Job Description:
Permit Specialist
Description
POSITION OVERVIEW Accepting Applications from :
All Persons Interested Service Line/Section: Houston Permitting Center/Mechanical
Reporting Location: 1002 Washington Avenue
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm*
*Subject to change* DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Performs professional administrative support and leads Permit Technician Aides and Permit Technicians in the acceptance, review and dissemination of a wide variety of building permit applications and documents.
- Receives, reviews and evaluates permit applications, construction plans and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy and conformance with building codes and other applicable requirements.
- Answer all incoming calls to section, provides information on permits or inspections in a timely and courteous manner or transfers to the appropriate party.
- Receives and records inspection requests when IVR is down.
- Ensures timely retrieval of waiting Qflow customers in English and/or Spanish.
- Answers questions from customers on the progress of permits at all stages and advises applicants of information and submittals needed at locations to have requirements checked.
- Provides guidance to Permit Technician Aides and Permit Technicians; may schedule and review work to ensure effective and efficient processing of applications.
- Recognizes and resolves permit system issues and submits Service Now Tickets as needed.
- Creates and prepares various administrative documents and statistical/performance reports.
- Determines and calculates various permit and plan fees.
- Understands the functions of all sections requiring permits, such as Water, Planning, Flood, Storm HAS, Traffic, Fire, Sprinklers, Haz-Mat, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Health-Food and Health-Pool. Understands general construction principles and practices.
- May educate the public on permit application process at community and outreach programs.
- Performs other related duties as requested.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable most of the time with occasional periods of stooping, bending and/or light lifting of materials of up to 10 pounds. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially a normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.
This is a Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier III Level.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a high school diploma or a GED.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Three (3) years of experience as a Permit Technician/Permit Technician Aide, with at least one year as a Permit Technician, are required.
Substitution: An Associate degree in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the experience requirement. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for the education and experience requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None
PREFERENCESPreference may be given to applicants with proficiency in the following systems: iPermits, PDox and ILMS (Integrated Land Management System). Preference may be given to applicants who are bilingual in Spanish.
**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.** GENERAL INFORMATIONSELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED: NoneHowever, the department may administer a skills assessment evaluation.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: NOIf yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
Pay Grade 16APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov . To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-6737.
If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-6737. (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
Must be able to pass a criminal background check, obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required.
EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Wellness
- Supplemental Insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability
- Retirement pension
- 457 deferred compensation plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 days of vacation each year
- 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
- Compensable Sick Leave
- Personal Leave
- Flexible schedules
- Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
- Professional development opportunities
- Transportation/parking plan
- Section 125 pretax deductions
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
Closing Date/Time: 12/28/2025 11:59 PM Central
Salary:
$1,949.31 - $2,009.60 Biweekly