Permit Specialist

Job Title

Houston Permitting Center/Code Enforcement/Plan Review

Accepting applications from: All persons interested

Reporting location: 1002 Washington Ave

Workdays & hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm (Subject to change)

Description of Duties/Essential Function

Performs professional administrative support and leads Permit Technician Aides and Permit Technicians in the acceptance, review and dissemination of a wide variety of building permit applications and documents.

• Receives, reviews and evaluates permit applications, construction plans and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy and conformance with building codes and other applicable requirements.
• Pre-screens plans for accuracy, contacts customers for any needed documents/information, performs final review of application and related documents, and routes commercial and residential plans for review and inspection.
• Processes plans in and out of the system, performs setup revisions and reviews deferred submittals.
• Answers questions from customers on the progress of permits at all stages and advises applicants of information and submittals needed at locations to have requirements checked.
• Provides guidance to Permit Technician Aides and Permit Technicians; may schedule and review work to ensure effective and efficient processing of applications.
• Recognizes and resolves permit system issues and submits Service Now Tickets as needed.
• Creates and prepares various administrative documents and statistical/performance reports.
• Determines and calculates various permit and plan fees.
• Understands the functions of all sections requiring permits, such as Water, Planning, Flood, Storm HAS, Traffic, Fire, Sprinklers, Haz-Mat, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Health-Food and Health-Pool. Understands general construction principles and practices.
• May educate the public on permit application process at community and outreach programs.
• Performs other related duties as requested.

Working conditions: The position is physically comfortable most of the time with occasional periods of stooping, bending and/or light lifting of materials of up to 10 pounds. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially a normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

This is a Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier III Level.

Minimum Requirements

Education requirements: Requires a high school diploma or a GED.

Experience: Three years of experience as a Permit Technician/Permit Technician Aide, with at least one year as a Permit Technician, are required. An Associate's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the experience requirement. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may substitute for the education and experience requirements.

Preferences

Preference will be given to candidates that are proficient in the following systems: iPermits, PDox and ILMS. Knowledge of how to research using GIMS, HCAD and HAS.

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

General Information

Selection/Skills Tests Required: None However, the department may administer a skills assessment evaluation.

Safety Impact Position: No

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

Pay Grade 16

Application Procedures Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you need special services or accommodations, call View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY 7-1-1). If you need login assistance or technical support call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process. All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided. Must be able to pass a criminal background check, obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required. EOE Equal Opportunity Employment. The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.