Application Technician

About the role

The purpose of this classification is to assist customers with application submittal directions and pre-application checklists, establish and track primary and sub-applications, determine the completeness of applications, process applications, calculate and reconcile fees, issue permits or other completion documents, and record data in the computer system.

Responsibilities

• Captures and coordinates daily application submittal activities; organizes, prioritizes, and directs work to the plan review or technical review staff; monitors status of applications; consults with assigned staff, assists with problem situations, and provides technical support with respect to submittal of applications.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws, rules, regulations, specifications, standards, policies and procedures related to processing of applications; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
• Performs intake of building and engineering permit applications; assists with planning & zoning permit applications, certificate of use and business tax applications; assists with the review of construction documents to ensure completeness and conformance with applicable submittal procedures; works with the Application Specialist or Supervisor to determine and assess fees for various services, departments and other agencies; ensures that projects have approval from proper agencies; monitors and tracks status of pending applications; maintains contact with applicants on regular intervals, providing status updates; assists with the maintenance of records and plans of projects which have been processed/approved by the Planning & Zoning Department, Building Division, and the Engineering Department.
• Supports in responding to public record requests as needed.
• Explains the application process and associated fees to customers; assists customers with applications and the completion of forms used for the permitting process; reviews timelines; refers applicants to other departments to facilitate application processing; explains review process to the public, including how to respond to review comments.
• Responds to complaints and assists disgruntled customers; provides information, explains procedures, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution. Refers more complex issues to the Supervisor or Application Specialist for resolution as appropriate.
• Calculates permit fees; receives monies in payment of permit fees, plan filing fees, water/sewer fees, impact fees, or other departmental fees/services; records fees collected and other cash transactions; issues receipts; and balances daily currency transactions.
• Issues permits and turnaround permits; instructs applicants on the use of web and telephone based systems to check status, schedule and check inspections, locate information on public records, maps, etc. Denies applications based on failure to meet minimum requirements; and rejects incomplete applications.
• Validates owner of property and owner agent authorization; and assigns application tracking numbers.
• Checks contractors' licenses to verify proper insurance coverage and current worker's compensation insurance coverage.
• Retrieves records/files for a variety of requested items, which may include plans, building permits, parcels, property records, or flood zone elevations.
• Generates, receives, and reviews various records, forms, reports, and applications for the purpose of completing or verifying for accuracy.
• Sets up initial application files to ensure presence of all required copies of pertinent forms, plans, materials, reports, records, and other documents; ensures distribution of documents as necessary.
• Prepares or completes various forms, plan submittal checklists, plan review checklists, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, applications, architectural plans, engineering plans, owner plans, blueprints, surveys, engineering reports, permits, density reports, notices of commencement, maps, codes, ordinances, policies, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; maintains computerized files; utilizes word processing, database, or other software programs.
• Sets up files/records; locates, removes, and/or files documents; assists with the preparation of documents for imaging.
• Receives and responds to various inquiries and concerns from City departments, property owners, contractors, and the general public.
• Acts as liaison between supervisor, other departments, and outside agencies; gathers and relays information as needed.
• Answers the telephone; provides information, guidance and assistance; takes and relays messages or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, architects, contractors, engineers, consultants, agents, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities; and give and receive advice/direction.
• Maintains a current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new materials, devices, products, and construction methods; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or valid equivalent.
• Two (2) years of clerical and customer service work experience in an office environment preferably within a government setting or in the construction industry.
• Current certification as a Notary Public.

Skills

• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, specifications, standards, policies and procedures related to the processing and issuing of applications.
• Basic knowledge of permit and application related fees.
• Knowledge of building, and engineering applications.
• Knowledge of site plans and construction documents.

Benefits

Full-time employees are eligible for the City's comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Student Loan Forgiveness
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Care Plan
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Dependent Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• City Pension Plan
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 457 Savings Plan (three options)
• Paid Annual Leave / Vacation
• Bonus Vacation Hours
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave / Family Sick Leave
• Wellness Program