License Officer - EXAM

City of Columbus•Varies by position, OH

About The Position

Under general supervision, the License Officer enforces business licensing codes and ordinances, conducts related investigations, and issues licenses and permits in the Department of Building and Zoning Services. The role also performs related duties as required. Duties may vary by position and may not include every example listed in the posting. Applicants must complete all phases of the examination process to receive a final score. The exam consists of a Customer Service Situational Judgment exam weighted 15% and a computerized exam weighted 85%, covering Public Relations, Reading Comprehension, and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. The exam is expected to be administered in early December 2026. Approved applicants will be notified by mail or email of their scheduled test date and time. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list that remains in effect for two years unless replaced or extended. If considered for employment, candidates will undergo one or more interviews, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test. The certification process will use a Fixed Band. The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Completion of the twelfth school grade; a GED certificate is accepted in lieu of a high school diploma.
Two years of experience involving customer service or public contact, code or law enforcement, or licensing-related activities.
College education may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Applicants must complete all phases of the testing process to receive a final score.

Responsibilities

Enforce compliance with license laws, rules, and regulations.
Inspect premises and vehicles for required new and annual licenses.
Review and process license and permit applications under applicable codes and ordinances.
Initiate or conduct investigations related to applications.
Issue, suspend, or revoke licenses and permits.
Investigate complaints involving permit and license holders and identify people operating without valid licenses or permits.
Issue citations and summonses.
Prepare investigative reports, file affidavits, and appear as a prosecuting witness.
Prepare monthly and annual revenue totals and recommend revisions to codes.
Maintain records and respond to public records requests.
Contact City agencies, including Health, Building Regulations, and the Fire Division, for inspections needed for license approvals.
Act as a liaison to the public on assigned license and permit matters.
Approve permits and licenses or submit them to a supervisor for review.
Collect license and permit fees.
Initiate background or driving record checks when determining whether a license or permit should be issued or renewed.
Investigate calls-for-service history regarding application addresses.
May assist the License supervisor and manager with administrative and personnel matters.
May prepare cases and appear before the Vehicle for Hire Board, Hearing Appeals Board, other boards, and courts to provide testimony and present information on violations.