Permits Specialist

Job Summary: The primary duty of the Permits Specialist is to handle administrative duties for three main job functions – accepting, processing, issuing, and closing building permits; processing and issuing certificates of occupancy; and assigning and managing house number addressing.

Essential Functions

Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Meets with contractors and citizens concerning the building permit process. Answers questions on zoning and provides appropriate forms or documents.

Responsible for creating and maintaining permit files. Tasks include accepting applications from customers; calculating fees; entering permit information and fees into tracking software; routing applications and documents to appropriate agencies and staff; notifying applicants of progress or issues; keeping track of approvals; and filing inspection reports.

Prepares and issues approved permits.

Prepares and issues temporary and final certificates of occupancy. Follows up as necessary to finalize temporary certificates of occupancy.

Notifies property owners and appropriate agencies of new addresses assigned by DPHZ.

Verifies that contractor's licenses are current and valid.

Balances monetary transactions at the end of each day and submits required reports.

Prepares and distributes monthly and annual reports on issued permits as required.

Works in coordination with staff and governmental agencies to complete assigned tasks.

Clerks the Construction Trades Board

Performs other duties as required.

Supervision: The position reports to the Office Manager. Position does not supervise staff.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:

Communication and Persuasion: Ability to communicate with end users, to gain cooperation and understanding of programs and processes.

Customer Service: Ability to assist and support constituents in a timely and pleasing manner.

Analytical Thinking: Ability to think things through from an analytical perspective.

Detail Orientation: Ability to update information for users as it relates to instructions and directions, which are clear and concise and easy to understand.

Flexibility: Ability to deal with complex and varied work, requiring a complete knowledge of a wide variety of operations and practices consistently using independent judgment.

Technical Skills: Ability to understand Kent County permit and land use ordinance processes and procedures and applying them accurately and in a consistent manner.

Decision Making: Ability to exercise strong decision making and good judgement as decisions made impact the entire system and department.

Computer Related Skills: Ability to work with software packages, the cause and effect of data and information shared and designed.

Computer Related Skills: Ability to work with MS Office and other software packages, including basic internet use.

Education and Experience:

Requires Associate's Degree.

Two years relevant experience.

Or equivalent technical training, education or experience.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Work is conducted in an office setting with comfortable lighting, temperature and air conditions. The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of paper, books, or other materials (up to 20 pounds) may be required.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g. use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire regulations.