Permit Technician

Galveston County Human Resources; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Galveston County Human Resources seeks a Permit Technician to provide technical and administrative support for the Floodplain Management functions. You will serve as the primary contact for homeowners, contractors, and the public regarding permitting procedures, inspections, and development processes.

In a busy office, you will manage requests, review permit applications, enter data, and prepare routine reports while maintaining professional communication and accurate records.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Experience in public-facing customer service is highly desirable.
• One year of experience with construction plans or building codes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for homeowners, contractors, and the public regarding permits.
• Provide permitting assistance and explain requirements and next steps.
• Review, process, and maintain floodplain development permit applications and records.
• Coordinate permit activities with other departments to ensure timely processing.
• Maintain accurate records, logs, and prepare routine reports.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Customer service excellence

Ability to explain technical info

Multitasking in a busy office

Attention to detail

Proficiency with computers and office-

Education

High school diploma or GED

Experience with construction plans or building codes

Tools

Databases

Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

General Description:

The Permit Technician provides technical, administrative, and customer service support for the department's Floodplain Management functions. This position serves as a primary point of contact for homeowners, contractors, builders, developers, engineers, architects, other departments, and the general public regarding permitting requirements, application procedures, inspections, regulations, ordinances, and development processes.

The ideal candidate is a strong and professional communicator who provides courteous and effective customer service while working efficiently in a busy, fast-paced office environment. The position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, communicate technical information clearly, maintain accurate records, and remain professional when handling challenging or high-volume customer interactions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide exceptional customer service:Serve as a primary point of contact for the department by answering telephone calls, greeting walk-in customers, responding to inquiries, and directing customers to appropriate personnel or departments. Handle difficult or frustrated customers with patience, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Provide permitting assistance:Assist homeowners, contractors, builders, developers, engineers, architects, and the public with permitting procedures, development requirements, application status, inspections, regulations, ordinances, and other related questions. Clearly explain the requirements, identify any missing information, and communicate the necessary corrections or nextsteps.
• Review and process permits:Receive, review, and process floodplain development permit applications, plans, supporting documentation, and applicable fees. Verify applications for completeness and compliance with applicable regulations, ordinances, and other department and state requirements.
• Coordinate permit activities:Coordinate permit reviews and approvals with other departments and appropriate personnel. Consult with applicants and design professionals to clarify application or plan details and facilitate the timely processing of permits and inspections.
• Maintain records and databases:Maintain accurate and organized permit files, records, logs, databases, and tracking systems. Enter and update permit and inspection information and prepare routine departmental statistics and reports.

• Professional relationships and teamwork:Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, County officials, other departments and agencies, industry professionals, and members of the public.
• Other duties:Perform other related duties asassigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communicationskills.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with a diverse group of customers.
• Ability to explain technical information, regulations, and procedures clearly andunderstandably.
• Ability to work effectively in a busy, fast-paced office environment with frequent interruptions, telephone calls, walk-in customers, and competing priorities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention todetail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy and meetingdeadlines.
• Ability to interpret and apply established codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, andprocedures.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and remain calm and professional when dealing with challengingsituations.
• Proficiency with computers, standard office software, databases, email, and other electronicsystems.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with employees, officials, professionals, and the general public.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires a high school diploma or GEDequivalent.
• Previous experience in a public-facing customer service or administrative position is highlydesirable.
• One year of experience working with construction plans, building codes, or closely related experiencepreferred.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

This position operates in a high-volume, public-facing office environment where priorities may change throughout the day. The Permit Technician must be able to effectively manage interruptions, walk-in customers, telephone calls, application submissions, and staff requests while maintaining accuracy, organization, and professionalism.

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

The work is typically performed sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects.

The work is typically performed in an office. Emergency Preparedness Tier Level: 4

Special Certifications and Licenses:

None.

Department:

County Engineer

Salary:

$37,729.00