Permit Specialist

Town Of Southington • Southington, CT

9d • $0 - $38

About The Position

The Permit Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for permit applications handled through the Town of Southington’s Building Department and Planning and Zoning. Working across both departments, the position coordinates the permit process with applicants, the public, Town staff, and other departments, from application intake and review through routing, tracking, approval, processing, and issuance. The role helps applicants understand and complete requirements and supports efficient review of permits requiring multiple departmental approvals. Work is performed in accordance with applicable Town zoning regulations, building codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures.

The position maintains permit records and information in Municity or other Town systems, processes fees and payments, assists with public-record research and FOIA requests, and coordinates permit closeout, including required inspections and approvals and preparation for Certificates of Occupancy or other final documentation. It also assists with materials for commission and board meetings and with improving permitting procedures and interdepartmental workflows. The position is full-time, 35 hours per week, with stated hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is a Grade 7 position, moving to Grade 8 upon obtaining ICC Permit Technician and Administrative Zoning Technician (AZT) certifications, and is represented by UPSEU Local 424-Unit 35.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of progressively responsible administrative, permitting, land use, construction, municipal, or related customer service experience.
• Experience using computer systems for data entry, document management, recordkeeping, and customer service.
• Ability to pass a practical computer skills assessment demonstrating proficiency with Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets, web browsers, and other technology used in the position.
• Knowledge of municipal permitting processes, office practices, public records, and customer service principles.
• Working knowledge of building and land use terminology, zoning regulations, construction documents, plans, maps, and permit-related procedures.
• Ability to learn, understand, explain, and consistently apply Town policies, procedures, codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Ability to review permit applications and supporting documents for completeness and identify required reviews and approvals.
• Ability to coordinate multiple applications and projects and track them across multiple departments.
• Ability to read and interpret basic construction plans, site plans, maps, and related permit documentation.
• Proficiency with computerized permitting and document management systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Knowledge of web-based GIS systems and software, including ArcGIS Enterprise.
• Clear and professional oral and written communication skills with applicants, the public, contractors, design professionals, and Town staff.
• Ability to provide effective customer service and remain professional in complex, time-sensitive, or difficult permit matters.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across departments and with the public.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, perform basic mathematical calculations, and handle confidential or sensitive information appropriately.
• Regular ability to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, use hands to operate office equipment, and reach with hands and arms; ability to review paper and electronic plans and documents; occasional lifting or moving of files, plans, or materials weighing up to 25 pounds; close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• Experience processing municipal building, zoning, land use, or development-related permits.
• Experience in a municipal Building Department, Planning and Zoning Department, Engineering Department, or similar development-services environment.
• Experience with Municity or a comparable municipal permitting or workflow management system.
• ICC Permit Technician certification, or ability to obtain it within one year of appointment.
• Administrative Zoning Technician (AZT) certification, or ability to obtain it within one year of appointment.
• Knowledge of Connecticut municipal permitting, zoning, land use, and building processes.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main point of contact for applicants and the public regarding permit applications and requirements handled by Building and Planning and Zoning.
• Coordinate permit intake, review, routing, processing, tracking, and issuance with applicants and Town departments.
• Accept applications and supporting documents; review them for completeness and accuracy and identify permit types and required reviews.
• Explain permit requirements, procedures, forms, fees, inspections, approvals, and applicable Town regulations.
• Help applicants complete applications and identify outstanding requirements.
• Route applications, plans, and supporting documents to relevant Town departments and agencies.
• Track applications through review and approval, and follow up on outstanding reviews, documents, corrections, and approvals.
• Assist with preparing application meeting materials for Planning and Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings.
• Coordinate with Town officials and staff to confirm permit status and required approvals before issuance.
• Process and issue approved building, zoning, and other permits within the position’s authority.
• Calculate and collect permit fees and maintain accurate payment and transaction records.
• Enter, update, and maintain permit information in Municity or other Town systems.
• Maintain permit records, plans, correspondence, approvals, inspection information, and related public records in accordance with retention requirements.
• Assist the public and Town staff with permit record research and provide application status and history information, including for FOIA requests.
• Coordinate permit closeout, verify required inspections and approvals, and prepare for Certificates of Occupancy or other final documentation as applicable.
• Assist with improving and standardizing permitting procedures and interdepartmental workflows.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Director of Planning and Community Development and Building Official.

Benefits

• CT Municipal Employees Retirement System (CTMERS) Pension Plan.
• Generous time off, including personal days, vacation, accrued sick leave, 12 full-day holidays, and 2 half-day holidays.
• Insurance package including medical, dental, vision care, prescription, and life insurance. Benefits may vary based on union contract and employment status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED