Under the general direction of the Supervisor, the Permit Technician receives customers and performs office and technical procedures related to initiating, processing, and coordinating permit applications. The incumbent provides general zoning and building code and permits submission information to the public. This position will carry out some technical procedures including the interpretation of selected components of the City of Winnipeg Zoning and Building by-laws, agreements, and other relevant legislation and regulations pertaining to specific types of projects. The Permit Technician also determines if a Development Permit is required prior to Building Permit submission; this includes checking Zoning principal use, exterior alterations and new construction and additions.

As the Permit Technician, you will:

• Initiate and coordinate permit applications.
• Process some types of permit applications through to issuance.
• Assess the scope of building or construction projects.
• Provide general permit, zoning and building information to internal and external customers.
• Perform related duties compatible with the classification as assigned.

Your education and qualifications include:

• A minimum of two (2) college or university level courses in blueprint reading, drafting, surveying, architecture or city planning or equivalent training and experience.

• A Minimum of 18 months’ experience in interpreting and applying municipal by-laws and policies.

• A Minimum of 18 months’ experience in reading building and site plans.

• Experience working within a public service environment is preferred.

• Knowledge of common construction and land use terminology.

• Knowledge of basic elements of a set of construction plans with plan reading abilities.

• Organizational skills with the ability to prioritize in a busy work environment.

• Interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of Civic Employees, elected officials, and external stakeholders.

• Ability to interpret specific sections of the building by-law, Manitoba Building Code, and zoning by-laws.

• Ability to perform simple mathematical calculations.

• Ability to understand shop drawings and ability to read legal descriptions and identify property on a zoning map or GIS environment.

• Analytical ability and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to deal with customers in a courteous and tactful manner, often in highly stressful and/or confrontational situations in accordance with departmental guidelines.

• Ability to function effectively both independently and as a member of a team.

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to de-escalate heated situations using conflict management techniques.

• Ability to operate a personal computer and associated software (Word, Outlook, Excel, Adobe, and geographic information systems).

• Ability to provide technical direction, guidance and support to internal and external stakeholders.

• IMPORTANT: Applicants who have been educated outside of Canada must have education which is comparable to the minimum qualification in Canada. Applicants submitting foreign credentials require an official academic assessment report issued by a recognized Canadian assessment service https://www.canalliance.org/en/ at application.

Conditions of employment:

• The successful candidate must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the successful candidate possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure the permit remains valid.

• A Police Information Check satisfactory to the employer will be required from the successful candidate, at their expense.