Building Clerk

GENERAL SUMMARY

Performs administrative and professional work involving the intake, review, processing, and issuance of construction permits. Advises contractors of the requirements of various permit processes. Conducts independent research and writes professional and accurate reports, as needed. Performs skilled computer work, including entering data and researching electronic files. Answers the telephone and emails providing specific and general information in response to public inquiries and requests, takes messages, and directs to appropriate destination.

Work requires interaction with the public. Work is performed under the general supervision of Director of Planning.

• Permit Processing:
  Reviews and accepts permit applications, initiates permit cases in the permit tracking system, and processes "over-the-counter" permits.
• Records Management:
  Maintains division filing system. Assists staff and public with record, microfiche and electronic archiving retrieval and departmental public disclosure requests. Performs regular purge actions to close expired permits. Archives closed cases by computer data entry, prepares file documents, scans records, reviews archived documents for completeness, and updates records when changes are made.
• Reception and Customer Service:
  Greets the public at the counter and on the telephone. Provides informative answers regarding the permit process, contract registration and safety inspection process and permit fees, refers technical inquiries to proper staff, department or agency. Schedules inspections, and pre‑construction conferences. Provides explanation of division policies and procedures, processes application materials, provides cashiering services.
• Performs other related duties within the scope of the classification.

High school diploma required, additional college coursework or degree in planning or related field preferred. Three years of experience in planning, permitting, construction, or a related field preferred. Public sector experience preferred. Must be proficient in use of personal computers and related computer software programs.

• Valid Florida Driver’s License

• Standard office practices and procedures including ability to file alpha‑numerically, indexing, cross reference methods, etc.
• Good working knowledge of standard office equipment operation, including desktop computers and standard office software applications.
• Purpose, practices, and policies of the Planning Department’s Community Development Division, including the operational relationships between City departments, other governmental agencies and community groups and agencies.
• Knowledge of business English including reading, composition, punctuation, spelling, grammar and format. Legible handwriting.
• Strong customer service skills to work with a variety of citizens and personnel using tact, courtesy and good judgment.
• Strong computer skills include word processing, data entry/retrieval, spreadsheet applications.
• Good written communication skills to prepare minutes, correspondence and reports.
• Ability to work independently in carrying out position responsibilities.
• Ability to utilize a variety of computerized record keeping and word processing software.
• Ability to handle several tasks simultaneously and to plan and organize work to meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in an environment of frequent interruptions.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• Ability to input data into computer terminal with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide with accuracy.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and organize work to meet deadlines.
• Ability to interact positively and efficiently with a diverse population.
• Ability to remember, develop and maintain an awareness of the work of the division, department and the City.
• Ability to read and apply City and department policies and procedures, filing and coding systems, and other written guidelines.
• Ability to provide clear explanations on procedures and regulations relating to the City's building permit process and rental registration and safety inspection process and to deal with the general public and co‑workers using courtesy, tact, judgment.
• Basic knowledge of building construction terminology.

• Lift 25–30 lbs. regularly, and up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Hearing acuity and verbal ability sufficient to communicate in person and using a telephone.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and standard office equipment.
• Near distance visual perception sufficient to see a computer screen and typewritten page, operate standard office equipment and handle files and paperwork.