Permit Technician / Planning Assistant

Halifax County Administration

Permit Technician / Planning Assistant

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Grade 11

General Definition of Work

The Permit Technician performs clerical, administrative, and technical work in County’s permit processing, building/code enforcement, zoning and inspection programs. The position is the first point of public contact, assisting citizens with permit applications, verifying contractor and property information, scheduling inspections, maintaining records, supports inspection scheduling and fee collection, and preparing reports for local and state agencies. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Finance Director.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

Assists citizens, contractors, and developers with building and zoning permit applications. Reviews applications for accuracy and completeness. Verifies contractor licenses (DPOR/BPOL), property ownership via WebGIS, and tax status prior to permit issuance. Schedules, tracks, and closes inspections; issues Certificates of Occupancy as authorized. Prepares erosion and sediment (E&S) permits, extensions, and reissues as approved. Maintains and updates contractor and permit records in Tyler Munis. Assigns and reports new 911 addresses in coordination with appropriate departments. Tracks short-term rental permits and renewals, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. Process payment for subdivision plats. Assist with facilitating Planning Commission agendas and meeting packets. Assist Planning/Zoning Administrator with meeting materials. Assist Strategic Programs Coordinator with joint meeting as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of permitting procedures, recordkeeping, and customer service practices; general knowledge of building and zoning regulations; ability to learn and apply applicable codes and ordinances; skill in the use of computers and related software, including Microsoft Office and permitting systems (Tyler Munis preferred); ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, property owners, coworkers, and the general public. If the applicant is already certified to issue building permits in Virginia, you could qualify for Senior Permit Technician.

Education and Experience

Certification as a Permit Technician from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) or the ability to obtain within 18 months required. Two (2) years of experience in permitting, building, or zoning administration preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

High school diploma or GED required; associate degree in business, public administration, or a related field preferred.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently; work regularly requires sitting, speaking, hearing, and using hands to handle or operate office equipment; work occasionally requires standing, walking, or reaching with arms and hands; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and reviewing written and electronic documents; work is generally performed in an office environment.

Special Requirements

Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Obtain 16 C.E.U credits every two years for Permit Tech Certification.

Interested applicants should send a completed County application by first-class mail or hand delivery to:

Halifax County Administration

ATTN: Permit Technician/Planning Assistant
CONFIDENTIAL
P.O. Box 699
Halifax, Virginia 24558

Electronic submissions may be submitted to ncs@co.halifax.va.us. County application forms may be obtained at https://www.halifaxcountyva.gov/213/Halifax-County-Job-Openings

For further information, please call (434) 476-3300.

Halifax County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Substance Abuse testing and background checks are required prior to employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person