Building specialist

PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION

The purpose of this classification is to process applications for building permits, coordinate inspection activities for residential / commercial buildings, provide customer service, and provide support for enforcement of building codes.

Maintain building records and land files and to provide technical support for Building Department operations to assure compliance with state laws, building codes, and zoning ordinances.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

Other duties may be required and assigned.

Performs customer service functions by providing information and assistance related to : permits, permit applications, all related permit documentation, inspections, research of records, change of contractor, general procedures, fees, or other issues.

Assists with online submittal process to facilitate processing of applications and scheduling of inspections; prepares and scans documents and plans for imaging into online permitting system.

Responds to routine questions, complaints, or requests for service.

Receives and reviews, with basic knowledge : various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, lists, checklists, change of contractor paperwork, payments, fee schedules, building permit applications, flood plain development applications, authorized agent forms, contracts, building permit reports, building reports, civil drawings, architectural plans, electrical plans, plumbing plans, flood zones and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) forms, surveys, notice of commencement forms, inspection cards, special Inspector forms, energy calculations, contractor license guide, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation;

processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections, if needed.

Utilizes online permitting systems, electronic filing systems, project managing systems, document creation systems, and the Microsoft office suite and others used in the department;

generates queries and publishes reports from each software, when applicable. Coordinates service / repair activities as needed.

Answers incoming telephone calls; provides information and assistance; records / relays messages or directs calls to appropriate personnel;

retrieves messages from voice mail; initiates and returns calls as necessary; maintains contact with inspectors or other field personnel.

Research and verification of flood elevation information with survey and flood elevation interpretation and with zone inquiries;

verifies, documents, and provides flood elevation information; forwards as appropriate.

Participates in Disaster Planning & Recovery, as necessary. Coordinates building applications, performance measures, damage assessment records, and pre and post disaster preparation.

Maintains electronic filing system of building records; archives construction permits. Assists customers, other department employees and inspectors in locating plans.

Ensures that activities involving retention of records, purging of records, and destruction of records are conducted in accordance with applicable county, state, and federal statutes.

Coordinates land file information with GIS department to assist in keeping all GIS maps current.

Calculates collection of fees : impact, fire rescue fees, or other departmental fees; records transactions. Withdraws money from escrow accounts for permit fees, fire rescue fees, failed inspections, revisions, or impact fees; invoices statements.

Follows safety procedures and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, Town officials, inspectors, customers, contractors, property owners, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Interprets / applies Town business registration requirements, state business registration statutes, processes and maintains Out of Town Contractor / Business information.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Performs general / clerical tasks, which may include word processing and spread sheets, copying standard and blueprint documents, sending / receiving faxes, processing incoming / outgoing mail, receiving / signing for incoming deliveries, or delivering documentation to / from other departments.

Performs notarization of documents as needed.

Provides assistance or backup coverage to other employees or departments as needed.

initiates requests for new / replacement materials.

Acts as a liaison with architects and engineers.

Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three (3) years previous experience and / or training that includes building permitting / inspection office operations, Business Tax Registration, general office work, customer service, and personal computer operations.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job can be considered a substitute for the years of experience requirement.
• May require possession and maintenance of valid Florida Appointment of Notary Public certification.
• A valid Florida driver’s license is required. For application purposes, a valid driver’s license from any state (equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) may be utilized;

with the ability to obtain the State of Florida driver’s license within thirty (30) days from the date of employment.

Last updated : 2024-08-19