Permit Technician (Investigations)

City-of-Houston,-T; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Houston is seeking a Permit Technician Aide to support the Houston Permitting Center’s permitting operations. Under supervision, you will review and process building permit applications, explain codes and procedures, and maintain accurate permit files.

Responsibilities include handling 311 cases, preparing documents, assisting customers via email, live chat and phone, and coordinating with IT on system issues. A high school diploma or GED and relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• Two years' experience as a Permit Technician Aide or in customer service.
• An Associate degree may be substituted for the experience requirement.
• Experience with ILMS/iPermits, ProjectDox, lnfor or similar systems.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• ICC Permit Technician certification or willingness to obtain within six months.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience using live chat or CX software (Oracle Service Cloud or MS Dynamics).

Responsibilities

• Process 311 cases related to permitting and code enforcement.
• Prepare and process administrative permit documents and logs.
• Provide guidance and customer support via email, live chat and phone.
• Provide technical support and liaison between IT and customers regarding permitting systems.

Skills

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Strong communication skills

Customer service experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

ILMS/iPermits

ProjectDox

lnfor

Oracle Service Cloud

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Accepting Applications from: All Persons Interested

Service Line/Section: Houston Permitting Center/Code Enforcement & Compliance/Investigations

Reporting Location: 601 Sawyer St., Suite #110*

Workdays & Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm*

Subject to change*

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Under the general supervision, preforms a variety of paraprofessional support involved in the acceptance, review, and dissemination of a wide variety of building permit applications and documents. Provides information to customers on building permit requirements, codes, ordinances and inspection procedures.

• Process 311 Cases - City of Houston citizens have the right to report concerns in their community. The Investigations section investigates 311 reports for possible violations regarding: Unpermitted construction, Occupancy Violations, Multi Family Habitability Violations, Unregulated Residential Facilities and Donation Box Violations.


• Prepares and processes administrative documents - Uses knowledge of the department's operations, policies, procedures, codes, regulations and ordinances. Records, logs, compiles and maintains various permit related files, data, documents, plans and reports.


• Provide guidance and customer support - respond to inquiries for general information on permitting processes and procedures through email, live chat and over the phone. Assist with the release of holds and other project issues.


• Technical Support - Liaise between IT staff and customers to resolve technical issues with permitting systems and/or facilitate remedies.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position is physically comfortable most of the time with occasional periods of stooping, bending and/or light lifting of materials up to 10 pounds. Requires the ability to make coordinated gross motor movements in response to changing external stimuli within moderately demanding tolerances.

This is a Department of Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier Ill level.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a high school diploma or a GED.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Twoyearsof experience as a Permit Technician Aide or in customer service are required.

An Associate degree may be substituted for the experience requirement.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

NonePreference will be given to candidates that have the following knowledge, skills, and experience:

• Experience using ILMS/iPermits, ProjectDox, lnfor, or similar electronic permitting, and plan review systems.


• Bilingual in English and Spanish


• International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certification or willing to obtain certification within six months of employment


• Strong communication skills, including written and verbal skills


• Experience using live chat or customer experience (CX) software, such as Oracle Service Cloud or Microsoft Dynamics.

**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 15

EOE Equal Opportunity Employment

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.