment, such as computers, printers, scanners, telephones, and calculators., • Knowledge of department operations, policies, and objectives in addition to City operations, policies, and objectives as related to fire permitting., • Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment. WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS The following represent the physical demands that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: • Work is performed in an office environment. Due to the high volume of applications we typically receive, we regret that we may not be able to personally follow up with every applicant. However, please be assured that our team carefully reviews each submission. Candidates whose qualifications closely match the requirements of the role will be contacted for next steps.