Permit Services Technician

Description
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
This is a position assisting the Building Department, Planning Department, Engineering Department, and Code Enforcement (where applicable). Work involves the processing of various permits and applications between the above listed departments. Work also involves verifying that contractors and consultants have the required licenses to perform work within the city.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate and oversee the building permits and zoning applications approval process, issuance of permits, plan submittals, plan processing, fee assessment and processing.
• Respond to inquiries concerning Building Code rules and regulations from the public; receive and process telephone calls; greets and assists visitors; disseminates information to all necessary parties.
• Have a basic understanding of the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program requirements for floodplain development, process floodplain development permits, and assist the Floodplain Manager in enforcing floodplain related requirements.
• Process utility excavation permits, make preliminary comments on utility excavation plans, coordinate with Utility Franchisees and City staff to ensure permits are processed, reviewed, and approved in a timely manner.
• Provide efficient and effective service delivery to customers; handle difficult and complex customer service situations; identify and recommend opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; educate customers regarding necessary permits and general code compliance of proposed projects.
• Schedule meetings, and appointments; maintain a calendar of events and schedules. Ensure timely processing of plans, permits, and applications; manage and coordinate the routing and tracking of plans to various city departments and outside agencies for required reviews and clearances; performs follow-up phone calls to ensure timeliness of response from other departments and agencies.
• Verify that projects have obtained all necessary approvals; verify professional and contractor licensing.
• Perform data entry; operates a computer for record keeping and documented processing to input and retrieve data in support of division operations; maintains records, files, compiles and generates permitting and inspection.
• Communicate with the general public, property owners, contractors, engineering consultants, architectural consultants, city staff from various departments, and public officials while performing essential functions.
• Perform follow up with permit applications for status reports and customer service.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, rules, codes and regulations related to building codes.
• Building construction terminology. Basic cost accounting and preparation of invoice type documents.
• Modern office procedures, methods, computer equipment and related software applications.

Skills and Ability to:

• Learn new technology systems very quickly and efficiently such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously with frequent interruptions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibility.
• Establish, maintain and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Follow Department and City policies and procedures operating with minimum supervision.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work is generally performed within an office environment. Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, see, and effectively communicate with others for extended periods of time. Must be able to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously, work with numerous interruptions, and adjust to changing priorities. Must demonstrate good use of judgment and demonstrate the ability to properly deal with confidential matters. Must use good interpersonal skills.
Requirements
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Associate's degree or a minimum of two years college training in a Construction Management, Engineering, or similar related field. A combination of equivalent education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Building related codes and ordinances enforced by the City, including the international code council (ICC) building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes.
• Certified Floodplain Manager

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid Driver's License and acceptable MVR.
• Must be willing to obtain ICC Permit Technician Certification.