Permit Specialist

Job Title

Performs technical clerical work in the issuance of building permits and in limited interpretation of the NC Building Code and codes related to zoning, minimum housing, and nuisance abatement.

Distinguishing Features of Class

An employee in this class serves as the permit specialist for the Inspections Department. Emphasis of the work is on providing customer service in absence of inspection officials and issuing building permits and administrative support and coordination for a variety of operations. Position requires a considerable degree of public contact, initiative in absence of a supervisor, independent judgment, and discretion. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Inspections and is evaluated on the basis of attainment of individual performance objectives, accuracy and volume of work, and feedback from citizens and construction industry personnel and others. This is a nonsupervisory classification.

Illustrative Examples of Work

Provides clerical and technical support for technical inspections staff; records applications for inspections and collects fees; records results of inspections and creates and maintains a centralized record of inspections; dispatches information and requests for service by telephone or radio

Provides information to the public in response to questions about inspections, permits, reviews, and procedures; refers technical questions to inspections staff

Balances daily receipts for building permits against day-end financial reports

Collects and interprets data for records and producing reports

Maintains case files for new construction and renovations as well as files related to issues of zoning, minimum housing codes, nuisance abatement, and related files

Operates standard office equipment, including use of word processing, spreadsheet and microcomputer equipment

Performs related work as required

Physical Requirements

Work in this class is generally sedentary. Work requires the ability to see, hear, talk, and the physical ability to move about the office. Work requires dexterity in the hands for typing and operation of standard office equipment. Visual acuity is necessary to read handwritten and typewritten materials and to operate a computer terminal.

Working Conditions

This position is primarily sedentary in a controlled office environment without atmospheric variables

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of standard office practices and procedures, computers and word-processing equipment, and clerical techniques

Knowledge of business English, spelling, and arithmetic

Knowledge and understanding of the inspections processes and purpose

Knowledge and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)

Ability to type at a reasonable rate of speed and make arithmetical calculations

Ability to communicate effectively with the public, building officials, and contractors

Ability to establish effective working relationships with contractors, architects, land owners, engineers, attorneys, division staff, and the general public

Ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to acquire knowledge of the policies, procedures, and services of the inspections functions

Ability to keep moderately complex records and prepare reports from such records

Ability to acquire knowledge of technical detail in relation to department policy and interpretation of the NC Building Code

Ability to provide clerical support for a variety of operations

Ability to work independently on responsible or confidential assignments

Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or GED equivalency and 3-5 years clerical or technical experience in a municipal or county inspections department. Some experience with mapping and permitting software is preferred.

Special Requirements

North Carolina Driver License and certification as a Notary Public may be required.