Permit Center Technician

Position Summary

The Permit Center Technician provides administrative and technical support to the Permit Center within the Development Services Department by assisting customers, receiving and processing various permit applications, and issuing permits. This position serves as a point of contact for the public, developers, and contractors, ensuring accurate and timely handling of permit applications and related documentation. Work is performed under the supervision of the Permit Center & Administrative Services Manager.

Essential Job Functions

• Serve as one of the first points of contact for customers, developers, and contractors at the permit counter, by phone, and via email.
• Guide customers through the application process. Explain local ordinances, building codes, fee structures, and permitting and procedural requirements, as necessary.
• Receive and review applications for building, trades, and zoning permits to verify completeness and compliance with submittal checklists.
• Enter permit and plan details into the permit software, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness. Upload plans and other documentation, as necessary. Verify contractor’s licenses.
• Coordinate the routing of plans to internal reviewers and track approvals using permit software.
• Independently evaluate, approve, invoice, and issue over-the-counter or routine permits that do not require plan review.
• Issue approved building, trades, zoning, and land disturbance permits.
• Maintain accurate permit records and files. Retrieve permit and plan details using permit software.
• Track permit progress and communicate updates to applicants, as necessary.
• Calculate permit, plan review, and development fees based on established fee schedules and project valuations. Securely process cash, check, and credit card payments and issue receipts.
• Ensure compliance with local ordinances, building codes, and department policies.
• Schedule inspection requests timely and accurately, by phone, email, or the permit software.
• Perform related or specialized departmental tasks and duties, as required or assigned.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of duties. The County reserves the right to modify job duties or assign additional responsibilities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education:
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Additional coursework in construction, permitting, or related field preferred.
• Experience:
• Two (2) years’ experience in permitting, construction, customer service, administrative support, or related field.
• Local government experience preferred.
• Certifications/Licenses:
• Virginia Permit Technician Certification or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.
• Other: Other equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum education and experience qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic land use and construction terminology.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database, permitting software, email, internet, and other standard office programs.
• General knowledge of permit processing.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to read permit applications and construction documents.
• Ability to exercise tact and courtesy when dealing with customers.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to reference data such as policy manuals and regulations.
• Ability to perform with the highest level of customer service.
• Ability to work both in a team environment and independently.

Working Conditions and Disclaimer

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting and speaking or hearing, frequently standing and walking, reaching with hands and arms, and repetitive motions, and regularly requires using hands to finger, handle, or feel, stooping, kneeling, pushing or pulling, and lifting; work requires depth perception and color perception; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed information to others; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection of details, using measuring devices, operating standard office equipment and software, and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally performed in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office with person-to-person communication, computer printers, and customer traffic).

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees with this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this position.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Orange County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

General Acknowledgement: The employee is expected to comply with all County policies and procedures and to consistently demonstrate adherence through their conduct. As a representative of Orange County, the employee is also expected to serve as a role model by upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in accordance with these policies.

Orange County is an equal opportunity employer. Orange County does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected class as established by law.

Pay: $46,782.00 - $60,816.00 per year

Benefits:

• 457(b)
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

Work Location: In person