Permit Technician

Position: Permit Technician
Department: Development Services Department – Building Permit and Code Enforcement Division
Employment Status: Permanent - Full Time - Non-Exempt
Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Compensation: Grade 5: Salary range starting at $19.20/hour

POSITION SUMMARY
The Permit Technician provides customers service, administrative and technical work to process permit applications, building inspections, contractor licenses and certificates of occupancy. Works under the supervision of the Chief Building Official. Responsible for establishing priorities and work schedules as it pertains to reviewing building permits and scheduling inspections. May assign permits for review. Ensures compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and established operating procedures. Interacts with developers, contractors, realtors, contractors, engineers, architects and property owners on related permitting and building issues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES - KNOWLEDGE – SKILLS - ABILITIES
• Processes permits - receives permit and project applications and verifies all information necessary for plan review and fee determination; routes to inspectors for review and fee calculation; issues permit number; prepares files, cards, and fee receipts.
• Assists citizens/customers of the department in a friendly, courteous, professional manner using clear oral and written business communications. This may include assisting the public in-person, online, telephone and through written correspondence regarding plan review, as well as permit approval and procedures.
• Routes and monitors permit application review with multi-disciplinary plan reviewers through the review process.
• Meets with and assists developers, realtors, contractors, engineers, architects, property owners and the general public with general and technical questions concerning permit requirements, the application process, plan review status and related codes and ordinances.
• Provides technical assistance to permit applicants to gain compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, ad requirements involved in the building permit application, review and approval processes.
• Manages and accurately maintains electronic and hard copy records of plan review and permitting documents, and related computerized database and management systems.
• Directs and monitors application for Certificates of Occupancy with multi-disciplinary reviewers.
• Assists the CBO with compiling and developing reports on a variety of permit activity data, including but not limited to the number of permits, types of permits, constructions valuation, permit fees, review time, problem areas, conditions imposed, Certificates of Occupancy, etc.
• Participates in and provides cross-training with other departments regarding the software used for permitting activities.
• Assists the CBO and other staff develop applicable reports, including the Insurance Services Office (ISO) reporting.
• Monitors and tracks building permits through the review, approval, and inspection processes.
• Stays up to date on changes and developments which affect various codes.
• Receives and resolves or refers citizen complaints or requests for service.
• Performs related work and other duties as needed or assigned.
• Requires general knowledge of construction practices, and the ability to read and interpret plans, blueprints, electrical layouts, and maps.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable municipal codes and building codes
• Knowledge of business English, grammar, and basic math.
• Knowledge of record keeping and reporting.
• Ability to make decisions based on department policy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, departments, government officials, and the public.
• Ability to learn the operating practices of municipal government.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing and follow professional protocol.
• Skill to prioritize and multi-task.
• Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Office environment and field work.
• Handling disgruntled citizens.
• Repeated bending, crouching, and stooping.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Performance of activities requiring fine eye-hand coordination.

Use of Technology & Equipment
• Telephone, computers, scanners, fax, printers, calculators, and other related office software and permit tracking software (Cityworks). Knowledge of Microsoft Office, WORD, Outlook and other any other department specific software.

Contact & Supervision

• Daily interaction with internal and external contacts, including the general public.
• Frequent contact with other City-related staff and agencies.
• Supervisor – Chief Building Official

The City of Morgantown is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education:
• A high school diploma or equivalent; AND
• 1 (One) year of experience in processing building permit applications; OR
• 1 (One) year of experience in administrative support and customer service experience related to land use regulations, the building process, the construction industry, or general government administration.
Certification/License:
• Valid Driver’s License
• International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician Certification or ability to obtain ICC Permit Technician Certification withing six (6) months of hire.
Experience:
• 1-3 years of experience in full-time administrative support and customer service experience related to land use regulations, the building process, the construction industry, or general government administration.
• Ability to type, use a computer and online software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Extensive technical or specialized training acquired by an Associate’s Degree or 2 years of technical or business school.
• 4-6 years of experience in full-time general administration, preferably construction related, or a combination of experience and technical training.