BUSINESS LICENSE INSPECTOR

About the role

This position enforces the City’s business license ordinance and collects and accounts for related fees and fines. Inspections of new and existing businesses are conducted to ensure compliance with the City’s business license requirements. The incumbent performs related technical and clerical work as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Enforces the business license ordinance for the City of Columbia;
• Inspects new and existing businesses to ensure they are operating with up-to-date City business licenses;
• Provides information and assistance to businesses as required to facilitate compliance with the City’s business license ordinance;
• Collections of new and renewing business license fees in the field and in the office;
• Provides receipts and posts payments to appropriate accounts;
• Contacts persons/businesses with delinquent accounts to discuss payment options; assesses and applies penalties for non-payment;
• Processes lock box payments;
• Aids in greeting and assisting customers, providing professional, courteous customer service at all times;
• Interprets and explains the ordinances to business owners as it pertains to their business;
• Maintains accurate and complete records;
• Performs general clerical work as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, etc.;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility;
• Attends court proceedings and testifies in court to represent the City to prosecute cases for various court summons;
• Patrols the city and conducts field inspections to identify business licensing code violators;
• Investigates public complaints regarding alleged violations;
• Attends meetings, workshops, conferences, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED;
• At least two (2) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

The City of Columbia offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, which includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.