PERMITS & COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed historic charm with a breathtaking art museum, top-flight cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Permits and Communications Specialist assists with public information dissemination and community relations related to permit desk activities for the Department of Public Works (DPW).

Permits Processing

• Review and process applications for permits, including payment transactions.
• Act as a liaison between DPW Administrative Services and other divisions within DPW.
• Assist in processing open records requests for the DPW.
• Participate in the negotiation of event contracts and service arrangements; collect and compile data to present outcomes of events to elected officials and to management.

Special Events

• Assist in setting up events, including coordinating barricades or cones for block parties.
• Represent the DPW at planning meetings for special events.
• Assist in preparing necessary permits for special events.
• Develop and monitor event timelines to ensure that deadlines are met for internal and external customers.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date. You can find further information relative to the City’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here. 

1. Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as journalism, communications, business administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Two years of experience in public relations, public information, or working with groups of people planning and producing special events.
3. Valid driver’s license at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Technical

• Ability to read and interpret work-related documents.
• Ability to analyze and provide collaborative feedback to improve processes and protocols.
• Proficiency using standard computer programs such as spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software.

Interpersonal and Customer Service

• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a multi-disciplinary staff, the public, members of community organizations, employees and various City of Milwaukee officials.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, team-oriented environment.

Communication

• Verbal communication skills to share information with various audiences.
• Written communication skills to compose professional correspondence and technical documents.

Judgement and Professionalism

• Attention to detail to ensure accurate documentation.
• Critical thinking skills, including analytical and problem-solving skills .
• Ability to exercise sound judgement to make decisions.
• Ability to provide services in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Ability to coordinate, organize, and prioritize multiple assignments simultaneously to meet assigned deadlines.
• Professionalism, honesty, integrity, and the ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of this role.

The current salary range (Pay Range 2FX) is $50,636 - $70,347, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $52,155-$72,458. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the application deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

• APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting, www.jobaps.com/MIL.  
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St., Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202