Inspection Service Technician

City of La Porte; La Porte (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

City of La Porte is seeking a versatile administrative/technical specialist to support the Inspection Services Division. You will coordinate permits, review plans, issue zoning and plumbing/electrical/mechanical permits, and maintain thorough records for court proceedings and code enforcement.

The role involves serving the public, handling citizen inquiries, data entry, and generating monthly/quarterly activity reports. A high school diploma and public-service experience are required.

Qualifications

• Three years of increasingly responsible administrative and/or technical experience with a minimum of one year in a high-volume public service role.
• High School Diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Receive and record, into Permit Tracking Log, all incoming building permits, construction plans, zoning permit and alarm applications, industrial waste permit applications, site plan, Planning & Zoning and Zoning Board of Adjustment submittals.
• Forward permit applications, plans and receipts to appropriate individuals for proper handling.
• Receive and record into the Complaint tracking Log for incoming citizen concerns and field-derived violations discovered by inspectors.
• Set up and maintain files to ensure violations are abated in an efficient manner.
• Maintain accurate files for review and processing through the court system and/or Building and Standards Commissions.
• Perform some plan review for basic roofing, foundation repair and zoning permits.
• Utilize computer programs as well as zoning, sector, aerial and Harris County Appraisal District maps as needed.
• Review, approve and issue plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits.
• Provide the public with technical information relating to basic zoning, inspections and ordinance questions.
• Serve as primary contact with the public, evaluate calls and visitors and refer inquiries as appropriate for the Inspection Services Division as well as the Planning and Development Department in general
• Intake citizen assistance reports (telephone and walk-in) regarding code enforcement violations. Record and forward to appropriate individuals for proper handling.
• Perform data entry of approved permits and ensure valid insurance coverage. Notify customer when permits are ready for issuance.
• Assist Inspection services Coordinator, as needed, in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual construction/ permit activity and code enforcement activity reports.
• Research, compile and analyze data for special projects and various reports.
• Assist Inspection Services Coordinator, as needed in the preparation of code enforcement documentation, for mowing lists, bid job proposals and dangerous buildings.
• Recommend organization or procedural changes affecting administrative and technical activities.
• Maintain and/or initiate annual license files to ensure renewal of swimming pool licenses, salvage yard license, wrecker license, and mobile home park license.
• Assist in resolving complaints, disputes or problems relating to the handling of permit issuance and zoning information.
• Monitor 24-hour inspection line.
• Pull requested inspections from citizens and contractors twice a day. Write inspection job tickets and coordinate with inspection personnel for completion.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Record keeping

Computer literacy

Customer service

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

DEFINITION

To perform a variety of technical and administrative services for the Inspection Services Division. Coordinate inspection and code enforcement related functions by assisting personnel and the public as needed. Assist in activities, including plan review, permit issuance, inspections and insurance maintenance, documentation/ processing of weed violations, zoning violations, dangerous buildings and other public nuisance violations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is distinguished from the general administrative classes by the more complex, responsible duties. This individual is responsible for handling multiple division tasks and inspection services problems. They are expected to work more independently and assume higher levels of responsibility while still being able to work well with other personnel.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct general supervision from the Inspection Services Coordinator, Division Manager or other professional staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receive and record, into Permit Tracking Log, all incoming building permits, construction plans, zoning permit and alarm applications, industrial waste permit applications, site plan, Planning & Zoning and Zoning Board of Adjustment submittals. Preview plans and applications for completeness and applicable fees.
• Forward permit applications, plans and receipts to appropriate individual(s) for proper handling.
• Receive and record into the Complaint tracking Log for incoming citizen concerns and field-derived violations discovered by inspectors.
• Set up and maintain files to ensure violations are abated in an efficient manner.
• Maintain accurate files for review and processing through the court system and/or Building and Standards Commissions.
• Perform some plan review for basic roofing, foundation repair and zoning permits.
• Utilize computer programs as well as zoning, sector, aerial and Harris County Appraisal District maps as needed.
• Review, approve and issue plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits.
• Provide the public with technical information relating to basic zoning, inspections and ordinance questions.
• Serve as primary contact with the public, evaluate calls and visitors and refer inquiries as appropriate for the Inspection Services Division as well as the Planning and Development Department in general
• Intake citizen assistance reports (telephone and walk-in) regarding code enforcement violations. Record and forward to appropriate individual(s) for proper handling.
• Perform data entry of approved permits and ensure valid insurance coverage. Notify customer when permits are ready for issuance.
• Assist Inspection services Coordinator, as needed, in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual construction/ permit activity and code enforcement activity reports. Research, compile and analyze data for special projects and various reports.
• Assist Inspection Services Coordinator, as needed in the preparation of code enforcement documentation, for mowing lists, bid job proposals and dangerous buildings.
• Recommend organization or procedural changes affecting administrative and technical activities.
• Maintain and/or initiate annual license files to ensure renewal of swimming pool licenses, salvage yard license, wrecker license, and mobile home park license.
• Assist in resolving complaints, disputes or problems relating to the handling of permit issuance and zoning information.
• Monitor 24-hour inspection line.
• Pull requested inspections from citizens and contractors twice a day. Write inspection job tickets and coordinate with inspection personnel for completion.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

For indefinite periods of time - mobility within an office; exposure to constant noise; writing; walking; typing; stooping; standing; sorting; squatting; sitting; seeing; pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds; filing; reading; decision making; reaching above shoulder level; using both hands for simple and firm grasping; clarity of hearing; communicating clearly and effectively, in person, and by telephone; fine finger manipulation; operation of a personal computer.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• City codes, including zoning regulations.
• English usage, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Current office methods, procedures, equipment and business letter writing.
• Organization, procedures, and operating details of the City department to which assigned.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
• Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies, and rules.
• Operate a personal computer, calculator, fax machine, and copier.
• Type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance.
• Perform job tasks with minimal supervision.
• Plan and organize work to meet deadlines on a timely basis.
• Compile and maintain complex and extensive records and prepare reports.
• Analyze situations carefully and adopt effective courses of action.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Understand the organization

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Three years of increasingly responsible administrative and/or technical experience with a minimum of one year of that experience in a high-volume public service role; and a High School Diploma or GED.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid Texas Driver's License. ICC Permit Technician preferred.

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

*Duties, responsibilities and actions may change at any time with or without notice.

The City of La Porte is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Qualified Individuals.