Permit & Licensing Technician

Position Summary

The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of skilled clerical and administrative support tasks in a typical office setting, related to the function and department assigned.

This is an entry-level position in the Development Services department.

• Types, proofreads and processes a variety of documents including general correspondence, forms, memos, statistical charts and specialized documents from drafts, notes, verbal instruction or dictated tapes using a typewriter or word processing or computer equipment; reviews documents for accuracy, completion and conformance to established procedures.
• Utilizes personal computers and computer software to perform word processing and spreadsheet functions; prepares and maintains computerized reports; sorts and files documents and records, maintaining alphabetical, index, and cross‑reference files; assists department with photocopying, assembling materials, and simple clerical work when assigned.
• Answers the telephone, waits on the general public, and provides information related to department and/or city policies and procedures; makes appointments and announces callers.
• Assists in receiving, sorting and distributing incoming and outgoing mail; maintains paper and other supplies stocked in the supply room and by the copy and fax machines; assists in ordering supplies.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co‑workers, other employees, and the public using principles of good customer service; promotes and represents the City to the public in a friendly, helpful, and professional manner.
• Processes permits (from application to issuance phase), receives/reviews for completeness, forwards contractor registration/application plans and fees sequentially to all appropriate departments; confirms contractor has current insurance and license.
• Issues permits if everything is complete, schedules inspections, provides permitting information by phone or e‑mail; serves as a liaison with the public, members of the department and contractors; treats every resident, employee or contractor as if he/she is a customer in his/her own privately owned business; serves as backup for other staff, if needed.
• Assists in the billing and tracking payment of building permits, certificate of completion, certificates of occupancy and open permit searches.
• Conducts searches of Public Records Request and performs Open Permit Searches as required.
• Identifies and/or recommends cost control measures in the delivery of all services and functions in the department and under the employee’s area of responsibility.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Good knowledge of office practices and procedures including filing and basic record keeping; knowledge of standard office equipment including work processing and computer equipment, copiers, fax machines and printers; knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; knowledge of business letter writing and typing formats; basic mathematics.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; ability to organize and maintain accurate records and files; ability to learn the operation, policy and procedures of the City and the assigned department or office; ability to perform difficult and complex clerical and administrative support work using independent judgment.
• Good knowledge of personal computers, Microsoft Office Word; some knowledge of Microsoft Office Outlook, Access, and construction/permitting software.

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) supplemented by one (1) year related experience issuing permits, credit collections; or any acceptable related combination of training and experience.

• Permit Clerk Certification desirable.

On a continuous basis, sit at desk and/or stand at counter for long periods of time; regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or, in some tasks, touch, and talk or hear; occasionally required to climb or balance; specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus; frequently required to walk; see, hear and talk with the public;

read presented documents; write or use keyboard to communicate through written means; on occasion required to run errands, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, taste or smell; intermittently twist and reach office equipment; lift or carry weight regularly of 10 pounds and on occasion weight of up to 75 pounds.

• There is a one-year probationary period.
• It is the responsibility of the incumbent to maintain their licenses and/or certifications as a job requirement.
• Background screenings are conducted through the Clearinghouse