This is a front desk position requiring professionalism, tact, courtesy, firmness in extensive public contact and the ability to multi-task efficiently.

Job Summary

The Permits Technician performs specialized administrative and record-keeping work to support the building permit process and building inspections function for Vance County. An employee in this class provides a variety of responsible administrative and record-keeping duties in support of the building inspections and permitting process for Vance County including the City of Henderson. The employee provides information to developers, contractors, and homeowners regarding the building permit process, receives building permit applications, routes applications, accepts applicable fees, assigns permit numbers, issues approved permits, and tracks permits. Work also includes greeting the public, data entry, establishing computer and paper records, scheduling inspections, and documenting citizen complaints for investigation. Clerical and recordkeeping duties are considered at the journey level and require tact and courtesy and firmness in extensive public contact. Work requires a working knowledge of regulations and codes, considerable knowledge of building permit procedures, and the ability to interpret requirements to contractors, property owners, and the general public. Work is performed under the supervision of the Planning and Development Director and is evaluated through observation, conferences, quality of the work completed and feedback from the public. 

Essential Job Functions

• Answers telephone and greets visitors; gathers and provides information based on knowledge of programs and procedures; uses tact and discretion to deal with difficult and angry customers.
• Provides assistance to the public for obtaining electrical, mechanical, plumbing, building, fire and special permits: interviews customers to determine what type of permit or license is needed; provides appropriate applications and addenda, compiles necessary information to complete permit, verifies contractor's licenses are current and appropriate for the work to be done; ensures necessary development reviews, health department permits, etc. have been obtained.
• Issues building permits upon approval of applications; collects applicable fees, provides receipts, and compiles daily transactions reports; schedules building and fire inspections, and re-inspections; types associated correspondence.
• Assists customers and contractors with power connections; contacts power company to connect applicant’s service.
• Compiles forms, permits, notices, licenses, or form letters with designated or routine information; records data from approved building permit applications for the issuance of permits, receipts, and control numbers.
• Maintains record of permits issued; enters permits, inspections, and re-inspections information into computer and creates and maintains hard copy files with applications, inspection reports, etc. and retrieves filed materials based on knowledge of departmental activities; prints inspectors’ daily inspection schedule.
• Summarizes information and selects data from varied sources to prepare records and reports.
• Answers calls and takes complaints on compliance issues; interviews complainant to obtain information on issue, location, etc; documents complaint and gives to Environmental Codes Enforcement Officer or other appropriate staff to investigate.
• Provides clerical support for other department staffers with offices located in close proximity.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.