Permit Technician

The County of Galveston; United States; On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Galveston is seeking a Permit Technician to provide technical, administrative, and customer service support for Floodplain Management. This role acts as primary contact for homeowners, contractors, developers, engineers, and the public regarding permitting requirements and inspections.

The ideal candidate communicates clearly, stays organized in a fast-paced office, handles multiple priorities, and maintains accurate records while guiding applicants through steps and requirements.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Public-facing customer service or administrative experience preferred.
• Ability to explain regulations and procedures clearly.

Responsibilities

• Answer calls and greet customers; direct inquiries to appropriate staff.
• Assist with permitting procedures, development requirements, and inspections.
• Review, process, and track floodplain permit applications and fees.
• Verify applications for completeness and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate permit reviews with other departments and staff.
• Maintain permit files and generate routine reports.
• Develop professional relationships with the public and professionals.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Customer service

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Computer proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Office software

Job 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 next steps.
• 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 as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• 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 and understandably.
• 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 to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to interpret and apply established codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and remain calm and professional when dealing with challenging situations.
• Proficiency with computers, standard office software, databases, email, and other electronic systems.
• 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 GED equivalent.
• Previous experience in a public-facing customer service or administrative position is highly desirable. One year of experience working with construction plans, building codes, or closely related experience preferred.

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

The County of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

The County of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.