Permit Counter Supervisor
Salary
$37.80 - $49.90 Hourly
Location
City of Thornton; City Hall, CO
Job Type
Regular Full-Time
Job Number
26164
Department
City Development
Division
Building & Engineering
Opening Date
06/08/2026
Closing Date
6/23/2026 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA
Non-Exempt
WORK HOURS
STANDARD 40 HOUR WORKWEEK
PROBATION
One year (if not currently a certified City of Thornton employee)
STATUS 2
FLSA NON-EXEMPT/CAREER SERVICE INCLUDED
BENEFITS
SEE BENEFITS TAB
Join the City Development Building Inspection Division at the City of Thornton (population approximately 150,000), in the beautiful State of Colorado! Were hiring a Permit Counter Supervisor with at least two years of supervisory experience to contribute to our growing community. We pride ourselves on our teams deep expertise in building codes and our commitment to professional growth, all within a positive and inclusive environment where every members contribution is valued. This role offers a collaborative and engaging work environment where youll play a key part in ensuring safe and compliant building practices within a dynamic and experienced team that encourages innovation, mentorship, and a strong sense of camaraderie. If youre a skilled team player, we are excited to consider your application!
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under general direction, supervises, coordinates, and participates in the work activities of the permit technicians to assure that permits and contractor licenses are being processed, routed for review and issued in accordance with city policies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed in this class.)
Establishes, evaluates, and revises permitting and licensing procedures, practices and rules in conformance with departmental policies.
Reviews single-family residential construction blueprints (new construction, basement finishes, decks, plots plans, etc.) and specifications for compliance with building codes, ordinances and standards.
Coordinates with other city divisions to facilitate the review, issuance and inspection of permits and licenses.
Provides interpretation and guidance regarding city policies with regard to the processing and issuance of permits and licenses. Consults with engineers, architects, contractors, and citizens to interpret and explain city permitting/licensing processes.
Investigates complaints and assists internal and external customers in resolving problems and conflicts that may arise during processing of permits and licenses.
Supervises and directs the activities of assigned staff; makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline, termination or advancement of employees. Schedules employees, assigns work, and monitors progress; guides, trains and develops employees in the accomplishment of their duties and professional growth; evaluates performance.
Assists employees in solving work problems. Attends and/or conducts a variety of meetings such as staff meetings and employee briefings.
Answers questions and provides information about status of plan reviews, permits, inspections, and licenses.
Coordinates, assigns and completes special projects as assigned.
Gathers data and prepares special and periodic reports on operations.
Assists in developing budget. Collects data and materials, conducts research, and makes budget recommendations. Monitors expenditures against approved budget.
Manages the Division website content and maintenance.
Serves as liaison between the Building Code Advisory Board, City Attorneys Office, and parties petitioning the Board. Accepts evidence submitted by petitioners.
Provides expertise and troubleshooting of the permitting software program.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
Associate degree in construction management, business, communication, or related field; four years' progressively responsible administrative experience in building construction, inspection, or related field; and one year of lead or supervisory experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Licensing/Certification Requirements:
ICC Permit Technician Certification is required within the first six months of employment. Residential Plans Examiner Certification (R3) is required within the first year of employment.
May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of local laws, statutes, and ordinances related to construction, signs, fences, and building inspection.
Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department.
Knowledge of the purpose, projects, organization, and employee responsibilities of the department.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision, including selection, training, work evaluation and discipline.
Knowledge of materials and equipment used in plan review and permitting.
Knowledge of city of Thornton basic accounting and purchasing policies and procedures.
Knowledge of basic accounting including processing accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Knowledge of practices and principles of quality customer service.
Skill in maintaining multiple records, files, and tracking systems for applications at various stages of review and approval process.
Skill in reviewing and processing applications for permits and licenses following established procedures.
Skill in reviewing proposed building projects and determining the types of permits required.
Skill in interpreting and explaining division policies and procedures.
Skill in reviewing plans for residential building projects (new construction, basement finishes, decks, plot plans, etc.) and determining the types of permits required.
Skill in investigating, analyzing, evaluating, and resolving operational, procedural, and personnel problems.
Skill in analyzing and evaluating information accurately.
Skill in interpreting, understanding, and following complex statutes, ordinances, regulations, standards, and guidelines.
Skill in developing and implementing measures of accountability.
Ability to work independently, performing varied and responsible administrative functions.
Ability to collect fees, issue receipts, balance cash drawers, and prepare cash receipt reports accurately.
Ability to prepare routine statistical reports.
Ability to analyze data, draw logical conclusions, and make sound decisions and recommendations.
Ability to effectively respond to and resolve customer inquiries.
Ability to draft policies and procedures.
Ability to assess and mediate complex and controversial problems, issues, and concerns.
Ability to respond with tact, composure, and courtesy when dealing with individuals who may be experiencing significant stress.
Ability to perform accurate mathematical computations.
Ability to supervise, direct and train employees.
Ability to regularly exercise significant discretion and independent judgment for daily operations.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software including word processing, database management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, developers, contractors, and the general public.
Ability to provide accurate information on city building permits and procedures.
Ability to perform all operations of the customer service counter for the division.
Ability to review and process applications for permits and licenses following established procedures.
Ability to prepare accurate minutes of meetings as required.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with board and commission members.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to reach, stand, finger, grasp, talk, hear, and make repetitive motions. This position is mostly: sedentary work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The employee is required to have close visual acuity.
TESTING PROCEDURES
Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.
Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.
As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.
The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer.
The City of Thornton offers employees an outstanding benefits package. Benefit eligibility is based on the status of the position. Please email Jobs@thorntonco.gov to receive a copy of our current Benefits Guide.
Benefits offered may include the following depending on the job type/status of the position:
01
Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.
02
How many years of administrative experience in building construction, inspection, or related field do you have?
03
Do you have any previous experience related to the building inspection process working directly for or with a governmental agency?
04
If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please describe this experience in detail. If you answered "No" please enter N/A.
05
How many years of lead or supervisory experience do you have?
06
Do you currently possess an ICC Permit Technician Certification?
07
Do you currently possess a Residential Plan Review Certification?
08
If you can fluently speak any language other than English, please list what other language(s) you can speak.
Required Question
Employer City of Thornton
Department City Development Address City of Thornton
9500 Civic Center Drive
Thornton, Colorado, 80229
Website www.thorntonco.gov
Thornton is a diverse community with a strong commitment to quality of life and environmental issues. The Denver metropolitan area in which Thornton is located consistently ranks as one of the most desirable areas to live in the United States. The community's location, 10 miles north of downtown Denver and adjacent to Interstate 25, provides high visibility for business while still allowing easy access to various transportation routes.
The city's location also provides an excellent environment for cultural, recreational, and outdoor enthusiasts. Thornton offers easy access to the 28 major resort areas found in the nearby Rocky Mountains, which offers skiing, hiking, rafting, and camping, as well as beautiful and breathtaking scenic wonders... most are well within a two hour drive. Cultural activities, including numerous museums, gardens, the opera and symphony, are readily available in Denver and other nearby communities such as Boulder, Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley and Arvada. Professional sports teams, including the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids and the Denver Nuggets offer activities for the sports enthusiast.