Permit Technician I

DEFINITION
Performs responsible office support functions and assists in the routine building and development permit support duties, while learning Town policies and procedures as related to the Building Division. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This position has a high level of interaction with the public.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Building Division supervisory staff, and general direction from the Community and Economic Development Director. May exercise functional and technical supervision over assigned support staff.Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provide customer service by responding to the public, developer, and agency inquiries by phone and at the counter; provide information regarding building, encroachment and grading permit policies and application procedures; and work cooperatively with property owners, contractors, architects, developers, engineers or their representatives to resolve questions regarding permit issuance and permit fees. 
• Review building and engineering plans and specifications for completeness and conformance to application requirements and regulations; ensure that required permits have been obtained; verify contractor licensing; route plans to appropriate departments for review and sign off; track plans and ensures timely returns; prepare and track plan packets for plan check by outside contract services; and compiles plan check comments.
• Calculate, collect and record permit application and plan check fees; coordinate fee collection with staff; issue building, grading, encroachment, and over the counter permits for development projects; and coordinate bond releases with finance staff and contractors.
• Coordinate with outside agencies to ensure all necessary approvals acquired before issuing permits.
• Work closely with Code Compliance Officer on code compliance issues to ensure community concerns are addressed and building code is adhered to.
• Assist in scheduling daily building inspections; assist in monitoring building inspection line; and coordinate utility releases with building inspectors and utility companies.
• Maintain department records, file and other reference materials; compile and disseminate data regarding permit activity and fee collections; prepare and edit correspondence, plan check comments and various technical and statistical reports.
• Establish positive working relationships with building contractors, developers, engineers, representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, associations, Town management and staff, and the public.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Building and municipal code sections as related to permit processes and inspection procedures; various construction methods and terminology; real property description and terminology; basic research methods used in the collection, tabulation, analysis and application of building inspection data. 
• Related departmental policies and procedures.
• Modern office practices, procedures, methods and equipment, including computer systems and software, including specialized permit maintenance systems.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Assist in the update and application of departmental policies and procedures related to building code.
• Read, interpret and review plans, blueprints and supporting documentation; interpret, apply and explain applicable laws, codes and regulations.
• Use initiative and sound judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Organize, direct, coordinate and carry out assigned functions and activities.
• Compile and maintain complex and extensive records, analyze and compile technical and statistical information, and prepare detailed reports.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision and shift priorities as needed.
• Problem solve and evaluate alternative solutions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work cooperatively with other departments, Town officials and outside agencies; facilitate cooperation in pressured or confrontational situations.
• Represent Department and Town as required with diplomacy and tact.
• Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies, laws and regulations.
• Operate and use modern office equipment, including computer equipment and software.
• Maintain confidential data and information.
• Utilize a computer and type at a speed necessary for adequate performance of assigned duties.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types 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. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.