Permit Technician

City of Atlanta•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Permit Technician provides administrative and technical support in permitting, plan review, inspections, or general operations. The role supports office operations and serves internal and external customers, using initiative and independent judgment under the direction of a division manager. The Permit Technician is expected to provide high-quality customer service and support the City’s core values, beliefs, and culture. The position works under general supervision and must also be able to work independently with minimal supervision, individually or as part of a team. It reports to a Supervisor/Manager, Assistant Director, or Director. The position may provide guidance and training to lower-level staff, interns, and temporary employees as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
Three to five years of responsible administrative experience at a building permit counter, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of the overall permitting process, including zoning, plan review, arborists, and inspections.
Knowledge of building codes, ordinances, regulations, laws, and rules.
Ability to navigate the internet independently and general knowledge of PC use and navigation.
Familiarity with construction documents and ability to recognize elements for further research and interpretation in permitting activities.
Thorough knowledge of customer-service principles and practices.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to use independent judgment and make sound decisions in accordance with established procedures and policies.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently under stress and meet deadlines.
Ability to collaborate with team members to resolve customer challenges.
Ability to understand the organization and operation of the City in order to assume assigned responsibilities.
Ability to read and interpret construction blueprints, plans, and specifications.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, representatives of government agencies, developers, and the public.
Ability to provide information and answer questions about city planning procedures in a tactful and courteous manner.
Ability to gather relevant information to solve practical problems.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or vocational training in construction, building inspections, or related fields.
International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certification.

Responsibilities

Interview applicants and provide information about building permits and general permit-process requirements.
Review plans, permit applications, and related information at the public counter for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
Route plans to appropriate agencies for approval and receive and assemble approved plans.
Coordinate issuance of building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other related permits.
Work with customers to schedule inspections.
Maintain computer files and manual logs for building permits and related documents.
Operate office equipment, including computers and word-processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Update and maintain contractor registration files to reflect current state and local licensing requirements.
Research records to document project history and compliance.
Coordinate permit processes with outside agencies to ensure permit requirements are met.
Use architectural and engineering scales to determine dimensions and calculate areas and percentages as needed.
Follow standardized procedures, building codes, and written or verbal instructions; assess information and determine next steps to complete tasks or resolve issues, escalating issues to a supervisor when appropriate.
Provide guidance and training to lower-level employees, interns, and temporary employees as required.