Permit Technician

Permit Technician

The City of Aiken is accepting applications for a Permit Technician to join our Building Inspections division.

Examples of duties include:

• Receives calls and emails and provides information to customers on the permit application process and permit approval status
• Assists customers in submitting applications for building permits
• Responsible for the initial processing of permit applications, including receipt, date stamping, data entry, preliminary review, distribution, and filing
• Reviews applications and submissions for completeness
• Distributes applications to and coordinates the review process with other departments according to division procedures and monitors the status of permit applications during the review process
• Verifies the contractor's state licenses are active and meet state requirements for the projects applied for with a permit application
• Approves and issues basic subcontractor permits as assigned; issues building permits approved by the Building Official or his designee
• Calculates application fees and provides fee breakdowns to customers in writing as necessary
• Collects and receives re-inspection fees and fees for permits; accounts for and deposits monies received by the division; maintains various fiscal records
• Enters, receives, and stores permit and inspection data on a computer
• Schedules and coordinates inspection requests received by phone, email, and in-person; maintains inspection logbook
• Receives, determines, and resolves complex citizen requests, problems, or complaints; works with department heads to resolve problems
• Respond to public inquiries by email and phone and complete requests for information and documentation, such as certificates of occupancy and inspection reports
• Operates a computer and software to type documents, input and retrieve data, and generate a variety of reports; compiles statistical reports regarding division activity for City staff and customers
• Maintains accurate record keeping and filing systems; organizes, develops, and implements procedures for recording and filing various forms and reports; cross-indexes and files documents and correspondence alphabetically, numerically, or by other designated classification
• Performs receptionist duties; greets public entering the office and offers assistance; answers telephone and takes messages, forwards to the appropriate party, or responds to questions, concerns, or complaints from knowledge of departmental procedures
• Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with other City departments, outside vendors, and the general public contacted in the course of work; attends meetings; prepares correspondence and other documents as needed
• Types correspondence, memoranda, reports, and other documents pertinent to the division from written notes or verbal instruction; proofreads and corrects documents; composes letters, memoranda, reports, and procedures

Minimum qualifications include:

• High School diploma or equivalent and two-year college or technical/vocational school degree
• Four to five years of progressively responsible clerical experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certification is desirable
• Interpersonal skills necessary to be pleasant and helpful to citizens and vendors and courteous of fellow employees while performing duties
• Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail with constant breaks in concentration associated with answering phones or speaking in person to citizens requiring assistance

Supplemental information:

This position is subject to a criminal background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate. The City of Aiken is an Equal Opportunity Employer and drug-free workplace.

Full-time benefits include: Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance, life insurance (5x salary), flex health spending account, short-term disability, an employee wellness program, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, paid parental leave, participation in a Defined Contribution 401(a) Retirement Plan, and South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program.

Paid holidays include:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• Day after Christmas (Dec. 26th)
• Employee's Birthday
• Floating holiday (must be on payroll prior to January 1st)

Retirement: Full-time employees participate in the Defined Contribution 401(a) Retirement Plan. After one year of employment, the employee will begin contributing 6% to the Plan, with the City making a matching 6% contribution. Employees are fully vested after 5 years of service.