Permit Technician

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary purpose of this position is to provide superior customer service support to the general public via phone, email and in-person and accept and process all permits issued by the City. This position requires a consistently high level of customer service and tact while providing technical guidance and assistance to the public and a variety of groups on planning matters. The Permit Technician is often operating in a busy

environment with a high volume of customers and must possess integrity, dependability, time management and organizational skills.

The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this position.  Incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are typical of this position.

· Accepts and Processes Permits

· Responds timely to emails, calls and messages regarding permit and inspection procedures; building code regulations; city ordinances; and state and federal law applicable to construction practices.

· Supports the Development Services Department by researching and answering questions pertaining to planning and permitting from citizens, applicants, employees; handling correspondence, making copies, utilizing computer programs and software, generating and distributing reports for the department and assisting other City staff as needed.

· Develop forms necessary for processing of building permit applications. Generate business documents: letters, invoices, permits, reports, spreadsheets, correspondence, messages, emails, faxes as requested.

· Handle cash; Complete cashiering duties by receiving, receipting and recording payments.

· Balance cash drawer and prepare bank deposit daily.

· Develop and prepare customer handouts and detail sheets of departmental procedures; and various types of permit applications for public access and use.

· Intake and review of building permit application to ensure compliance. Process of permit applications and building plans for new construction; distribution of plans as necessary to all associated departments for review.

· Issue assorted permits as directed for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, etc.; calculating correct amount due and scheduling inspections as needed.

· Work with customers and Public Works to identify the availability of utilities.

· Record and file annual reports. Prepare and submit activity reports resulting from building permits.

· Develop forms necessary for processing of building permit applications.

· Maintain complete and accurate project files on all building applications and permits. Maintain complete and accurate records for all permit applications received including filing related documents accurately. Performs file maintenance functions and searches, pulls, and routes files appropriately. Maintain contractor registration files.

· Maintain excellent communication with Utility Billing Clerk and notify of all utility meter sets for new construction projects.

· Provides professional, quality customer service at all times.

· Daily contact with the general public utilizing tact and diplomacy.

· Provides outstanding support and customer service to internal staff and customers by greeting and assisting customers and visitors, answering incoming calls, routing calls to the correct office or person, copying and distributing messages within the office and other departments and making calls for the department in a timely manner.

· Completes numerous administrative services by scheduling appointments, typing proofreading and preparing reports, maintaining department records, maintaining office equipment and supplies, completing numerous clerical and secretarial services.

· Greets and assists customers and city staff as well as manages the flow of information.

· Answers customer questions and provides general assistance with problems, concerns, and inquiries.

· Answers all incoming telephone calls and forwards to the correct party or takes detailed messages and sends via electronic mail to the correct party.

· Responds timely to questions/complaints, researches problems and initiates problem resolutions.

· Provides outstanding support and customer service to internal staff and customers by greeting and assisting customers and visitors, answering incoming calls, routing calls to the correct office or person, copying and distributing messages within the office and other departments and making calls for the department in a timely manner.

· Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with the general public, co-workers and City Officials through excellent customer service and communication skills via phone, fax, email or in person, to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders and address complaints swiftly.

· Performs other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The Permit Technician must have the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks, in a fast-paced environment, simultaneously and independently in a timely manner. The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency of computer operations.

 The Permit Technician must have extremely strong organizational skills, excellent time-management skills and the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with the public and city staff courteously and tactfully, remaining professional at all times. The candidate must possess and continue to possess the ability to follow both written and verbal instructions. The candidate must bear a high level of integrity and dependability.

 ·Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

· Must possess and continue to possess a valid Texas Class C Driver’s License and must have and maintain a good driving record.

· Completion of National Incident Management System (NIMS) training courses as outlined by Emergency Management.

· 1-year experience in municipal permitting preferred.

· Above average computer skills to include extensive spreadsheet and reporting capabilities.

· Ability to effectively listen to and follow directions, both verbal and written, and complete tasks in a timely manner.

· Ability to understand and apply modern office methods; filing and researching skills, excellent grammar and spelling skills, proficient writing and composition skills and excellent public relations skills.

· Have the ability to organize and keep records as well as perform repetitive tasks.

· Ability to multi-task and work well in a busy and demanding environment.

· Ability to work harmoniously and cooperatively with other employees and the public.

· Ability to deal effectively, professionally, and ethically with the public and government officials.

· Skill in interpreting City and state codes, ordinances, and laws, providing comparative analysis.

· Must be able to handle confidential matters with discretion.

General Information:

Reports to: Director of Development Services

The Permit Technician is a full-time FLSA non-exempt position.

 Starting salary is $35,360 to $45,760 annually, DOQ.

 TMRS Retirement. 7% employee contribution with a 2 to 1 employer match. Vested after five years of service. TMRS provides 1x your annual salary in life insurance benefit. Employees are retirement eligible upon vesting and at least age 60 or with 20 years of service credit at any age as well as restricted prior service credit.

 12 paid holidays.

 100% of employee health, dental, vision, life, telehealth, short/long term disability benefits paid. 

 For more information regarding all of the benefits offered by the City of Van Alstyne please review our Summary of Benefits.

 Candidates MUST successfully complete an extensive background check (including credit/criminal history), drug screening and pre-employment physical. All candidates MUST SUBMIT CITY APPLICATION and resume to be considered to: City of Van Alstyne, Attn: Human Resources, 152 N Main Drive, P.O. Box 247, Van Alstyne, Texas 75495-0247.