Permit Center Specialist

Position Description

Responsibilities

• Assist with walk-in customers at the Permit Center with general questions regarding permitting process.
• Verify correct documents are submitted via ePermits portal for issuance of all types of permits pertaining to residential and commercial projects including, but not limited to new construction, additions, alterations, accessory buildings, pools, piers, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, manufactured homes, signs, retaining walls, safety and solar farms, etc.
• Take phone calls, respond to voice messages and emails as team unit to answer questions regarding permitting process and schedule inspection requests. Direct calls to appropriate individuals or departments as needed to assist contractors, owners and general public with their requests.
• Update Contractor files in ePermits system with contact information including telephone numbers, email addresses, mailing addresses and state licensing information for certifications.
• Assisting inspectors with questions, paperwork, scheduling/correcting inspection requests, and issuance of certificate of compliance.
• Ensure appropriate paperwork and affidavits are sent to the appropriate state departments for record retention.
• Scan and attach documents as needed to permits in Smartgov in timely manner.
• Scan deposit reports daily, issue disbursement vouchers, credit accounts and issue refunds to customers as needed.
• Work with all surrounding municipalities regarding zoning permits that are needed for permitting process.
• Other general customer service and support duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent and 3 years of experience in directly related customer service or office work (i.e. within the construction industry) that gives the demonstrated knowledge of the permitting process, preferably with permit issuance experience; OR
• Associates degree in Business or Office Administration, Construction, Architecture, or Drafting and 1 year of experience in directly related customer service or office work (i.e. within the construction industry) that gives the demonstrated knowledge of the permitting process, preferably with permit issuance experience

• North Carolina Notary Public certification or the ability to obtain the certification within a specified timeframe.
• Documented experience in prior fast-paced work environments
• Experience with and ability to provide outstanding customer service
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High level of accuracy in data input of customer information and solid computer skills
• Ability to multi-task
• This position requires the ability to learn, remember, and properly apply in an accurate and timely manner extensive and complex rules and regulations related to land development that are required by NC law and local ordinance.
• This is considered light work, which requires the ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Additional Information

• Associates degree in Business or Office Administration, Construction, Architecture, or Drafting
• Experience with permit issuance
• Experience using permitting software
• Applicants with bilingual ability (Spanish/English)

Catawba County Benefits
As of 7/1/2024:
You will find that Catawba County has one of the best benefits packages around. Our Human Resources staff are dedicated to keeping in touch with trends in benefits on both a local and national level, listening to employees' suggestions regarding benefits, and continually reviewing to ensure our benefits package is of good quality and meets the needs of both our employees and our organization. Available benefits include:


Health Care

• Health: For a small bi-weekly premium, employees may choose between a traditional (co-pay) health plan and a high deductible health plan coupled with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren), or family.
• Dental Insurance: At no cost to full-time employees, the County covers preventive, routine, and non-routine care. Coverage for the same benefits may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren) and family. In addition, a $2,000 benefit toward orthodontia coverage is provided for children up to age 19.
• Vision Care: Coverage is available, at group rates, for employee and dependents, with 2 plan options to choose from.
• Supplemental critical care and accident insurance plans: These optional coverage plans are available at a nominal cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax accounts which can be used to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision expenses.

• Employee Health Clinic (EHC): An employee medical clinic, available to all County employees, which operates 40 hours a week. Services provided include acute care, first aid, evaluation and care for workers' compensation injuries, pre-employment screenings, health education, and behavioral health referrals. Services offered both in person and through telehealth. Acute care available to employee’s children ages 5-17 regardless of health insurance coverage and for employee’s adult children (ages 18-26) or employee’s spouse if covered on the county’s health insurance.
• Wellness: The County recognizes the importance of our health and well-being. We maintain a very proactive and effective Wellness Program, including reimbursement and discounts for gym membership, incentives for physical activity, on-site nutrition counseling, free exercise opportunities, wellness education and more.
• Employee Assistance Program: Counseling services are available to all County employees and immediate family members in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting (in-person or virtually). The County provides coverage for the first six visits.

• Annual Leave: Full-time employees earn from 10-21 days annually based on years of service. Service credit from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.
• Sick Leave: Full-time employees earn one day (8 hours) of sick leave per month. Sick leave from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.
• Holiday Leave: Throughout the year, 11 days of paid leave are provided in recognition of holidays.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Time off for activities that support our local schools.
• Continuing educational assistance.
• Discount tickets to recreational venues.
• Employee appreciation days/activities.
• Tax-free flexible spending account to pay for dependent care.

• Local Governmental Employees Retirement System: For employees assigned to work 20 hours per week or more in a benefitted position, participation in this program is automatic. Employees contribute 6% of their salary, which is tax deferred. After (5) years of creditable service, you become fully vested in the retirement system. Employees may also take advantage of individual and group retirement counseling through the Human Resources department.
• 401K: The County provides a 2% contribution plus an additional 1% match (up to 3% total contribution by the County). Our sworn law enforcement officers receive a flat 5% contribution to their 401k.
• Other Tax Deferred Programs: Other tax-sheltering programs are available through IRS Code 125 (Cafeteria Plan), and a 457 supplemental retirement plan (Deferred Compensation).
• Longevity Pay: After 5 years of creditable service, employees receive an annual longevity payment that is paid every year thereafter. This lump sum payment rewards employees for their length of service to Catawba County. The amount is based on years of service.
• Life Insurance: Death benefit equal to one times employee’s annual salary with a minimum coverage amount of $25,000. Optional supplemental life insurance coverage is also available for both employee and dependents through payroll deduction at group rates.
• Short Term Disability: Available at no cost to employees, benefits are available after a 55-day waiting period.
• Long Term Disability: Available through payroll deduction at group rates.
• Eligibility for membership and financial services at State Employees Credit Union (SECU)/Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU).