Permit Center Technician

Orange County•Orange County, VA

18d

About The Position

The Permit Center Technician provides administrative and technical support to the Permit Center within the Development Services Department. The role assists customers, receives and processes permit applications, and issues permits. As a point of contact for the public, developers, and contractors, the technician ensures accurate and timely handling of applications and related documentation. Work is performed under the supervision of the Permit Center & Administrative Services Manager. The position requires knowledge of basic land use and construction terminology, permit processing, and standard office software. It calls for strong communication and customer service, attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple tasks, read permit applications and construction documents, perform mathematical calculations, and work independently and as part of a team. Work is generally performed in a moderately noisy business-office setting with customer traffic and standard office activity. The role includes routine sitting, speaking or hearing, standing and walking, repetitive hand motions, and other activities described under working conditions. Occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds is required, and there is no exposure to environmental conditions. Orange County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. The employee is expected to follow County policies and demonstrate professionalism and integrity. Orange County is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of experience in permitting, construction, customer service, administrative support, or a related field.
Virginia Permit Technician Certification, or ability to obtain it within 18 months of hire.
Knowledge of basic land use and construction terminology and general permit processing.
Strong communication and customer service skills.
Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database, permitting software, email, internet, and other standard office programs.
Ability to manage multiple tasks accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to read permit applications and construction documents.
Ability to exercise tact and courtesy when dealing with customers.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations and reference data such as policy manuals and regulations.
Ability to provide a high level of customer service and work both independently and as part of a team.
Other equivalent combinations of relevant education and experience may be considered.
Meet the physical and sensory demands described in the working conditions, including occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds, routine sitting, speaking or hearing, frequent standing and walking, reaching, repetitive motions, and other listed work activities.

Nice To Haves

Additional coursework in construction, permitting, or a related field.
Local government experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as a point of contact for customers, developers, and contractors at the permit counter, by phone, and via email.
Guide customers through the application process and explain local ordinances, building codes, fee structures, and permitting and procedural requirements as needed.
Receive and review building, trades, and zoning permit applications for completeness and compliance with submittal checklists.
Enter permit and plan details into permit software and upload plans and related documentation as needed.
Verify contractor licenses.
Route plans to internal reviewers and track approvals using permit software.
Evaluate, approve, invoice, and issue over-the-counter or routine permits that do not require plan review.
Issue approved building, trades, zoning, and land disturbance permits.
Maintain accurate permit records and files; retrieve permit and plan details using permit software.
Track permit progress and communicate updates to applicants as needed.
Calculate permit, plan review, and development fees using established fee schedules and project valuations.
Process cash, check, and credit card payments securely and issue receipts.
Ensure compliance with local ordinances, building codes, and department policies.
Schedule inspection requests accurately and promptly by phone, email, or permit software.
Perform related or specialized departmental tasks and duties as assigned.