Permitting and Planning Construction Coordinator

Habitat For Humanity of Durham Inc•Durham, NC

2d•$45,000 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Habitat for Humanity of Durham builds and preserves affordable homeownership in Durham County by constructing new homes sold to qualified buyers with affordable mortgages and repairing existing homes so longtime residents can remain in them. The Permitting and Planning Construction Coordinator helps move home sites from drawing to permit to groundbreaking by coordinating site plans, surveys, plats, and permit applications through the City of Durham, Durham County, and state agencies. The role supports timely construction and home closings by tracking reviews, resolving delays, and maintaining accurate project documentation. This is a hands-on coordination position working with the New Construction Manager, construction staff, consultants, utilities, and government agencies. It also provides warranty support for delivered homes as capacity allows, including logging requests, tracking repairs, coordinating permits and inspections, and maintaining warranty records. The position is a six-month contract, with the possibility of extension to 12 months. Strong performance and continued organizational need may lead to a full-time permanent position, but conversion is not guaranteed. The role is primarily office-based, with work at the Durham office at least four days per week and one remote workday, plus regular local visits to construction sites and government offices. Occasional evening or early-morning work may be needed for inspection schedules, and occasional evening or weekend event support may be required.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in permitting, land development, construction administration, planning, or a closely related field.
Direct experience preparing and submitting permit applications to a municipal or county permitting office.
Working knowledge of site plans, surveys, plats, and construction drawings, with the ability to read and mark them up.
Familiarity with North Carolina erosion and sedimentation control and stormwater permitting requirements.
Demonstrated ability to track multiple concurrent deadlines and maintain records that others can use.
Comfort with spreadsheets, shared drives, project-tracking tools, and online permitting portals.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for site visits and agency offices.
Able to work on-site at the Durham office at least four days per week, with one remote workday.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and regularly use a computer and phone.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, including office supplies and event materials.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the Durham City-County permitting process and its review staff.
Experience with residential or affordable housing development.
Associate's or bachelor's degree in construction management, planning, civil engineering, urban studies, or a related field; equivalent work experience is accepted in place of a degree.
Exposure to warranty administration or homeowner service.

Responsibilities

Coordinate site-plan design, review, and finalization with the New Construction Manager, construction staff, engineers, architects, designers, and surveyors; scope work, route comments, track revisions, and keep drawing sets current.
Order and track boundary surveys, topographic surveys, as-builts, and final plats, and shepherd plats through recordation.
Prepare and submit zoning, site-plan, building, demolition, grading, and right-of-way permit applications to Durham City-County Planning, Development Services, and Inspections.
Track permit applications from intake through approval, monitor review cycles, respond to comment letters, resubmit corrected packages, and escalate stalled reviews.
Maintain a permit tracker showing status, reviewer, next action, and expected approval date for every active lot.
Coordinate erosion and sedimentation control plans and permits, stormwater review, and applicable floodplain, stream-buffer, or tree-protection requirements.
Work with Durham County Soil and Water, NCDEQ, the Army Corps, and other agencies as required for individual sites.
Schedule and attend required inspections, correct deficiencies, and keep sites in compliance.
Coordinate water, sewer, electric, and gas connections with Durham Water Management and utility providers.
Calculate and process impact fees, permit fees, and fee-in-lieu payments; route payments and file receipts.
Serve as Habitat for Humanity of Durham's day-to-day contact with planning, inspections, and public works staff.
Maintain organized digital files by address, including plans, permits, approvals, surveys, inspection reports, and correspondence.
Regularly report permit status and schedule risks to construction leadership and flag delays early enough to address them.
As capacity allows, log homeowner warranty requests and route them to the responsible staff member or subcontractor.
Track open warranty items through closure and confirm homeowners are satisfied with resolutions.
Pull permits and coordinate inspections for warranty repairs when required.
Maintain warranty documentation, including manufacturer warranties and closeout packages, by address.
Build positive working relationships with agency staff, follow up consistently, communicate clearly, and represent the organization professionally at permit counters and on sites.
Take ownership of assigned tasks, work independently when appropriate, and seek guidance or escalate issues when needed.