PERMIT SPECIALIST (Occupancy Inspection)

City-of-Houston,-T; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Houston is seeking a Permit Technician/Permit Technician Aide to evaluate permit applications and construction plans for compliance with codes. You will pre-screen plans, contact applicants for missing information, and route documents for inspection.

Responsibilities include processing applications, scheduling inspections, answering customer inquiries, and generating reports. Experience with permit systems and ability to educate the public are valued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Three years of experience as a Permit Technician/Permit Technician Aide, with at least one year as a Permit Technician.
• Associate degree may substitute for two years of the experience requirement.
• A Bachelor’s degree may substitute for the education and experience requirements.

Responsibilities

• 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/information, performs final review of application and routes plans for review and inspection.
• Processes applications in and out of the system, performs setup inspection and re-inspections and reviews returned applications.
• Answers questions from customers on the progress of permits at all stages and informs 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 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/outreach programs.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree substitute for education and experience

Associate degree substitute for two years experience

Job description

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

• 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.

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 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.

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.