Permit Specialist I

Salary: $18.80 - $27.26 Hourly
Location : Leesburg, FL
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Building
Division: Building
Opening Date: 10/04/2024
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Nature of Work
The purpose of the position is to assist citizens and contractors with the processes of applications, review and approval for building permits and inspections enforcing compliance with established City and State building safety codes. Responsible for administrative/clerical work in relation to regulatory standards, inspection activities, and permitting and licensing functions for building construction throughout the city.
Essential Job Functions

• Greets customers, clients, or general public, answers and routes calls, answers questions, and takes messages; processes incoming and outgoing mail; routes to appropriate person or office.

• Provides or gathers information; provides services or refers to appropriate person or activity; collects fees or other charges and processes in accordance with procedures.

• Process permit applications and issue permits in accordance with prevailing laws, rules, regulations and ordinances.

• Receive and maintain all licensing certification and insurance information for contractors.

• Determine permit requirements for each permit classification and applicable fees.

• Correspond with contractors, engineers and the general public on the permitting process.

• Schedule daily building and fire inspections in coordination with building inspectors.

• Gathers information for entry into computer system; extracts information or reports as necessary.

• Maintains files; extracts and summarizes information; provides information to internal or external agencies as required; coordinates with other staff, departments, or outside agencies.

• Attends training seminars or classes.

• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with supervisors, and coworkers, as well as maintains positive customer relations with staff, the general public, and other departments and divisions.

• Maintain a professional, courteous, and pleasant demeanor with difficult and stressful situations, and the ability to diplomatically deal with difficult people or circumstances.

• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements
Requires a high school diploma or GED.
Requires minimum two years of general office and customer service experience or equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Preference given for previous permitting and/or construction office experience and knowledge of Perconti CD+ program. Cash handling/cashier experience preferred.
Ability to read and understand building codes. Develop a working knowledge of State and local codes and laws for commercial, industrial, and residential building construction.
Requires the ability to effectively meet and deal with the public.
The ability to handle stressful situations and a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, and Permitting/Plan Review/Inspection software. Operation of 10-key calculator, telephone etiquette, problem solving, and multitasking.
Marginal Job Functions
Must possess a valid Florida driver's license and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.
Notary Public (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire date) is required.
Special skills or equipment certification may be required.
Incentive pay of $1.00 per hour will be paid for each ICC Permit Technician and DBPR license (under FS 468) earned beyond these base requirements. Incentives will cease upon promotion to a Level 1 Inspector or Plans Examiner.
Health Insurance: Health Insurance is effective after 90 days of employment. Employees may elect a PPO or HMO plan. Provider is BCBS of Florida.
Dental Insurance: Dental Insurance is effective after 90 days of employment. Employees may elect a PPO or HMO plan. Provider is United Health Care.
Vision Insurance: Vision Insurance is effective after 90 days of employment. Provider is United Health Care.
Employee Wellness Center: Free to employees, dependents, and retirees who are enrolled in the City's health insurance. The EWC provides free onsite Health Risk Assessments, doctor appointments, basic lab work, and some generic prescriptions.
Retirement: A (401A) non-contributory defined contribution pension is provided for general employees. The City contributes 5%.Certified Police employees join the Chapter 185 Plan which requires employees contribute a predetermined percent into the plan. Certified Fire employees participate in a plan which exceeds the requirements of Chapter 175 and which requires employees contribute a predetermined percent into the plan.
All employees may elect to tax defer an amount allowed by the IRS to a 457 deferred compensation account
Life Insurance: $50,000.00 policy - 50% at age 70 for general employees, police and fire - 100% premium paid.
Bereavement Leave: 24 hours of leave with pay.
Holidays: 11 paid holidays.
PTO Sell Back program: Employees are eligible to sell PTO time back to the City, a maximum of 2 times per fiscal year for a total of 160 hours. Employees can only sell back as much PTO time as they have actually used in the previous 12 months. Employees covered by a CBA may sell time a maximum established by their written bargaining agreement.
Computer Purchase: The City will finance the employee's purchase of an approved computer system up to $1,000.00. Total of loan divided by 39 payroll deductions.
Fitness Programs: The City will pay 50% payment of the monthly fee for the employee and spouse for one fitness center each. Participating centers are: Not the Norm Crossfit, Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and Infinity Fitness.
Safety Shoes: The City will pay up to $150.00 per year for the cost of one pair of approved safety shoes/boots for those positions requiring safety shoes/boots.