Rachelle Sagen
Black Diamond,WA
Summary
Experienced municipal permitting and operations leader with progressive responsibility overseeing Building, Public Works, and Land Use programs. Proven ability to manage high-volume permit operations, implement process improvements, supervise staff, and coordinate cross-departmental initiatives. Strong background in regulatory compliance, fee oversight, and public-facing service delivery within a complex governmental environment.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Permit Supervisor
City of Tukwila
01.2015 - Current
- Supervise building, fire, public works, and land use permitting operations.
- Oversee final review of permit fees, issuance approvals, and fee refunds within signing authority.
- Manage increasing permit volume while implementing workflow efficiencies and archiving improvements.
- Coordinate across multiple departments and divisions to streamline review timelines and improve service standards.
- Supervise and mentor staff; assign, monitor, and evaluate performance.
- Provide weekly reporting and strategic updates to executive leadership.
- Ensure compliance with municipal codes, state regulations, and internal policies.
- Led operational adjustments following annexation of Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, incorporating addressing authority into departmental responsibilities.
Administrative Assistant
City of Tukwila
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Researches and analyzes materials, information and programs;
- Provides information and recommendations to administrators in decision making;
- Assists with basic budget preparation, data input, and control techniques;
- Assists with accounting functions including activities such as payroll, purchases, billings, and fund distribution;
- Maintains a variety of complex and interrelated records, lists, logs and files;
- Independently composes correspondence, narrative and statistical memoranda and reports, according to established guidelines, for use by supervisor;
- Makes recommendations and assists in developing new procedures and programs;
- Serves as liaison between administrator and others, may provide work direction;
- Assumes limited responsibility and authority in administrator's absence as specifically directed by administrator;
- Prepares agendas for meetings as directed, notifies conferees; attends meetings, takes notes of significant parts of discussion, and prepares minutes;
Permit Technician
City of Tukwila
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Assist customers in person, by phone and by email with questions, demonstrating high customer service, efficiency and teamwork.
- Explains department policy and procedures; read, interpret, and explain the development and application process to the public.
- Receives inquiries from permit applicants and other interested parties regarding permit requirements, fees, and process. Identifies codes and ordinances which may apply to projects and provide related information to applicants. Advise applicants of requirements of the permit process and refers them to other staff divisions or departments where appropriate.
- Receive, review and process a variety of forms, applications and plans necessary for issuance of development and construction permits.
- Compute fees due and collect monies; issue permits and receipts; balance cash drawer daily.
- Receive and route a variety of plans, specifications and other documents in accordance with established procedures.
Education
AA - Accounting
Green River Community College
Skills
- Municipal Permitting & Code Administration
- Regulatory Compliance
- Staff Supervision & Development
- Process Improvement
- Policy Interpretation & Implementation
- Interdepartmental Coordination
- Customer Service & Public Engagement
- Fee Analysis & Financial Oversight
- Records Management & Archiving
- Conflict Resolution
Timeline
Permit Supervisor
City of Tukwila
01.2015 - Current
Administrative Assistant
City of Tukwila
01.2009 - 01.2014
Permit Technician
City of Tukwila
01.2004 - 01.2009
AA - Accounting
Green River Community College