Job Description

OFFICE ASSISTANT / PERMIT TECHNICIAN

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK:

Under direct or general supervision. Assists the public at the service counter and provides technical office support duties related to the processing and issuance of building permits. Performs related duties as required. The position of Office/Permit Technician I is the entry-level class in the series. Incumbents receive close supervision and training and are expected to obtain sufficient knowledge and proficiency to progress to the journey-level within a reasonable length of time.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

 Shall include but not be limited to:

• Receives various construction permit applications from a variety of sources.

• Issues and distributes plans to appropriate personnel for review and inspection.

• Issues construction permits following review and approval.

• Operates microfilm equipment, calculators, and other office equipment.

• Enters the applicable contractor, architect, and construction related data into computerized permitting system.

• Assists the public by telephone or in person to obtain necessary documents and forms and by supplying answers to a variety of procedural questions.

• Answers telephones, forwarding calls to proper personnel and takes messages as necessary.

• Assembles, maintains and summarizes material from files, cross-references data, locates information requested and prepares simple analysis of data.

• Performs other related duties as required.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of related departmental operating policies, rules and procedures.

• Knowledge of codes, laws, regulations and ordinances pertaining to the construction permitting process and contractor licensing requirements.

• Knowledge of general office methods and procedures.

• Skill in the operation of various types of office equipment.

• Ability to make minor decisions in accordance with City and departmental policy.

• Ability to operate microfilm equipment, calculators, incidental use of a typewriter, and other office equipment as required to perform the duties of the job.

• Ability to explain regulations to the public in a courteous and tactful manner.

• Ability to read and follow pertinent codes, laws, ordinances and regulations.

• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations with speed and accuracy.

• Ability to prepare reports, complete forms, and maintain accurate records.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

 • Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact.

• Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, word processor, calculator, copier, and fax machines.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• A high school diploma or G.E.D from an accredited/institution.

• One year of experience reading and interpreting construction plans and building codes; OR

• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standard listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a highly preferred skill.