Permit Technician

The hiring salary for this position is $58,586.78 annually.

Charles County Government is seeking a dynamic Permit Technician to perform technical permit review work for the County's Planning and Growth Management Department.  The Permit Technician will review permit applications for completeness, perform related permit office work and act as the County liaison for complex or large-scale projects. 

• Processes permit applications by accepting the application, checking for accuracy and completeness; ensures compliance with architectural standards and guidelines; routing to appropriate staff/agencies for review; monitoring application progress; generating comment letters; issuing permit; assigning required inspections; and preparing the Certificate of Use and Occupancy.
• Processes complex permits and provides coordination for large scale projects.
• Verifies, enters, and calculates permit and inspection fees.
• Performs review and final sign-off for residential Water and Sewer applications and permits.   
• Serves as point of contact for the commercial and residential building industry regarding permit applications and information. 
• Coordinates and leads pre-permit meetings with applicants.
• Participates in Pre-Submittal Conferences coordinated by the Planning Division.
• Maintains accurate and timely records of the permit process; inputs, maintains, and compiles a variety of data on permitting activity. Prepares, maintains, and stores records, files and logs related to permit issuance.
• Verifies that projects have obtained all necessary approvals before issuing permits.
• Researches case histories, property ownership records, and other historical records.
• Provides guidance in completing various permit applications and forms, making sure applicants understand the permitting process and the necessary information and attachments required to submit a complete and accurate permit application.
• Responds to inquiries from architects, contractors, builders, and the pubic; explains and interprets requirements and restrictions. Directs applicants to appropriate agencies/reviewers, as necessary.
• Serves as liaison/ombudsman between customers and department staff and processes.
• Provides lead direction to permit specialists as necessary or in the absence of the Permits Office Supervisor.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned

Education and Experience:

Associates degree and two (2) years of progressively responsible permit office experience, or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training. 

Licenses or Certifications:

International Code Council Permit Technician Certificate (must obtain in one year)

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

Work is subject to frequent interruptions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of modern office procedures and practices including the operation of common office appliances such as desktop computers.
• Knowledge of permit review procedures.
• Knowledge of building codes, Development Services permit requirements, state permitting, land use, and zoning regulations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to exercise initiative, make sound independent decisions, deal with non-routine matters and assist in routine managerial decisions.
• Ability to interpret plats, site plans and building construction plans.
• Ability to use architects and engineers scale.
• Ability to perform area calculations and calculate and/or determine permit application and review fees.
• Ability to provide excellent customer services and assist customers through difficult processes.
• Ability to perform permit reviews effectively.
• Ability to maintain files and records.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage a wide range of duties in a timely and effective manner, including timely permit processing and routing during periods of frequent interruptions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in the work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary with frequent periods of light physical activity and is performed in office surroundings.   Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; life and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards.  The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment.

Department/Division:     Planning and Growth Management/Codes, Permits, and Inspection Services

Pay Grade:                           112

FLSA Status:                        Non-Exempt

Telework Eligible:             Yes

Reports to:                          Permits Office Supervisor

Supervises:                         None 

Salary : $58,587 - $94,910