PERMIT SPECIALIST (Occupancy Inspection)

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Houston is seeking a Permit Technician Aide/Technician to support the Houston Permitting Center in accepting, reviewing, and disseminating building permit applications and documents.

The role involves guiding staff, communicating with customers, calculating fees, and ensuring compliance with building codes, with a focus on efficient processing and accurate record-keeping.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED.
• Three years of experience as a Permit Technician/Permit Technician Aide, with at least one year as a Permit Technician.
• An Associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a Bachelor’s may substitute for education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Performs professional administrative support and leads Permit Technician Aides and Permit Technicians in the acceptance, review and dissemination of permit applications and documents.
• Receives, reviews and evaluates permit applications, construction plans and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy and conformance with building codes and other applicable requirements.
• Pre-screens plans for accuracy, contacts customers for needed documents, performs final review and routes plans for review and inspection.
• Processes applications in and out of the system, performs setup inspections and re-inspections and reviews returned applications.
• Answers questions from customers on permit progress and informs applicants of information needed at locations to have requirements checked.
• Provides guidance to staff; may schedule and review work to ensure efficient processing of applications.
• Recognizes and resolves permit system issues and submits Service Now Tickets as needed.
• Creates and prepares administrative documents and performance reports.
• Determines and calculates permit and application fees.
• Understands functions of all permit-requiring sections and general construction principles.

Skills

Customer service

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree may substitute for 2 years experience

Bachelor’s degree may substitute for education and experience

Tools

iPermits

PDox

ILMS

GIMS

HAS

Job description

Position Overview

Accepting Applications from: All Persons Interested

Service Line/Section: Houston Permitting Center /Occupancy Inspection

Reporting Location: 1002 Washington Avenue

Workdays & Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

• Subject to change*

Description Of Duties/Essential Function

Performs professional administrative support and leads Permit Technician Aides and Permit Technicians in the acceptance, review and dissemination of a wide variety of building permit applications and documents.

• Receives, reviews and evaluates permit applications, construction plans and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy and conformance with building codes and other applicable requirements.
• Pre-screens plans for accuracy, contacts customers for any needed documents/information, performs final review of application and related documents, and routes commercial and residential plans for review and inspection.
• Processes applications in and out of the system, perform setup inspection and re-inspections and reviews returned applications.
• Answers questions from customers on the progress of permits at all stages and advises applicants of information and submittals needed at locations to have requirements checked.
• Provides guidance to Permit Technician Aides and Permit Technicians; may schedule and review work to ensure effective and efficient processing of applications.
• Recognizes and resolves permit system issues and submits Service Now Tickets as needed.
• Creates and prepares various administrative documents and statistical/performance reports.
• Determines and calculates various permit and application fees.
• Understands the functions of all sections requiring permits, for permitting.
• Understands general construction principles and practices.
• May educate the public on permit application process at community and outreach programs.
• Performs other related duties as requested.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort; i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

This is a Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier III Level.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Requires a high school diploma or a GED.

Experience Requirements

Three years of experience as a Permit Technician/Permit Technician Aide, with at least one year as a Permit Technician are required.

Substitutions

An Associate degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the experience requirement.

A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for the education and experience requirements.

License Requirements

None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates that are proficient in the following systems: iPermits, PDox and ILMS (Integrated Land Management System), and have knowledge of how to research using GIMS, HCAD and HAS.

• Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED:

None

However, The Department May Administer a Skills Assessment Evaluation.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION:

No

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 16

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.