Permit Technician

Job Title: Permit Technician
Department: Community Development
Reports To: Director of Community Development
Classification: Grade 9
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Minimum Starting Salary: $38,913.60

NATURE OF WORK
This is a responsible, specialized customer service work of a technical and administrative nature in the Inspections & Code Enforcement Division of the Community Development Department. This position requires considerable initiative, discretion, and judgment to explain and apply city ordinances to a diverse customer base, which includes the public, contractors, architects, engineers, developers, and government employees. The employee assists in the preparation of reports and letters, and other office management responsibilities. Work is performed under the supervision of the Director of Community Development.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Performs activities requiring prioritization and multi-tasking skills:
• Receives telephone calls and greets inspection office customers; Telephone calls consist of inspection requests, inquiries, and complaints. Screens and refers calls as necessary.
• Provides detailed information on departmental services, programs, and functions to customers. Responds and follows through on inquiries, complaints, and requests requiring limited interpretation of laws, rules, regulations, and policies.
• Relays instructions by telephone, email, distributes mail, routes reports, and correspondence. Coordinates and schedules inspection requests with inspection staff in the computer-based (MUNIS) system and on individual calendars. This includes building, mechanical, plumbing, fire, special, property maintenance, and property nuisance inspections.
• Responds verbally or in writing to telephone and in-person inquiries regarding construction permit processes and fees.
• Determines the classification of permit applications.
• Enters and issues building, demolition, mechanical, electrical, plumbing permits, and certificates of occupancy as approved by the Building Official /Director of Community Development. Before issuing any permits, information is researched, such as, but not limited to, contractor licensing and insurance.
• Coordinates with contractors and property owners as part of the process when issuing all residential or commercial permits.
• Issue payment receipts and prepare interdepartmental information for recovery of property maintenance and demolition costs.
• Prepares property maintenance and demolition notices for mailing and logs information in the computer (MUNIS); this includes initial inspections and follow-up inspections.
• Coordinates with local utilities to be cleared as needed.
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining all department files, including building permit and receipt filing system.
• Research information for building permits, contractor licensing, permit inspections, issued receipts, and property ownership records.
• Coordinates requests and meetings of the Board of Appeals for customers appealing the decision of the Building Official.
• Performs a variety of office duties requiring typing and computer skills.
• May assist in the preparation of bids, requisitions, other legal documents, and departmental policies.
• Maintains fiscal and related records where strong technical knowledge is required.
• Prepares various scheduled or special request reports and statements based on available data; gathers materials for special projects at the request of the supervisor, frequently checking a variety of records to secure complete and accurate information.
• Procures grants as available.
• Assists with Emergency Operating Center and damage assessment inspections.
• Attends classes and training related to the job.
• Works closely with other departments as needed.
• Performs other related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF WORK

• High school graduation (or the equivalent), supplemented by related advanced courses in office management or business administration and computer software, with three years of experience or equivalent training in a high-public-contact environment and progressively responsible office practices, which provide the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:
• C onsiderable knowledge of department operations, organizations, policies, rules, and regulations.
• Must possess good customer service skills with an ability to listen and respond professionally and respectfully.
• Ability to maintain complex records and to prepare detailed reports from such records.
• Ability to make moderately complex decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures and to prioritize and handle multiple requests and needs at the same time.
• Ability to independently prepare effective correspondence on moderately complex matters and to perform office management.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public and to deal with problems courteously and tactfully.
• Ability to verbally communicate effectively through the use of the telephone, email, two-way radio, and personal contacts.
• Skills in the operation of a computer with the ability to perform complex typing tasks.
• Ability to effectively use and operate various items of office equipment, such as, but not limited to, a computer, calculator, fax machine, and copier.
• Basic knowledge of the geography of the City and surrounding areas.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
Note: The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.