Zoning & Inspection Technician

The City of Graham is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Zoning Inspection Technician. This position performs a variety of technical, administrative, and customer service duties in support of the City's Planning, Zoning, and Inspections functions.

Performs responsible technical and clerical work in the processing of various permits, and assisting with the interpretation of the zoning code for the city.

An employee in this class is responsible for a variety of technical and clerical tasks that support planning, zoning and inspections staff. Work includes researching, processing, and issuing permits; assisting customers with and processing zoning and inspections inquiries; and serving as secretary to various city boards. Considerable judgment, diplomacy, tact, and firmness are required in dealing with sensitive subjects. This employee is expected to work independently and make independent decisions, supplemented with conferences and input from supervisor as needed. Work is performed under the general supervision of the chief code enforcement officer. Work is reviewed for accuracy in oral and written communications and is evaluated by review of written records and verbal consultation. Positions in this classification are not exempt from the overtime pay requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Researches applications and issues permits of the following types: electrical, heating, plumbing, insulation, mobile homes, and building.

Consults maps, development ordinances, site plans, final development plans, and other resources.

Verifies payment of development fees prior to issuing permits.

Assists in the interpretation of the zoning code to the public, developers, and other parties; answers questions from citizens, contractors, and other interested parties.

Schedules inspections for city inspectors.

Serves as staff liaison and secretary to zoning board, historic preservation board, and board of adjustment; prepares and sends applications, notifications; places legal advertisements; prepares agendas, types ordinance changes, and records and transcribes minutes, materials and agenda items as the staff liaison to the Board of Adjustment.

Processes all cemetery transactions and payments through iWorqs software.

Prepares monthly and yearly reports for county, Chamber of Commerce; State, and census.

Catalogs departmental maps.

Receive and process payments, balance drawer daily and submit to accounts payable. 

Processes TCO’s and CO’s to close out permits. 

Schedules and assigns fire inspections for fire department.

Serves as contact for all new water and sewer service customers for the city.

Other related duties as assigned.

Considerable knowledge of the city’s permitting requirements.

Considerable knowledge of the city’s development ordinance.

Some knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding zoning and construction codes.

Some knowledge of the principles and practices and applicable laws regarding planning, subdivisions, building permits, privilege licenses, and building code enforcement.

Skill in using a personal computer, geographical information systems, and other office equipment.

Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and blue prints.

Ability to analyze and compile technical and statistical information.

Ability to effectively communicate and negotiate with property owners, developers, and the general public.

Ability to exercise firmness and tact in the enforcement of codes and ordinances.

Ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form.

Ability to maintain necessary records and reports.

Ability to read and interpret various city maps.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials, developers, citizens, other employees, and the general public.

Work in this position is light work (exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amounts of force constantly to move objects). Physical activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. The employee must have the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data/figures, to transcribe, operate a computer terminal, perform extensive reading, and use measurement devices. The employee is subject to indoor environmental conditions.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license equivalent to the required North Carolina license classification and recognized for operation in North Carolina. Highschool diploma or GED required. This position requires some experience in municipal planning or construction; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The position requires Notary Public certification.