Job Description

BUILDING DIVISION - SENIOR PERMIT TECHNICIAN - 1 POSITION AVAILABLE

NON EXEMPT

PG 14 - $23.49HR - $34.06HR

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 be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions and job-related requirements, including physical and cognitive demands, are described below.This job description outlines the general scope of duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned.

MAJOR FUNCTION

Performs technical, administrative, and customer service duties related to the acceptance, processing, review, and approval of building permit applications in compliance with the Florida Building Code and county regulations. Provides guidance to permit technicians and handles complex or difficult permit-related tasks.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Customer Service

• Greet, log, and direct customers per office procedures.
• Route incoming calls using a multi-line phone system.
• Evaluate permit applications for completeness to improve customer experience.
• Provide information on setbacks, permit status, impact fees, and other requirements.
• Follow up with customers on permitting issues and requirements.
• Manage the customer queue to ensure timely and accurate permit issuance.
• Resolve escalated customer service issues professionally.

Compliance and Review:

• Train new and existing employees on permit-related procedures.
• Review permit applications for compliance with county ordinances, state statutes, and federal regulations.
• Check compliance with Land Development Code (LDC) for lot size, land use, setbacks, and other factors.
• Use GIS Dataviewer, Accela, and DigEplan to process permit applications.
• Ensure accurate entry of permitting information in county systems.
• Identify flood zones, floodways, and wetlands, and inform applicants of restrictions.
• Coordinate with other county divisions and agencies to ensure compliance.
• Issue Temporary Use Permits for events, signs, and emergency shelters.
• Oversee satellite office permitting operations when assigned.

Transaction Management

• Process online, phone, and in-person permit applications and payments.
• Ensure accurate fee calculations and process payments.
• Handle permit closeouts, lien searches, inspection duties, and certificates of occupancy (COs).
• Update contractor licenses and insurance information.
• Manage inspection holds and remove stop-work orders when resolved.
• Generate reports and compile data as requested.
• Perform cashier duties, including processing refunds, escrow deposits, and financial reports.

Advanced Duties

• Serve as Project Manager for division projects involving intergovernmental coordination.
• Develop and maintain training materials for permit technicians.
• Guide technicians on complex or unusual permit issues.
• Supervise staff in the absence of the Permit Services Supervisor or Customer Service Supervisor.
• Perform expedited permitting during emergencies.
• Assist with software implementation and serve as a key contact for technology vendors.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to read and interpret legal descriptions and building plans.

• Proficiency in GIS Dataviewer, Accela, DigEplan, and related permitting software.

• Knowledge of county ordinances, LDC requirements, and state and federal regulations.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure.

• Strong math skills for fee calculation and data accuracy.

• Experience with customer service and handling conflict resolution.

• Proficient with office equipment and computer software, including Microsoft Office.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Seven (7) years of clerical or customer service experience in building construction or a related field, including three (3) years as a permit technician or equivalent role.

• Proficient in residential and non-residential permitting.

• Knowledge of contractor licensing regulations.

• Experience using GIS Dataviewer and property appraiser databases.

• Valid Florida driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual.
• Experience with Accela, DigEplan, and Polk County’s GIS and property databases.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Notary Public certification.

• International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician Certification.

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.