Job Description

BUILDING DIVISION - PERMIT TECHNICIAN - 2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

PG 12/NON EXEMPT

$21.32HR - $30.91HR.

Employee Benefits

• Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• FRS Retirement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Education Incentives
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wellness Incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Gym
• Free Employee Health Clinic
  

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

MAJOR FUNCTION

Performs technical, administrative, and customer service duties related to the acceptance, processing, review, and issuance of building permit applications in accordance with the Florida Building Code and County regulations. Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal requirements to support safe and efficient development.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Customer Relations

• Greets, logs, and directs customers per established procedures.
• Routes incoming calls using a multi-line phone system.
• Screens building permit applications for completeness prior to customer queueing, streamlining service at permitting and plans review stations.
• Provides on-call support, including information on setbacks, permit status, impact fees, and general requirements.
• Proactively follows up with customers to resolve permitting issues and clarify requirements.

Technical Review & Compliance

• Reviews construction permit applications for consistency with County ordinances, policies, the Land Development Code (LDC), and other applicable regulations.
• Verifies application compliance with zoning, setbacks, density, road frontage, and allowable uses.
• Identifies flood zones, floodways, and wetlands using GIS tools and ensure applicants understand related restrictions and requirements.
• Coordinates with County divisions and external regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with permitting and land use requirements.
• Uses GIS Dataviewer, Polk County Utilities GIS, Hansen, and E-Plan to process and track applications.
• Ensures accurate and timely entry of permitting data into County systems.
• Issues permits in accordance with governing documents and procedural guidelines.

Transaction Management

• Processes online, remote, and in-person permit requests.
• Calculates permit fees and processes payments accurately.
• Performs permit closeouts, lien searches, inspection scheduling, power releases (CLIP duties), and issues Certificates of Occupancy (COs), Certificates of Completion (CCs), and Temporary (Cos).
• Prepare documents for electronic archiving and scans files as needed.
• Coordinates with Plans Examiners to support efficient permit review and issuance.
• Verifies contractor licensing and monitors expired permits.
• Manages inspection and permit holds related to Notices of Commencement (NOCs), flood certificates, and pre-construction meetings.
• Generate reports and compiles permit-related data as requested.
• Conducts research and performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Communicates effectively with customers and staff both verbally and in writing.
• Exercises judgment and professionalism when resolving customer inquiries.

Technical Knowledge

• Understands basic site and building plans, aerial imagery, and land use maps.
• Interprets legal descriptions and construction documents.
• Recognizes compliance issues within permit applications and development plans.
• Understands FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps and uses GIS tools to assess flood zone implications.

Technology and Tools

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and able to learn specialized software for permitting and electronic plans review.
• Skilled in using office equipment, including computers, scanners, multi-line phones, copiers, and plotters.
• Accurately enters and manages data in permitting systems.

Administrative and Analytical Skills

• Performs basic mathematical calculations, including fee assessments.
• Understands office practices, procedures, and record-keeping standards.
• Analyzes performance against established metrics and adapts to maintain efficiency.

Personal Effectiveness

• Works independently and manages multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Adapts to change and remains calm under pressure.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and commitment to procedural accuracy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.

• Minimum of five (5) years of clerical or customer service experience in building construction or a related field, including two (2) years in a permit technician or equivalent role.

• Demonstrated understanding of development in high hazard flood zones, including ability to assess zones using FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps and GIS tools.

• Proficiency in Polk County GIS Dataviewer and ability to navigate Property Appraiser and Tax Collector websites for permit-related research.

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.

• A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

• SPECIAL PREFERENCE

• Bilingual Notary Public.
• Prior experience as a Permit Technician.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must obtain a license as a Notary Public within six (6) months of employment.

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.