Building Permit Technician

JOB SUMMARY

The person in this position is responsible for issuing permits for approved construction permit applications and providing general clerical support for both the division and the department.  Responsible for collecting, maintaining and assisting the public with all related documentation necessary for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and grading permit applications in the Building Inspections Division of the Planning and Development Department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as the Department’s first point of contact by engaging with customers across all communication channels including walk-in, phone, email, chat, etc.
• Greets and directs visitors; ensure all visitors sign in by using the visitors’ software system.
• Directs visitors by maintaining employee and department directories.
• Perform ad hoc customer service-related tasks or projects as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability
• Apply best practices in customer service techniques to establish rapport and build positive relationships with residents, business owners, and visitors to the City of Peachtree City.
• Responsible for issuance and/or tracking of all building permits through the permitting process, beginning with the application acceptance, plan review, inspections and permit closure
• Establishes and maintains systems to ensure that all files, letters, reference manuals, field inspection reports, permit files, blueprints, drawings and other data or material is maintained in an organized fashion
• Process permits for approved building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and grading permit applications
• Assures that the application forms are fully completed by the applicant
• Completes the necessary portions of the application forms
• Verifies that applicants are properly licensed.
• Records permit application information in a computerized database
• Verifies that necessary departmental approvals are obtained before issuing permits
• Records permit information, and sends appropriate copies
• Calculates permit fees and submits all calculated fees to the appropriate personnel
• Logs, maintains, and updates permit records on the computerized database
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual permit activity reports for the division
• Communicates with engineers, architects, developers, builders, and citizens over the telephone and in person and directs them to the appropriate personnel

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Must possess solid knowledge of local building code regulations, polices, procedures, and terminology used within the work environment.
• Thorough knowledge of current office practices, methods and procedures.
• Solid knowledge of MS Word.
• Basic knowledge of MS Excel.
• Must possess the ability to positively interact with the other staff members, the general public, contractors, governmental entities, and other clientele.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a diverse group of customers.
• Thorough knowledge of spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Excellent proofreading skills.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and a considerable amount of independent judgment.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of permit processing and plan review requirements in the State of Georgia.
• Knowledge of routine legal procedures as related to the enforcement of laws and ordinances.
• Skill in reading plans and interpreting technical reports.
• Ability to conduct technical research.
• Ability to understand and interpret maps, drawings, specifications and documents.
• Ability to present verbal and written recommendations in a clear and concise manner.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to read and understand deeds, surveys and legal descriptions, and determine whether such records relate to the same property.       
• Knowledge of principles and practices of engineering and physical design.
• Ability to prepare reports, plans and studies and to accurately interpret ordinances and codes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, City personnel, developers, and the public.
• Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with the public.
• Self-directed and self-motivated

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Planning and Development Director assigns work in terms of general instructions. The Director spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include city codes and ordinances, the Georgia State Minimum Standard Construction Codes, and department policies and procedures.  These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied Building and Inspection duties. Strict regulations, combined with the unique nature of each case in question, contribute to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to coordinate the updating and enforcement of city ordinances. Successful performance contributes to the planned and positive development of the city.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, real estate professionals, business leaders, property owners, developers, surveyors, local and state elected officials, architects, engineers, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and negotiate, defend, or settle matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending or crouching.  The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, and distinguishes between shades of color.
• The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt and grease. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a high school graduate or GED.
• Demonstrated work experience interfacing directly with customers to solve customer problems is required.
• Two (2) years experience in secretarial and various office related work or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Municipal experience a plus.
• ICC Permit Technician certification is required within the first 6 months (city-sponsored).

The qualifications listed above represent the credentials necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.  To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.