Job Description

Posting number: 00539

Department: Building

Job classification: Permit Technician I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Building & Safety

Under regular supervision, performs specialized technical task associated with the permitting process and clerical duties in support of the functions & activities within the Building Department specifically related to issuing permits, distributing and receiving review comments, schedules inspections, researches property data using GIS and maintains electronic records for permits. The position works at the permit service counter in a fast-paced environment; advises & assists owners acting as their own contactor, engineers, architects, attorneys, & contractors with technical information concerning building permit requirements & procedures; collects fees related to the permits and development impact fees & school impact fees; reconciles cash and credit card transactions daily. Coordinates, communicates and interacts effectively with a variety of internal departments and agencies. Reports to the Development Services Coordinator.

Examples of duties

Works at the public counter in a fast paced environment; issues permits; answers telephones; transfers calls to appropriate departments; advises and assists the general public, architects, attorneys, and contractors/owners with technical information concerning building and mobile home permit requirements and procedures.

Collects fees; writes receipts.

Reconciles cash drawer daily.

Makes daily deposits.

Accepts and writes inspections by fax and telephone; retrieves permits; enters inspection data into permitting software to coordinate next day inspections.

Processes itineraries for Inspectors.

Performs mathematical computations when processing permit fees.

Maintains logs of plans and applications submitted.

Checks and approves simple and routine construction plans.

Collects documents needed for permitting process to insure the Building Department have all the information needed to ensure compliance with local and State codes before the review process.

Issues permits for new construction, general, electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical, signs, mobile homes, alarms, etc.

Keys permit data into permitting software.

Acts as a liaison between Inspectors plan checkers, contractors, architects, developers, owners, general public, and other County departments.

Maintains contacts with County consultants; furnishes plan check status and permit status information to the public.

Organizes and maintains Building Division’s files, plans, permits, inspections, and miscellaneous documents.

Facilitates address issuance for new residential construction.

Communicates with outside County agencies such as fire, utilities, and public works.

Receives and processes permits and licenses for County and State agencies outside of the Building Department.

Processes and maintains a list of South Carolina State licensed contractors through South Carolina Department of Labor License and Regulations.

Verifies contractors’ licenses are current that are seeking to undertake work in Lancaster County.

Logs and records outstanding re-inspection fees due to the County; corresponds with contractors to insure payment and apply to applicable permits.

Notifies applicants when plan or permits are ready for pickup or issuance; provides updates as required.

Stays in contact with the Inspectors by telephone or radio.

Receives, reviews, prepares and processes various records and reports to include time sheets, building applications, purchase orders, building reports, receipts, permits, etc.

Utilizes various types of equipment and machinery in the performance of duties such as a computer, typewriter, adding machine, copier, postage machine, copier, recorder, etc.

Interacts and communicates with a variety of groups and individuals to include co-workers, immediate supervisor, other departmental personnel and supervisory staff, customers, inspectors, contractors, attorneys, etc.

Qualifications

Must be able to achieve permit technician certification within 12 months Requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of one to two years’ experience in a secretarial or clerical position directly dealing with the public and performing basic computer skills, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, and Internet Explorer.