Permit Technician I

Permit Technician I

Serves as the primary customer service representative for the Planning and Community Development Department by coordinating permit intake, application review, cashiering functions, Certificate of Occupancy processing, and administrative support activities. Provides exceptional customer service while assisting contractors, developers, homeowners, business owners, and the public with permitting, inspections, and applicable municipal regulations.

Essential Job Functions

1. Serves as the department's primary review coordinator by reviewing permit applications for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and departmental requirements. Verifies contractor registrations, licenses, and credentials prior to permit issuance.
2. Serves as the primary office contact for the department, assisting customers in person, by telephone, and via email. Responds to inquiries regarding permits, inspections, Certificate of Occupancies, and applicable City ordinances and regulations.
3. Provides information and guidance to developers, contractors, homeowners, and the general public regarding permitting and inspection processes, software systems, and Certificate of Occupancy requirements. Maintains a thorough working knowledge of applicable City ordinances, adopted building codes, departmental policies, and permitting procedures to accurately interpret and communicate requirements to customers.
4. Processes payments, bonds, refunds, and other financial transactions; handles cash and other forms of payment; reconciles cash drawers; prepares daily deposits, batch settlements, and transaction reports; and researches and resolves insufficient funds transactions.
5. Performs administrative support for the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Code of Appeals, including preparation of agendas and meeting materials, posting notices, maintaining official records and minutes, attending meetings, and completing follow-up actions.
6. Adheres to Hurst's Code of Ideals and The Hurst Way. Fosters positive employee relations and employee morale on a City-wide basis.
7. Performs all other related duties as assigned.
8. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.
9. Maintains dependable, regular, and punctual attendance in accordance with established work schedules and attendance requirements.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Demonstrates exceptional customer service skills and consistently applies the City of Hurst's Code of Ideals in all interactions with City staff, customers, contractors, and the public.
• Skilled in accurately entering, maintaining, reviewing, and verifying detailed information while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain a high level of productivity, accuracy, and customer service while managing frequent interruptions and competing priorities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when responding to customer inquiries and determining when issues require supervisory review.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply building codes, municipal ordinances, policies, and technical documents related to permitting and inspections.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and follow oral and written instructions; exercise sound judgment; follow through on assignments; and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively, both orally and in writing, with the public, City staff, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Proficient in the use of spreadsheet, word processing, and other standard office software applications, with the ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize specialized permitting, inspection, and cashiering software.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, telephones, calculators, copiers, scanners, and printers
• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while performing administrative and computer-based tasks.
• Ability to file, retrieve, and organize records and materials stored in file systems located at various heights.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, coordinate, and complete multiple assignments and tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, department personnel, other City employees, and members of the public.

Minimum Education, Certification, and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required, supplemented by a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible customer service, administrative support, permitting, construction, development services, or closely related experience.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Some college coursework is preferred.
• Experience working with permitting software, land management systems, cashiering software, or other municipal development software is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working in a municipal government, public agency, or regulatory environment is preferred.
• Ability to obtain all department-required Texas Municipal League (TML) certifications, customer-service related training, and any other training courses or certifications deemed necessary by the department within the timeframes established by management.
• Must have access to reliable transportation, regular and punctual attendance, the ability to work evenings and/or weekends as instructed for board/committee meetings, and the ability to work overtime as required.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Must pass a criminal background check and credit check.
• Must have a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy.

Employees may be considered for reclassification to Permit Technician II upon successfully obtaining all of the following certifications, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and receiving departmental recommendation, Human Resources approval, and City Manager approval:

1. International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician Certification
2. Texas Municipal League (TML) Certificate Handling Difficult Customers for Local Government
3. Texas Municipal League (TML) Certificate Successful Customer Interactions

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and communicate effectively by talking and hearing. The employee frequently uses a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other office equipment for extended periods of time. The employee may occasionally be required to stoop, bend, crouch, and lift, carry, push, or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds. The position also requires the ability to file, retrieve, and organize records stored at various heights. Specific vision abilities required for this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment where noise levels are typically moderate. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is infrequently exposed to adverse environmental conditions or disagreeable factors.

Disclaimer

The statements contained herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or skills required. The City reserves the right to modify, amend, or revise this job description at any time to meet organizational needs. This job description does not constitute an employment contract or guarantee of employment and should not be interpreted as creating any contractual rights between the City and the employee.