Salary : $57,841.00 – $68,121.00 Annually
Location : Duluth, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: L23107
Department: Planning & Economic Development
Division: Construction Services
Opening Date: 07/21/2023
Closing Date: 8/13/2023 11:59 PM Central
Probation Period: 12 months
Eligible List Duration: 7 months
Job Posting Information
SUMMARY/PURPOSE
To perform professional and technical work to provide information to the public, outside agency representatives and City staff in regard to laws, codes, ordinances, and requirements that apply to the construction and use of structures and land use. This position provides consultation related to zoning, building and engineering rules and procedures, and provides front-line customer service for the development process.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
Employees in this class work independently with considerable latitude to make decisions when applying rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Employees in this class have a general knowledge of multiple departments’ work focus (planning, construction services, fire prevention, parking, engineering, rental housing) in order to direct citizens to the correct staff for the service needed.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
For both one-of-a-kind and repetitive tasks, the supervisor makes specific assignments that are accompanied by clear, detailed, and specific instructions. Incumbents work as instructed and consult with the supervisor.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
Does not supervise.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)
1. Serve as primary point of contact to provide information related to construction, development, and use of land in the City, including building, zoning, and Uniform Development Code administration, planning division policies and procedures, and engineering policies and procedures.
2. Provide courteous, effective, and high quality service to the public by personally responding to requests for service or making appropriate referrals.
3. Provide information and assistance relating to the processing of various building and land use permits to members of the public and City staff, providing explanation of code requirements, City policies, and procedures that pertain to submitted plans and proposals.
4. Use GIS, permitting software, paper, microfilm, and other digital records to respond to questions, research property histories, and review plans and proposals.
5. Research and respond to inquiries and complaints using manual and electronic records.
6. Compile informational handouts answering commonly asked questions.
7. Communicate with applicants through permitting process orally and in writing.
8. Determine all necessary permits and applicable processes for proposed construction and land use.
9. Conduct preliminary reviews of plans for initial intake purposes, and determine if plans comply with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations; present plans to other staff for detailed review.
10. Review assigned types of site, erosion control, and construction for minor residential projects such as garages and decks, plans, and approve when appropriate.
11. Coordinate the review of permits and plans for compliance with state and city requirements, and process and issue permits.
12. Work with others to improve processes and practices to improve service and efficiency.
13. Verify that applicants are licensed and bonded as required.
14. Act as review process project manager, coordinating with multiple City departments, applicants, and construction and design teams to obtain approval of plans and permits.
15. Attend preliminary project meetings, and assist project owners from start to completion of development projects.
16. Attend zoning pre-application meetings with architects, engineers, developers, and others to discuss projects in the preliminary zoning application phase and provide preliminary feedback as appropriate.
17. Assist with public outreach in the form of targeted events that serve to educate design professionals, contractors, and/or the general public about various building code topics, as well as permitting and review processes geared towards facilitating successful building projects.
18. Calculate and collect fees.
19. Maintain positive relationships with contractors, design professionals, homeowners, and others even in contentious situations.
20. Be an effective team member by exhibiting self-motivation, supporting other employees in handling tasks, interacting effectively and respectfully with others, showing a desire to contribute to the team effort, accepting assignments willingly, and completing tasks within agreed upon timelines.
21. Other duties may be assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience Requirements
A. Associate’s Degree in architectural drafting, building inspection technology, construction management, building trades, or civil engineering technology, or a related professional field, and one (1) year of related professional experience; OR a minimum of three (3) years of related education and/or verifiable professional administration of the building code as a field inspector, plans examiner, or permit technician, or engineering field experience.
License Requirements
A. Must obtain and maintain certification as an International Code Council Certified Permit Technician within 18 months of hire.
B. Must obtain and maintain certification through Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as an erosion and storm water control Construction Installer within 18 months of hire.
Selection Process Information
Education/Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point): Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.
Alternative Exam Process: For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at 218-730-5210, as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through 218-730-5630.
Right to Appeal: Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education/Experience Review, the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing, shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested, and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically, the notice should be sent by email to hrinformation@duluthmn.gov.
Work Eligibility: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.
Non-Discrimination
The City of Duluth is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Alternative Exam Process (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at 218-730-5210, as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through 218-730-5630.
Work Eligibility
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.
Right to Appeal (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education/Experience Review, the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing, shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested, and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically, the notice should be sent by email to .
VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
Does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, seasonal, temporary, or part-time non-union selections
OPEN SELECTIONS
If claiming veteran’s preference, please attach to your application (via file upload) a copy of all documents required for the option that applies to you:
Veteran
1.) “Member Copy 4” DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge.
Disabled Veteran
1.) “Member Copy 4” DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge;
2.) FL-802, FL 21-802, or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Board’s written decision of a compensation rating of 10% or greater, dated within 12 months.
Spouse of Disabled Veteran
1.) Copy of Marriage Certificate;
2.) “Member Copy 4” DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge;
3.) FL-802, FL 21-802, or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Board’s written decision of a compensation rating of 10% or greater, dated within 12 months. (Eligible only if the veteran is unable to qualify for the specific position being applied for as a result of the service-connected disability.)
Spouse of Deceased Veteran
1.) Copy of Marriage Certificate;
2.) Death Certificate or other proof of death;
3.) “Member Copy 4” DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge. If Disabled Veteran, also include
4.) FL-802, FL 21-802, or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Board’s written decision of a compensation rating of 10% or greater, dated within 12 months. (Eligible only if applicant has not remarried and the veteran died during active duty or as a result of an injury received from active duty.)
Veteran’s preference points will be added only if the applicant successfully completes all phases of the exam process and Human Resources has received all supporting documentation.
PROMOTIONAL OR INTERNAL SELECTIONS
If claiming veteran’s preference, please attach to your application (via file upload) a copy of the documents listed below:
Disabled Veteran
1.) “Member Copy 4” DD214 or DD215 indicating an honorable discharge;
2.) FL-802, FL 21-802, or letter of disability or equivalent from USDVA Board’s written decision of a compensation rating of 50% or greater, dated within 12 months.
Veteran’s preference points will be awarded one time, on first promotional or internal only selection process after securing City employment, and only if the applicant successfully completes all phases of the exam process and Human Resources has received all supporting documentation.
Please refer to for additional information about Veteran’s Preference.
Eligible City of Duluth employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
- Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Medical Plan
- Dental Plan
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Retirement Benefits
- Deferred Compensation
- Training and Advancement Opportunities
- Employee Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program
Benefits are prorated for part-time employees and administered in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement or management compensation plan.
01
Do you have an Associate’s Degree in architectural drafting, building inspection technology, construction management, building trades, or civil engineering technology, or a related professional field, and one (1) year of related professional experience? OR a minimum of three (3) years of related education and/or verifiable professional administration of the building code as a field inspector, plans examiner, or permit technician, or engineering field experience? Please explain.
02
Do you have the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire and maintain certification as an International Code Council Certified Permit Technician?
- Yes
- No
03
Do you have the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire and maintain certification through Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as an erosion and storm water control Construction Installer?
- Yes
- No
04
Explain your experience providing courteous assistance to the public related to construction and development, including building, zoning, and government policies and procedures.
05
Describe your experience working cooperatively as a team member to accomplish an important goal. What was the goal or objective, what was your role in achieving this objective and to what extent did you interact with others on this project?
Required Question