Office Assistant (Permit Processing)

Salary : $36,038.00 - $41,458.00 Annually

Location : Towson, MD

Job Type : MERIT

Job Number : 01.600 02-25

Department : PERMITS, APPROVALS & INSPECTIONS

Opening Date : 02 / 28 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 14 / 2025 12 : 00 AM Eastern

Pay Schedule I Grade 19, 35 hours per week

A vacancy exists in the Department of Permits, Approvals & Inspections, Permit Processing Section.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

Current and future vacancies occurring in this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note : Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You may attach your transcript(s), certification(s) or license(s) to your application. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and / or education must be submitted with each application.

Examples of Duties

Definition of Responsibility

Under general supervision reviews, processes, and approves electrical, gas and plumbing permits. Performs comprehensive word processing, typing, and other clerical duties in support of an office.

Essential Functions

• Answers high volume of calls relating to permit applications for building, water, plumbing, and electrical permits or licenses.
• Explains and answers inquiries and questions from the general public on the permit process and fees.
• Reviews & approves electrical and gas permits.
• Reviews permits applications.
• Creates (cash & check) receipts for Building Permit Processing payments.
• Ensure all checks are accurately recorded in the Master Accounting tracker.
• Prepare sewer cards for plumbing inspectors.
• Provided assistance with permit application issues.
• Reviews and tracks permit applications.
• Reviews, modifies and inspects forms for compliance with county and state codes
• Will utilize permit software (Accela, CityWorks and geographic information systems (GIS)).
• Originates procedural correspondence such as form letters and routine notices to respond to requests for information.
• Generates and update Excel worksheets
• Sets up and maintains office databases and logs.
• Accesses databases to establish, retrieve, review, update, track, and revise a variety of office records.
• Performs queries and compiles routine reports from various data sources.
• Establishes and maintains confidential alphabetical, chronological, or subject matter files and records.
• Locates, extracts, and summarizes information from files for preparation of reports or to respond to inquiries, routine requests, or complaints.
• Determines release of information according to established procedures and confidentiality.
• Opens, date stamps, and distributes incoming mail to appropriate staff. Greets and directs clients and visitors.
• Responds to inquiries of a routine nature regarding County, department, and / or program policies in person, by telephone, or by regular or electronic mail.
• Collects information regarding more complex inquiries and refers to appropriate staff for follow-up as necessary.
• Operates office machinery, such as computers.

Examples of Other Duties

NOTE : The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent

Plus

One year typing, word processing, or secretarial experience.

Additional experience as described in the essential duties may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education. Additional education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.)

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education

Applicants are required to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and / or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org).

Mail or deliver documents to :

ATTN : Office Assistant ( Permit Processing)

Office of Human Resources

Baltimore County Government

308 Allegheny Ave.

Towson, MD 21204

You may attach your transcript(s), certification(s) or license(s) to your application. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Conditions of Employment

Physical and Environmental Conditions

The work of these positions is essentially sedentary, with occasional walking and / or lifting or other restricted physical activities.

Employment Background Investigation

Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education, and fingerprinting checks.

Employment Benefits for Full-Time, Merit or Classified Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time,merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace

All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace

Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Salary

Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance

General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated.

Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County.

Employee Assistance Program

Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include :

Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and / or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance

Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional / Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement

Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave

Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification.

Sick Leave

Vacation Leave

Personal Leave

Holidays

Bereavement Leave

Jury Leave

Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union

Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit

Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Educational Assistance

70 to 80 percent tuition reimbursement following successful completion of pre-approved courses related to position. Amount of reimbursement and fiscal year dollar limitations vary with bargaining group.

Deferred Compensation

Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.

Disclaimer

This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.

The purpose of the supplemental questions listed below is to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this job classification. Answer each question accurately and thoroughly. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. If you cite experience in your response that is not included on the Work History section of this application, your application may be considered incomplete and you may not receive further consideration for this position. Questions with text answers require you to include the name of the employer / organization and dates of the specific experience.

Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered.

Are you currently a merit (full-time), non-merit (part-time), or temporary employee of the Baltimore County General Government?Employees of Baltimore County Public Schools, Baltimore County Public Library, Baltimore County's court systems or Baltimore County Community College and employees of temporary services used by the County are not considered employees of the Baltimore County General Government.

The position you are applying for requires proof of education and / or licenses beyond high school in order to qualify. You must submit this proof as instructed on the job posting. If you do not submit the transcript(s) or license(s) by the closing date, your application will not be considered further.

Select the option that best describes your education and experience.

Provide specific example(s) of the experience you cited in the previous question. Include the employer(s) and date(s) you performed these duties. Be certain that this experience is also described, in detail, on the Work History / Experience section of this application.If you chose "I do not have any of the above combinations of education and experience" in the previous question, respond by entering "N / A" to this question.

Do you have any experience reviewing or processing permits?

Provide specific example(s) of the experience you cited in the previous question. Include the employer(s) and date(s) you performed these duties. Be certain that this experience is also described, in detail, on the Work History / Experience section of this application.If you chose "No" in the previous question, respond by entering "N / A" to this question.

Do you have experience utilizing permit software (Accela, CityWorks and geographic information systems (GIS))?

Provide specific example(s) of the experience you cited in the previous question. Include the employer(s) and date(s) you performed these duties. Be certain that this experience is also described, in detail, on the Work History / Experience section of this application.If you chose "No" in the previous question, respond by entering "N / A" to this question.

I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and / or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, log into your account, and edit your profile.

Required Question

Salary : $36,038 - $41,458