Permit Tech I - Community Development

Building Permit Specialist

Under direct supervision of the County Building Official/Permit Supervisor, will support the Community Development Department by performing a variety of entry-level technical and administrative duties related to the intake, processing, and issuance of building permits in a high volume, fast-paced environment. Serve as the initial point of contact for customers seeking information about construction permitting requirements. Assist with basic plan review, electronic plan routing, inspection scheduling, permit closure, and related customer service tasks. Ensure the accurate collection of fees, maintenance of records, and coordination across departments to support compliance with County codes and procedures.

1. Customer Service and Public Interaction

• Provide customer service at the Community Development counter, by phone, and by email regarding residential, commercial, and industrial permit requirements.
• Explain structural, fire, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, mobile home, and zoning regulations.
• Guide applicants through the online permit portal application and submittal process.
• Communicate with property owners, contractors, and architects regarding permit status and requirements.
• Determine completeness of applications and provide public-facing forms and documentation.
• Assist with Certificates of Occupancy, Temporary Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Completion, and Limited Letters of Completion process.

2. Permit Intake and Processing

• Review permit applications, plan specifications and supporting documents for completeness, conformance and compliance with legal standards, adopted codes, ordinances, and regulations governing construction and Dona Ana County permitting requirements.
• Verify contractor licenses and jurisdictional authority for permit application.
• Prepare invoices, collect fees, and issue receipts and permits.
• Assist with basic plan review of construction documents with staff guidance.

3. Support Electronic Plan Review Coordination

• Assist in coordinating the electronic plan review process in Clariti and EPlan Soft.
• May assign construction documents to appropriate departments based on scope of work.
• Verify timelines, sheet numbers, and reviewer assignments.
• Communicate plan review comments to applicants and update permitting software.
• Transfer approved plans to permitting software and verify final documents.
• Issue final permits and confirm availability in applicant's online portal.

4. Inspection Scheduling and Permit Closure

• Schedule inspections for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire permits.
• Verify permit validity and confirm inspection eligibility before scheduling.
• Close out permit applications in the permitting system upon final inspection approvals.
• Transfer approved documents to SharePoint and maintain application records.
• Track and enter statistical data and maintain forms and process information.

5. Administrative and Financial Support

• Perform accounting tasks, including invoicing, payment collection, and end-of-day reconciliation.

Other duties as assigned.

A. Education. High school diploma or equivalent.

B. Experience. Two (2) years of general office, clerical, administrative or high volume customer service experience. Experience in a construction or real estate related support role is preferred. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

C. Education/Experience substitution. In accordance with County policy.

D. Licenses/Certifications. Valid driver's license. Must maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with County policy. Must be able to obtain an ICC Permit Tech certification within one (1) year of hire date. Upon successful completion of the probationary period and attainment of the required certification, the employee will be reclassified to Permit Technician II. ICC Permit Specialist certification preferred.

E. Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver's license record, etc.). Must pass pre-employment background and driving record check. Must pass pre-employment credit check.

Knowledge of: Basic construction methods and terminology. Municipal government building permitting functions, codes, and processes. Doña Ana County and surrounding areas, including applicable laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances related to land use, building, and manufactured homes. Methods and techniques for reviewing a wide range of applications for accuracy and completeness.

Skilled in: Microsoft Office Suite. Adobe or similar PDF software. Permitting software and electronic plan review systems. Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Ability to: Operate effectively in a high volume, fast-paced permitting environment that requires attention to detail, multitasking, and adherence to established timelines. Learn and maintain knowledge of the geography of Doña Ana County. Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Understand and follow verbal and written instructions. Educate customers on departmental processes, policies, and codes. Work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Compensation Range $18.14 - $27.22 Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person's race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists. Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assistance.