Permitting Specialist

Richland County, South Carolina

Class Description

2022

CLASS TITLE: Permitting Specialist (PR115)

Building Codes And Inspections

General Description Of Class

The purpose of the class is to perform routine clerical and administrative work in building permitting operations. The team member is responsible for issuing permits, posting inspections, and making daily deposits. The team member is also responsible for issuing plumbing, electrical, building, and mechanical permits on a daily basis. Has daily contact with the public and responds to requests or inquiries regarding permits. Individual will receive phone calls and determine the nature of the business and direct phone calls or visitors to appropriate destination. Count money and run daily deposit reports. Post inspections done by building inspectors. Run monthly reports such as typed letters, memos, affidavits, etc. Operate a computer, and other standard office machines/equipment such as adding machine, calculator, telephone, facsimile, copier, etc. Perform routine clerical duties such as typing reports and letters. Schedule appointments. May route incoming mail. Date stamp, and/or log in incoming information as directed. Perform other duties assigned by supervisor/division manager when needed.  The team member will report directly to the permitting supervisor/area manager. 

Essential Tasks

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.  Management/Supervisor may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

Assists customers in applying and issuing building, safety, fire, zoning, electrical, flood, mechanical, manufactured homes, plumbing, septic tank and land development permits; explains permitting procedures.

Duties include interacting, processing, reviewing work for accuracy, maintaining standards and accuracy, processing online inspection request

Responsible for maintaining accountability for petty cash and making daily deposits.

Schedules building inspections and other requests.

Issues and files completed permits.

Reviews records for completeness and accuracy; maintains current and archived records and files in accordance with record retention policies; retrieves files and/or information from files upon request.

Processes inspection requests and payment received through the website.

Calculates and collects fees, receipts and records fees for permits and development applications, calculates double fees, re-inspections and plan review fees for commercial and residential construction; balances daily receipts and prepares daily deposits in the absence of the supervisor.

Answers the telephone; provides accurate information to callers and/or forwards calls to appropriate personnel; takes messages as needed; greets and assists office visitors.

Performs other clerical work, including but not limited to correspondence, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, entering and retrieving computer data, processing daily mail, ordering office supplies, etc.

Receives and responds to public/customer inquiries, requests for assistance and complaints regarding division policies and procedures.

Attends training, meetings, seminars and/or workshops to enhance job knowledge and skills as directed.

All other duties as assigned.

Involvement With Data, People, And Things

Data Involvement:

Requires gathering, organizing, analyzing, examining or evaluating data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information.

People Involvement:

Requires giving information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give direction or assignments to helpers or assistants.

Involvement With Things:

Requires handling or using machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, scanners, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner.

Cognitive Requirements

Reasoning Requirements:

Requires performing skilled work involving set procedures and rules but with frequent problems. Requires the skill set to learn, navigate, and provide input on permitting software. 

Mathematical Requirements:

Requires using basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates.  Requires the ability to count money, make change, and perform petty cash draw audits. 

Language Requirements:

Requires reading technical instructions, procedures manuals, and charts to solve practical problems such as routine office equipment operating instructions; composing routine and specialized reports, forms, and business letters, with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form.

Mental Requirements:

Requires doing clerical, manual or technical tasks requiring a wide range of procedures and requiring intensive understanding of a restricted field or complete familiarity with the functions of a unit or small division of an operating agency; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results or occasional exposure to unusual pressure.

Vocational/Educational And Experience Preparation

Vocational/Educational Preparation:

Requires completion of high school degree/GED and one year of experience in the administrative field.  

Prefer an Associate’s degree, vocational technical degree or specialized training that is equivalent to satisfactory completion of two years of college education with emphasis in office management, secretarial science, business administration or a closely related field. 

International Code Council (ICC) Permitting Specialist Certification and Notary Public Certification are preferred. 

Shall meet special certifications requirement for Permit Technician Certification by ICC, International Code Council within 12 months of start date.  Failure to do so shall result in termination or demotion at the discretion of the Division Manager.

Requires a valid state driver’s license.

Americans With Disabilities Act Requirements

Physical And Dexterity Requirements:

Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, and routine keyboard operations.

Environmental Hazards:

The job risks exposure to no known environmental hazards.

Sensory Requirements:

The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking ability, color perception.

Judgments And Decisions:

Responsible for guiding others, requiring a few decisions affecting a few co-workers; works in a stable environment with clear and uncomplicated written/oral instructions but with some variations from the routine.

Ada Compliance

Richland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.