Building Department Clerk/Permit Tech Job Kalispell area,Montana USA,Administrative/Clerical

Position Overview

The Building Department Clerk/Permit Tech reports to the Development Services Director and works under the supervision of the Building Official. The role involves processing building, plumbing, mechanical, and zoning permits, managing associated fees, maintaining records, and serving as a primary customer contact at the City of Kalispell’s Building Department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (90%)

Provide general zoning, building, and related code information to permit applicants and the public, and guide applicants in completing permit applications and forms.

Collect fees for permits issued, impact fees, water and sewer connection fees; enter data into monthly spreadsheets; prepare monthly permit, sewer, water, and census reports; distribute reports and correspondence.

Receive building code or land use questions at the counter, by phone, fax, or e‑mail and direct them to the appropriate person.

Maintain a ledger for all department transactions; write receipts, accept fees, assign fees to the proper accounting line, reconcile receipts, and prepare and file vouchers.

Process permit applications by reviewing submittals, accepting complete applications, logging applications, routing to appropriate review staff, preparing permits for issuance, issuing permits after verification, and collecting certificate of occupancy sign‑offs from other departments.

Maintain files, including the master address file system and address files for owners, contractors, architects, and engineers; create and maintain accurate permit records; compile and maintain data on permitting activity such as permit types, revenue, inspections, deficiencies, and conditions.

Apply and analyze the permitting system and program, recommending changes to improve the process.

Ensure that policies and procedures are followed in the receipt, routing, and processing of applications; prepare, maintain, and store documents, records, files, and logs related to permit activity.

Schedule inspections and maintain an inspection activity log; pull appropriate paperwork prior to inspection, post inspection comments, and re‑file paperwork; coordinate the permitting process with the building official, inspectors, planners, engineers, fire inspectors, and other agency staff.

Verify assigned building addresses with GIS.

Perform research on codes, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to evaluate and recommend improvements; research problems and complaints regarding buildings, construction, and code compliance.

Assist in resolving complex and sensitive customer service issues, either in person, by telephone, or in writing; maintain records and documents of customer service issues and resolutions.

Serve as administrative backup for Planning and Building Department staff during absences of the Office Supervisor/Administrative Coordinator; occasionally provide back support to the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, the Technical Advisory Committee, and other special planning or building committees.

Answer multi‑line phone calls and assist walk‑in customers.

Peripheral Duties (10%):

Purchase and record books, office supplies, and equipment.
Assist other staff within the Planning and Building Department.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received:
The work is performed under the general direction of the Development Services Director and specifically under the supervision of the Building Official.

Supervision Exercised:
There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position.

Desired

Minimum Requirements

High school graduation or GED equivalent with specialized coursework in general office practices such as typing, accounting, and data processing.
Two years’ experience in an office environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA’s)

Working knowledge of computers, program applications, and electronic data processing.
Working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
Knowledge of spreadsheets, report generation, and word processing.
Knowledge of general ledger accounting principles.
Skill in operating listed tools and equipment.
Ability to perform arithmetic computations accurately and quickly.
Abil…

Building Department Clerk​/Permit Tech

Building Department Clerk/Permit Tech