Permit Center Tech I/II

Position Description Powhatan County is seeking a customer-focused and detail-oriented Permit Center Technician I or II to support the functions of the Community Development Department, including Building Inspection, Planning, and Zoning. The position level (I or II) will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and applicable certifications. Position Objectives

• Provide customer service in person, by phone, mail, and email; answer questions and assist applicants throughout the permitting process.
• Coordinate the building permit process, including receiving applications, scheduling inspections, and verifying completeness of submitted documentation.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Community Development software, including the County’s Online Portal.
• Review, process, and route site plans, plats, zoning requests, erosion & sediment control documents, and permit applications to appropriate staff and agencies.
• Process vouchers, payments, invoices, departmental correspondence, and internal records.
• Prepare and distribute materials for monthly Planning Commission packets.
• Receive, process, and distribute departmental mail.
• Verify contractor licensure and coordinate with the Commissioner of Revenue as needed.
• Process basic Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
• Maintain inventory of department forms and assist in updating department resources.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental operations.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES - TECHNICIAN IITechnician II candidates are expected to perform all Technician I duties plus:

• Apply advanced knowledge of building construction and/or zoning processes.
• Conduct higher-level review of permit submittals for zoning, environmental, or technical compliance.
• Independently monitor permit workflows and identify process improvements.
• Assist with more complex applicant questions and provide deeper code-based guidance.
• Support staff with technical review functions as assigned.

Desirable Training and Experience

Permit Center Technician I:

• Working knowledge of building permit review processes.
• Understanding of erosion & sediment control requirements.
• Familiarity with Planning & Zoning submittal and review processes.
• Knowledge of County business licensing and plan review processes.
• Proficiency with job-related computer software, including project-tracking systems.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, communication, and customer service skills.
• starting salary for Permit Center I at $43,508

Permit Center Technician II (in addition to above):

• Advanced knowledge of building construction, development processes, zoning regulations, and/or environmental requirements.
• Demonstrated experience processing permits independently and reviewing applications for compliance.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and perform more complex review tasks.
• starting salary for Permit Center II at $47,968.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the construction/Trades industry (e.g. Basic blueprint design and layout, basic building codes).
• Basic customer service principles and techniques.
• Interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly.
• Problem solving skills to apply standard procedures to clearly defined problems.
• Reading comprehension to read technical materials.
• Arithmetic skills to add, subtract, multiply, or divide decimals or fractions and calculate percentages.
• Ability to use computer programs and applications to complete work.

Benefits

Powhatan County offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including: participation in the Virginia Retirement System, health insurance (including dental and vision), Health Savings Account (with High Deductible insurance plan), Flexible Spending Account, life insurance, Accident, Critical Illness and Cancer Supplemental Insurance, holidays, vacation, sick leave, deferred compensation plans, and short-term disability insurance.

To learn more details, visit our webpage.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to convey the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It does not encompass all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Powhatan County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Employment Notices

• Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination Is Illegal (EEOC)
• Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)