Permitting Specialist

New Hanover County’s Building Safety Permitting department is looking for customer-focused, computer-savvy Permitting Specialists who enjoy helping people navigate the permitting process. If you’re a strong communicator, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and familiar with building construction and trade permitting, this is an opportunity to make a direct impact on the customer experience and the community.

As a Permitting Specialist, you’ll serve as one of the first points of contact for developers, contractors, homeowners, and other customers working through the County’s permitting process. You’ll help customers understand requirements, track the status of their applications, and connect them with the right resources to keep their projects moving forward.

• Receive, review, and process building and trade permit applications for completeness.
• Assist developers, contractors, homeowners, and other customers in person, by phone, and by email throughout the permitting process.
• Set up projects, maintain records, schedule inspections, and issue permits using County permitting software.
• Process permit fees and payments and provide customers with information on application and inspection status.
• Connect customers with appropriate technical staff and subject matter experts and perform other related duties.

Building Safety - Permitting is focused on making the permitting process effective, efficient, consistent, responsive, and easy to navigate. The department places a strong emphasis on customer experience and delivering quality service at the right time.

Our approach to permitting rules and regulations focuses on compliance rather than enforcement, helping us provide consistent service while supporting customers through the permitting process. We’re committed to making New Hanover County a model of good governance and creating an experience where customers can do business with the County confidently and efficiently.

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work; 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options; 
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives; 
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Minimum Qualifications:  

• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and two years of experience related to customer service and construction permitting and inspections processes OR an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, training, and experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the functions of the role and successfully perform the essential duties.

• Must be proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel and possess the ability to learn new software systems quickly.

• Must have excellent computer skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced customer-friendly office environment.

What will make your application stand out:

• Understanding of permitting fee transactions.
• Experience conducting credit card transactions via phone.
• Understanding of the building process.
• Knowledge of permitting and inspection software programs, such as Tyler Technology's EnerGov COAST Permitting Portal.
• Experience working with customers in person and by telephone. 
• Bilingual 

Application Status: