Permit Technician

Starting Pay

$22.92/hour. Increases to $24.01/hour after six months.

This role is ideal for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and committed to helping customers navigate important processes. As a Permit Technician, you serve as the first point of contact for contractors, homeowners, and businesses seeking building permits. Your work ensures that applications are complete, accurate, and processed efficiently—supporting safe, timely development across the community.

In this role, you will:

• Deliver clear, professional customer service to permit applicants.
• Explain requirements, processes, and online portal use.
• Process and track permits, applications, and licenses with accuracy.
• Coordinate inspection schedules and support building inspectors with field reports.
• Use sound judgment to resolve routine issues and keep projects moving.

This position is well-suited for someone who thrives in a fast-paced office environment, enjoys problem-solving, and wants a stable career in public service.

Enjoy a generous package of perks including:

• Competitive Benefits: 14.5 paid holidays (including 2 personal days), vacation and sick leave, health insurance, and an excellent pension plan.
• Dedicated Health Center: Free employee and dependent care services including checkups, labs, chronic condition management, and many prescriptions.

Customer Service & Public Interaction

• Serve as the primary contact for the Building Inspections Division by phone, email, and in person.
• Provide accurate information on permit requirements, forms, and online processes.
• Address public inquiries, resolve routine issues, and follow up on missing information, expired permits, or stop-work notices.
• Communicate professionally with inspectors and coordinate daily inspection schedules.

Permit Processing & Administrative Support

• Process and track permits, applications, licenses, petitions, and related documents.
• Manage electrical/mechanical license renewals and coordinate homeowner electrical exams.
• Maintain accurate data in the online permit system and ensure all documents are correctly classified and recorded.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, agendas, minutes, and statistical summaries.
• Assist with payroll processing and maintain organized filing systems.

Internal Coordination & Office Operations

• Manage incoming and outgoing mail.
• Provide updates to other City departments on activities affecting their operations.
• Support building inspectors and the Building Official with field report documentation and general administrative tasks.

Needed Knowledge & Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Accurate alpha-numeric data entry (minimum 5000 keystrokes/hour at 90% accuracy).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows-based systems.
• Knowledge of office practices, policies, and multi-line phone systems.
• Ability to work professionally with the public, including during challenging interactions.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.

Desired Training & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior office or customer service experience.
• Coursework in office practices or a related field preferred.
• Ability to obtain an ICC Permit Technician Certification within one year.

Sponsorship for Employment

The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis.

Examination Process

• Data Entry Test: All applicants must take an alpha-numeric data entry test. A speed of 5000 keystrokes per hour with at least 90% accuracy is required for this position. The data entry test will be graded on a pass‑fail basis.
• Written Examination: Applicants who pass the data entry test will be required to take a written examination tailored to this position. Applicants are required to score at least 70.00%.
• Oral Interview: Applicants passing the written test must pass an oral interview with a minimum score of 70.00%.
• Veteran Points: Applicants passing the written test and oral interview may be eligible to receive 5.00 veteran preference points added to their final examination…