Permit Technician

DeSoto Board of County Commissioners (FL); Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

DeSoto Board of County Commissioners (FL) seeks a Permit Clerk to perform technical, administrative, and customer service duties related to building permit applications in line with the Florida Building Code and county regulations. You will work under supervision to accept, review, and process permits and maintain accurate records.

The role requires strong communication, ability to multitask in a busy office, and proficiency with permitting software and GIS tools.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; one year of clerical experience, including some direct public contact.
• Experience in permitting, inspection and contractors’ applications, and record keeping is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greet, log in, and direct walk-in customers.
• Route incoming calls using a multi-line telephone.
• Evaluate permit applications for completeness and process permits.
• Enter permitting information into systems and generate reports.
• Issue various permits and ensure correct fee calculation and payments.
• Coordinate with county divisions and external agencies to follow regulations.
• Schedule inspections and handle permit close-outs and Certificates of Occupancy.

Skills

Customer service

Multitasking

Data entry

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

GIS Data viewer

Permitting software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Responsible for performing technical, administrative, and customer service duties related to acceptance, processing, reviewing and approval of building permit applications in accordance with the Florida Building Code and County regulations and procedures. Requires the ability to comprehend and apply operational policy and procedures. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Permit Technician Supervisor and the Building Official.

1. Greets, logs in, and directs walk-in customers per office procedures.
2. Routes incoming calls utilizing a multi-line telephone.
3. Evaluates permit application packets for completeness, and processes applications and plans for permits.
4. Ensures all permitting information is entered correctly into permitting and plans review systems in a timely manner.
5. Issues Building, Manufactured/Mobile Home, Modular, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Swimming Pool, Gas, and Fire Safety permits utilizing permitting software.
6. Ensures all fees are calculated correctly and processes payments. Balances cash drawer.
7. Independently follows up with customers on permitting requirements and issues.
8. Prepares forms and composes letters. Sets up and maintains specialized office files. Files building plans and applications, letters, reports, and related technical information. Opens, prioritizes, and processes mail. Performs billing functions.
9. Uses various PC based software applications to process letters, forms, reports, inspection information, schedules, manuals, requisitions, purchase orders, and related paperwork. Retrieves data for reports.
10. Performs billing functions. Orders and maintains office supplies, and payment of invoices.
11. Uses various PC based software applications to process letters, forms, reports, inspection information, schedules, manuals, requisitions, purchase orders, and related paperwork. Retrieves data for reports.
12. Utilizes GIS Data viewer, Property Appraiser website, etc. to accept, review, and process permit applications.
13. Coordinates with other county divisions, as well as other local and state regulatory agencies to ensure that permitting follows local and state regulations, codes, and statutes.
14. Ensures that contractors applying for permits are current in the system, including licenses, insurance COIs, Workman’s Compensation Exemptions, etc. Maintains data and files accordingly. Processes contractor requests for County registration and requests for Competency Cards.
15. Schedules inspections and relays messages to inspectors.
16. Performs permit close-outs, power release duties, issues Certificates of Occupancy/Completion, and Temporary Certificates, as assigned.
17. Performs permit research, generates reports, and compiles data as requested.
18. Prepares files for archiving, archives and stores files and reports per retention policy, disposes of files and data according to policy at the end of the retention period.

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, with internal and external customers.
• Ability to understand oral and written instructions.
• Knowledge of business English, punctuation, and spelling.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical tasks, including calculation of fees.
• Ability to recognize basic components of building plans, site plans, aerial photographs, and maps.
• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures and record keeping methods.
• Ability to learn assigned tasks and adhere to prescribed practices.
• Ability to perform in stressful situations and multitask in a busy office environment, while receiving the public with considerable poise, tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Ability to make minor decisions according to prescribed policies, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to use office equipment including, but not limited to: multiline telephone systems, personal computers, facsimile machines, calculators, copiers, and scanners.
• Ability to use and learn computer software related to assigned job tasks such as word processing and spreadsheets, permitting programs, email, etc.
• Ability to work independently.

High school diploma or equivalent; one (1) year of clerical experience, including some experience in direct public contact and experience in permitting, inspection and contractors’ applications, and record keeping.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

• ICC Permit Technician Certification desirable.
• Must obtain Notary Public within six (6) months of employment.