Permit Technician I

Under the general supervision of the Captain – Assistant Fire Marshal in Code Administration, interprets and enforces the Virginia Building and Fire Codes permitting and administrative requirements; and provides specialized professional administrative office functions. 

Coordinate building and fire codes permit process and perform clerical and administrative tasks. Work involves independent judgment and action within the framework of laws, regulations, and procedures.

Provides professional, timely, and accurate responses to the public, internal city departments, or other organizations utilizing multiple communication methods, such as in-person, telephone, or email.

Performs initial review of permit applications for the required minimum information and completeness and determines appropriate workflow.

Calculates fees for permits and other services; issues invoices; intake funds; and verifies assessed fees are paid.

Monitors permit workflow to ensure continuation within the office and after issuance, issues permit(s), and certificates of occupancy.

Prepares and publishes the daily inspection schedule and maintains the master office calendar.

Plans, organizes, and prioritizes the workflow of the office administrative functions; develops a broad range of office methods and procedures; establishes and maintains administrative, financial, and department-related records and files.

Perform general clerical and administrative duties such as but not limited to, filing, photocopying, taking and distributing meeting minutes, managing schedules, coordinating travel arrangements, scheduling appointments with internal and external parties, answering phones, ordering supplies, sorting and distributing correspondence and records management.

Research and compile data to create periodic and special statistical reports. 

Maintains complete administrative, budgetary, and expenditure account records and files.

Performs financial functions such as preparing check disbursement requests, receiving, and processing invoices, tracking payments, and reconciling purchasing card transactions.

Performs related work as assigned.

Assists customers in determining which permits are required and what supporting documents must be submitted. Performs focused plan review to ensure application submissions are complete.

Communicates with homeowners, developers, architects, engineers, and contractors regarding permit application status and any corrective actions necessary for permit issuance.

Serve as the secretary to various code appeals boards; notifies board members of meeting schedules; takes and maintains meeting minutes.

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

High school graduation or GED equivalent required, supplemented by specialized administrative or business courses or training.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of Virginia and International Code Council’s building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fuel gas, fire prevention, and property maintenance codes.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint; Adobe Acrobat; and general virtual meeting platforms.

Familiarity with and willingness to adopt new technologies.

Excellent time management skills; ability to multi-task, managing multiple concurrent projects while meeting deadlines; ability to transition from one activity to another.

Excellent organizational skills and close attention to detail.

Ability to make arithmetic computations quickly and accurately.

Working knowledge of general office equipment.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Professional, polite, and tactful interpersonal skills; ability to interact with various personalities, internally and with the public.

Ability to work effectively as a team and independently with minimal supervision.    

Additional Desirable Qualification:

Three years of clerical and administrative experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Permit Technician certification or the ability to obtain such certification within twelve (12) months from the hire date.

Salary : $53,361 - $85,227