What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Services Ombudsman position at City of Coral Gables?
Summary
This position serves as a key member of Development Services. Chiefly responsible for advising and guiding applicants with Building, Planning and Zoning, & Code Enforcement, matters, as well as assisting with external matters such as Fire, Historic, and Public Works. Also performs technical and advanced clerical work processing plans for Development Services and other departments as needed.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.
Provides intensive customer support requiring a strong desire to serve the public in a friendly, enthusiastic, and professional manner. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with work group, contractors, developers, architects, engineers, owners, and the general public while performing the following duties to provide a high level of customer service.
Assists residents and business owners in navigating the Development Services Department and other departments as necessary for various issues including, but not limited to, permitting, issues of design professional/contractors, inspections, occupational licensing, code enforcement issues, and use of online systems.
Provides information to members of the public/permit applicants regarding permit requirements, inspection, and general requirements of the permit process; obtains general information from customers regarding permitting needs; assists the public in completing building permit applications; responds to telephone inquiries regarding permits, permit processes, building codes, and other related ordinances and local laws.
Makes recommendations for the development of practical, efficient, and effective solutions to expedite City services.
Assists, interviews, and obtains information from customers in order to determine their needs; obtains technical and code information from customers regarding permitting needs; informs customers of special requirements and special problem areas such as fire hazard areas and flood zones.
Recommends changes to processes and procedures by analyzing the permitting system; develops, recommends, and implements approved permit system changes to make the processes more efficient and effective. Assures that policies and procedures are followed in the receipt, routing, and processing of permit applications.
Researches problems and complaints regarding permit issues.
Assists in the resolution of customer service issues, either personally, by telephone, or in writing. Maintains records and documents of customer service issues and resolutions.
Examines causes of customers disputes and initiates corrective action with management to improve customer relations.
Serves as a liaison between different departments, resolves and responds to citizens’ concerns and attends community and professional association meetings at the direction of the Building official and Directors of Development Services.
Serves as liaison to consumer regulatory agencies to build consensus and strengthen rapport in support of strategic direction, mission and goals.
Reviews applications and submittals for completeness and assigns process numbers.
Verifies property ownership, contractor licenses, and insurance are updated in the department's databases.
Tracks plans throughout the plan review process to ensure compliance and provides status to the public.
May calculate square footages & collect fees.
Issues permits upon all approvals being obtained and may calculate bond amounts for construction projects.
Assists in and/or schedules inspections.
Creates monthly and yearly reports, mailings, and other notifications for the department as directed.
Processes cancellations and permit refunds.
Maintains various records in accordance with City policy.
Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures and instructions.
Performs other related tasks as required.
Qualifications
Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or related field required.
Eight (8) years of experience working in local government primarily handling plans processing, code enforcement, or public works related duties.
General contractor’s license highly preferred.
Certified Building Inspector preferred.
Certified Plans Examiner preferred.
Valid Florida Driver's License.
A comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
HOLIDAYS: 15 days including 3 floating days.
SICK LEAVE: 110 hours annually.
ANNUAL LEAVE: 94 hours in the first year of employment, increasing up to 210 after 25 years. Employees must take 40 hours of annual leave each year.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: 5 or 10 days for the death of a family member in accordance with the City's Personnel Rules & Regulations.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Fully paid by the City (HMO Select). Coverage becomes effective 1st of month following 30 days. Employee may purchase coverage for eligible dependents at a cost of approximately 50% of the premium.
DENTAL INSURANCE: Available at a cost to all employees through payroll deduction.
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS: Several plans are available, such as Short Term Disability, Life Insurance and Critical Illness policies through payroll deductions.
LEGAL SERVICES: Legal Service plan available at a cost to all employees through payroll deductions.
POST EMPLOYMENT HEALTH PLAN (PEHP): The City deposits $950 annually into an individual account for each employee. Monies may be used to pay premiums or medical expenses after retirement.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Employees may defer a portion of their pre-tax salary in the 457 Deferred Compensation Program.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: $2,000 per semester ($6,000 maximum annually) as per the City's Rules and Regulations.
CELL PHONE: Cell phone provided at a monthly cost of $20.00, if required by department.
RECREATIONAL USE: Employee, spouse and immediate family members seventeen (17) years of age and under are entitled to the benefits below:
- Venetian Pool – No charge for daily admission.
- Tennis Centers – No charge for daily court fees
- Youth Center – 50% off residential rates for memberships and 25% off camps and other programs.
Golf at Biltmore & Granada:
- Monday through Friday – no charge
- Saturday, Sunday and Holidays:
- Before Noon – Twilight fees apply
- After Noon – No charge
PENSION:
City Retirement Plan - Mandatory employee contribution of 10 % of salary; Vesting period is 10 years.
OR
Defined Contribution - 401a - Contribution by City of 7% of employee base annual salary. Vesting period 5 years. Employee not required to contribute.
***Note: Benefits subject to change.***
214 Minorca Avenue
Coral Gables, Florida, 33134
Salary : $950 - $200,000
