Office Specialist - Planning Department

The City of Onalaska is seeking a detail-oriented, customer-focused professional to join our team as a full-time Office Specialist in the Planning & Inspection Department. This is a dynamic role where you’ll serve as a key point of contact for residents, contractors, and internal teams - helping move important community projects forward. If you enjoy variety in your day, meaningful public interaction, and being part of a collaborative municipal team, this opportunity is for you. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values professionalism, collaboration, and service to the community. This role offers the opportunity to make a visible impact while building a well-rounded career in local government.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides high level customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Provides administrative support to all staff in the Planning & Inspection, Engineering and Information Technology Departments requiring a high degree of confidentiality and knowledge of time sensitive prioritization, general clerical duties and may assist with non-technical inspections for Planning & Inspection.
• Responds to public inquiries either firsthand or through referral and transfers requests to appropriate staff. Attempts to resolve matters directly but may refer customers to a supervisor when appropriate.
• Reviews and approves permit applications in tandem with Lead Building Inspector, computes fees and arranges issuance of permits. Assist Engineering Department with permit issuance and collect fees.
• Assists with interpretation of building and zoning ordinances for property owners, contractors, and general public.
• Processes/inputs invoices into the accounting system according to established procedures.
• Ensures all materials are maintained in department files based on records received from inspectors, planning department and other department heads; creates and maintains an electronic database/archive of inspection and planning-related permits and materials.
• Completes all clerical duties associated with Refuse and Recycling Program and coordinates on behalf of the City. Performs routine refuse and recycling compliance field assessments.
• Assist with IT equipment management as needed.
• Contributes to a cooperative working effort by demonstrating a willingness to perform other job- related work, as needed or requested. The interdependency of operations is recognized, and the abilities and skills exist to do other work as needed or requested. Assistance is given to others and special projects completed as scheduled or requested.

Compensation and Benefits: Starting wage range for this non-exempt position is $25.37 per hour (step 1) up to $27.52 per hour (step 4), depending on qualifications. Wage increasing in July to $25.75 up to $27.94 per hour.

Benefits Include: Health insurance effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment. 2026 most affordable plan (Quartz West): $225.36/month (single). $554.72/month (family). No deductible or co-insurance. Dental insurance through Delta Dental (100% premium paid by the City). Automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension plan). Voluntary benefits: vision, flexible spending, life insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical illness, cancer, and accident insurance. Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

To Apply: To be considered for this excellent opportunity, submit an online employment application by accessing https://cityofonalaska.com/jobs. Applications accepted until May 4th, 2026. For additional information please contact:

City of Onalaska Human Resources – City Hall (1st Floor)

415 Main Street, Onalaska WI 54650

Phone: 608-781-9530 ext. 260 or 261

Email: afrandsen@onalaskawi.gov

Additional information: Initial Interviews will likely be May 13th, 2026. Selected candidate subject to background check and pre-employment/post-offer drug screen. The City of Onalaska is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace.

Associate degree in Administrative Professional, Business Management, or related program. Two (2) to four (4) years’ experience in an office or equivalent combination of education and experience. Proficient in the use and understanding of Microsoft Office Suite software and other computer programs. Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

PI283897800