Public Works Permits & Front Desk Specialist

Munis Self Service; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free employee health insurance

Thirteen paid holidays

Sick, vacation, and personal leave

Life, dental, vision and income insur.

Retirement plans including pension

Recreation facilities access

Fitness Reimbursement

Professional development discounts

Job summary

The City of Portland is seeking a versatile professional to drive front-office operations for the Public Works Department in Portland, ME. You will manage the end-to-end permit and inspection pipeline—from intake to issuance—while maintaining high administrative standards.

Responsibilities include client assistance, processing permit applications, coordinating inspections, and maintaining records with proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic permitting software.

Qualifications

• Experience in similar support services role with clerical/secretarial/admin duties.
• Working knowledge of modern office practices, funds handling and computer applications.
• Knowledge of arithmetic and basic accounting principles.
• Strong business English; ability to compose correspondence.
• Ability to act independently in absence of management.
• Experience with digital records archiving systems (Scanning).
• Ability to build effective relationships with staff and public; handle public relations diplomatically.
• Excellent written, interpersonal and customer relations skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Represent the department and city with high-level customer service.
• Assist issuing of permits by processing applications and educating customers on requirements.
• Verify approvals, obtain licenses, calculate fees, accept payments, issue permits.
• Assist public with completing applications and tracking status.
• Support inspectors by coordinating requests and handling clerical duties.
• Prepare letters and memos from general instructions.

Skills

Clerical experience

Office software

Microsoft Office

Customer service

Policy understanding

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

The City of Portland is seeking a versatile professional to drive front-office operations for the Public Works Department in Portland, ME. You will manage the end-to-end permit and inspection pipeline—from intake to issuance—while maintaining high administrative standards.

Responsibilities include client assistance, processing permit applications, coordinating inspections, and maintaining records with proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic permitting software.