Department Assistant - Building

Town of Edgartown

Department Assistant-Building | $28.38-$40.39 + $5,000 Sign-on Incentive

The Town of Edgartown is seeking a customer-focused and organized professional to serve as Department Assistant in the Building Department. This 40 hour/week position is full-time/year-round and provides administrative and clerical support for a busy municipal office, assisting residents, contractors, architects, and other stakeholders with permitting, inspections, zoning inquiries, and general department operations. Responsibilities include processing and tracking a variety of building-related permits, scheduling inspections, maintaining departmental records, collecting and reconciling fees, preparing payroll and bill warrants, assisting with budgeting and reporting, and responding to public inquiries regarding construction, zoning, land use, and related regulations.

Position is open until filled, with a priority date of October 30, 2026.

Position is responsible for providing administrative and secretarial support to the Building Department to discharge the duties of the office.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Processes permits and schedules inspections for Building Permits, Plumbing Permits, Gas Permits, Wiring Permits, Certificates of Compliance, Certificates of Inspection, Trailer Permits, Solid Fuel Burning Appliances, and Sign Permits; assists applicants in the application process; explains policies, procedures and regulations;

Receives applications, reviews application and ensures for the accuracy and completeness of forms and information submitted, reviews building plans for completion and zoning compliance;

Receives, records, reconciles and deposits all permit/inspection fees; maintains records for department files;

Answers public inquiries concerning new construction, home improvements, land use, land planning, commercial use of property, status of land, flood plain, handicap access, and zoning;

Answers public complaints concerning such matters as: construction, noise, debris, abandoned vehicles, outdoor display of merchandise, fences, hours of work, handicap accessibility, number of residents, and commercial activities in residential districts;

Interacts with homeowners, contractors, architects, real estate agents, lawyers, law enforcement officials, other town agents, and county and state inspectors/agents to give or receive information regarding department operations;

Performs a variety of administrative tasks, such as payroll, preparing bill warrants, receipts and budgets; prepares other reports relating to land use and permits as required or requested;

Performs routine office tasks such as typing letters, filing, and copying forms;

Performs a variety of related duties.

Under general direction, employee plans and prioritizes the majority of work independently, in accordance with standard practices. Employee is expected to solve most problems of detail or unusual situations by adapting methods or interpreting instructions accordingly. Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines and priorities. Technical and policy issues are discussed with supervisor.

The nature of work means that errors are usually detected in succeeding operations. Consequences of errors, missed deadlines or poor judgment may include time loss caused by back checking by others and slowdowns in…