Zoning & Inspection Technician

City of Graham•Nc 27253, NC

About The Position

The City of Graham is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Zoning Inspection Technician to perform technical, administrative, and customer service duties supporting the City’s planning, zoning, and inspections functions. The position processes permits and zoning and inspection inquiries, assists the public with interpreting the zoning code, and serves as secretary to various city boards. The work requires judgment, diplomacy, tact, and firmness when addressing sensitive subjects. The employee is expected to work independently, with supervisor input as needed. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief Code Enforcement Officer and reviewed for communication accuracy and through written records and verbal consultation. The position is nonexempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The role also supports cemetery transactions, departmental reporting and records, payments, permit closeouts, fire inspection scheduling, and new water and sewer service customers. Work is light, performed indoors, and includes a range of physical activities and visual tasks.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Some experience in municipal planning or construction, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Notary Public certification.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license equivalent to the required North Carolina license classification and recognized for operation in North Carolina.
Considerable knowledge of city permitting requirements and the city’s development ordinance.
Some knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding zoning and construction codes, and of principles, practices, and applicable laws regarding planning, subdivisions, building permits, privilege licenses, and building code enforcement.
Skill in using a personal computer, geographical information systems, and other office equipment.
Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, blueprints, and city maps.
Ability to analyze and compile technical and statistical information.
Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with property owners, developers, and the general public.
Ability to exercise firmness and tact in enforcing codes and ordinances, present facts and recommendations effectively, maintain records and reports, and establish effective working relationships.
Ability to perform light work, exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently, with negligible force constantly; physical activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
Visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, transcribe, operate a computer terminal, perform extensive reading, and use measurement devices.

Responsibilities

Research applications and issue electrical, heating, plumbing, insulation, mobile home, and building permits.
Consult maps, development ordinances, site plans, final development plans, and other resources.
Verify payment of development fees before issuing permits.
Assist the public, developers, and other parties with interpretation of the zoning code; answer questions from citizens, contractors, and other interested parties.
Schedule inspections for city inspectors.
Serve as staff liaison and secretary to the zoning board, historic preservation board, and board of adjustment; prepare and send applications and notifications, place legal advertisements, prepare agendas, type ordinance changes, and record and transcribe minutes and materials.
Process cemetery transactions and payments using iWorqs software.
Prepare monthly and yearly reports for the county, Chamber of Commerce, state, and census.
Catalog departmental maps.
Receive and process payments, balance the drawer daily, and submit payments to accounts payable.
Process temporary certificates of occupancy (TCOs) and certificates of occupancy (COs) to close out permits.
Schedule and assign fire inspections for the fire department.
Serve as the contact for new city water and sewer service customers.
Perform other related duties as assigned.