Building Permit​/Development Services Representative

Are you experienced in permitting, construction, development, municipal services, or customer service? The City of Crystal Lake is seeking a highly organized and customer-focused professional to serve as our Development Services Representative in the Community Development Department.

This is more than a traditional permit clerk position. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting permitting operations, development review processes, departmental administration, and customer service initiatives while receiving cross-training in multiple Community Development functions.

This position serves as the first point of contact for residents, contractors, builders, developers, architects, business owners, and property owners seeking assistance with permits, zoning regulations, development applications, inspections, and property maintenance requirements. The ideal candidate enjoys helping customers navigate complex processes, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and can confidently communicate with both the public and construction professionals.

• Assist residents, contractors, builders, developers, architects, and business owners with permit applications, zoning requirements, development review procedures, inspection processes, and property maintenance regulations.
• Review permit and development applications for completeness and accuracy.
• Receive, process, and track building permits, zoning applications, planning applications, and related submissions.
• Enter and maintain accurate permit and application information within the City's land management system (Accela).
• Route applications and supporting documents through the review and approval process.
• Respond to inquiries regarding permit status, inspections, property maintenance requirements, zoning regulations, and department procedures.

• Provide exceptional customer service by phone, email, and in person.
• Explain municipal processes and requirements clearly and professionally to customers with varying levels of experience.
• Assist with records management and departmental file maintenance.
• Assist in compiling records and documentation for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
• Support Community Development staff with administrative projects and daily operations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong customer service and public interaction skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize permit and land management software systems.

• Municipal permitting
• Building permit administration
• Community development
• Planning and zoning
• Construction administration
• Building inspection coordination
• Local government operations

Knowledge of construction terminology, building permits, zoning regulations, inspections, development processes, or municipal code administration is highly desirable.

Experience with Accela or similar permit/land management software is a plus.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Customer service experience required.
• Municipal government, permitting, construction, planning, zoning, development, inspection, or related experience preferred.

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Anticipated starting salary is $27.53 per hour with a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision and life insurance, participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), paid time off, holidays and a 457 Plan. The full salary range is $27.53-$39.64.

Qualified candidates should submit a completed employment application, letter of interest, and resume.

Final offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation and drug screening.

Applications will be reviewed as received. This position will remain open until filled.