PERMIT TECHNICIAN

Leon County Government; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Leon County Government is seeking a Permitting Clerk to review permit applications, issue permits, and collect fees. The role involves interacting with homeowners and contractors, explaining permitting steps, and ensuring complete documentation is submitted for building, environmental, driveway, and septic permits.

The position requires strong customer service and clerical skills. Responsibilities include processing permit packages, maintaining files, coordinating with Health and other

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent with two years of responsible administrative and/or clerical experience involving public contact, preferable in a construction industry related area.

Responsibilities

• Review permit applications for completeness and initiate permit activities in the electronic permit tracking system.
• Compile permit packages with required documentation and enter building/environmental data into PETS or similar systems.
• Explain the permitting process to applicants and advise on legal requirements related to postings and permits.
• Calculate and collect fees; monitor permit status and provide status updates to the public.
• Maintain and file permit applications and related documents; coordinate with health and other departments to forward documentation.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Problem solving

Administrative procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Data base software

Personal computer

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

This is responsible technical and clerical work reviewing permit applications, issuing permits, and collecting fees.

NOTE: The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The Job Description Questionnaire (JDQ) reflects a more detailed description of the position. Neither the job description nor the JDQ constitutes an employment agreement. Both are subject to change as the needs of the County and requirements of the job change.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Responsible for permit intake. Reviews building, environmental management, driveway connection and submittal applications for completeness. Provides initial consultation with homeowners and new contractors to explain the sequence of the permitting process. Determines types of review for combo/building and environmental applications for site built homes, flood letters, soil test, energy form, et cetera. Checks submitted flood letters to determine if property is in a flood zone and ensures that proper documentation is submitted in accordance with County Code if property is identified as such. Reviews soil tests for pipe clay and special foundation requirements. Checks site plans for limits on clearing, setbacks, dimensions of the property, et cetera. Ensures approved sewage disposal system is provided. Checks building plans to make sure they are complete and include: elevations, foundation, electrical, plumbing, wall sections and mechanical plans. Ensures that the information for the environmental section of the building application is complete and corresponds with features shown on site plan. Reviews environmental projects for appropriate concurrency/project status along with owner's affidavits, check lists, narratives, properly sealed sets of plans with proper signatures, correct property tax identification numbers. Calculates and collects fees. Initiates permit activities in the electronic permit tracking system and determines appropriate staff to receive permit package and routes accordingly. Establishes type of mobile home permit required by reviewing permit application information to determine if permit is for mobile home replacement. Initiates, processes, and approves quick turn permits that are approved. Identifies whether demolition permits are in a historic preservation area. Monitors permit status through quality control reports and report status of permits in system.

Responsible for issuing permits. Compiles the permit package with the proper documentation, enters the required building and environmental data into PETS. Confirms fees, call clients and schedules appointments. Advises customer(s) during visit of legal requirements concerning posting and security of permits and other documents on the job site. Answers general and technical questions from the public as well as from building construction contracts regarding the building and environmental permitting processes including policies and procedures. Responds to telephone calls. Provides the status of permits under review. Conducts quality assurance check of permitting status in electronic permit tracking system to ensure all permitting routes have been completed and statuses updated before issuing an approved permit.

Maintains active building, environmental, driveway connection and septic system permit application files, records, and other related documents. Coordinates with Leon County Health Unit of the State Health Department, Building Inspection, Environmental Review, and Development Services, to ensure all completed application documentation is forwarded to the proper files after making appropriate quality checks. Files all applications and related materials in a comprehensive filing system for easy retrieval.

Performs customer service activities. Answers general and technical inquiry questions regarding the permit process and requirements. Routes other questions to the appropriate department staff. Provides appropriate permit forms to applicants. Ensures forms are available for distribution. Informs clients of pending changes in permit procedures, requirements, and fees.

OTHER IMPORTANT OR MARGINAL DUTIES

Performs other related duties and support activities. Serves as back up on telephone. Collects fees for services provided. Provides backup to building inspection to ensure inspection reports left on the IVRS are scheduled.

DIFFICULTY

Makes overall judgment that involves the application of standard office procedures and guidelines through County policies. The flow of work requires frequent planning for deadlines compounded by the flow of customer traffic, phone calls and co-worker interruptions.

RESPONSIBILITY

Supervision Received: Work involves the application of established guidelines.

Supervision of Others

Employees in positions assigned to this class are non-supervisory.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CUSTOMER CONTACT

Work involves regular and frequent contact with all types of people within and outside the organization, representing the County in the interpretation of policies, procedures, and practices. These contacts are necessary to the operation of the organizational unit and require demonstrated human relations skills.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS USED

Personal computer, fax and adding machine and data base software.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed mainly indoors at a desk in one confined location occasional walking, lifting, and reaching.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of building and environmental permitting process.

Knowledge of Environmental Health septic tank permits process.

Knowledge of building construction and land development procedures.

Skills in computers and applications in a local network environment.

Skills in customer service and client assistance including interpersonal communication.

Ability to deal with irate clients.

Ability to deal with complex and inter-related permitting and regulatory issues relating to land development.

Ability to effectively explain the permitting process and to assist clients with the process.

Ability to effectively organize, prioritize, understand and meet deadlines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires a high school diploma or an equivalent with two years of responsible administrative and/or clerical experience involving public contact, preferable in a construction industry related area; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

All Leon County employees (regular full-time and part-time, OPS, and PRN) are required to work before, during and after a Declared Local State of Emergency (DLSOE). Participation is considered a condition of employment.

Selection Guidelines

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check.

FLSA STATUS

Position is non-exempt. Work involves the performance of permit issuance work.

Revision History

October 1, 1997, January 12, 2000, June 17, 2002; January 10, 2003; October 1, 2005.