What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Services Ombudsman position at The City of Coral Gables?
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. 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.
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.
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.
Salary : $62,900 - $97,495
