Summary
This entry-level role at the City of Houston's Public Works department involves helping customers navigate the permitting process for infrastructure and development projects, answering questions, and handling paperwork like applications and data entry.
It's a customer-facing job in a busy office setting, where you'll use software to manage queues and communicate via phone, email, or in person.
A good fit would be someone energetic with strong people skills, basic office experience, and a willingness to learn about city services.
Full Job Description
Accepting Applications from: All Persons Interested
Service Line/Section: Houston Water
/ Infrastructure and Development Services (IDS)Reporting Location: 1002 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor*
Workdays & Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm*
*Subject to change*
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Permit Tech will be responsible for learning the general functionality of the Houston Permitting Center and direct customers to the correct departments. The Permit Tech position will require a positive and energetic individual with excellent customer service skills, allowing them to assist internal and external customers in a professional and informative manner that addresses all customers’ needs.
Duties include researching, analyzing, and resolving customer inquiries and complaints to provide quality customer assistance. The employee will be responsible for all communication pertaining to internal and external customer inquiries via phone, email, live chats and in person in a timely manner. The employee will monitor Q-Flow, a next-in-line software application to queue customers to the 1st floor workstation. The employee will assist customers with completing applications for Infrastructure and Development Services. The Permit Tech aide will be responsible for data entry, processing meter applications, processing validation forms, generating sales orders, closing out projects, scanning and email monitoring.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable most of the time with occasional periods of stooping, and/or light lifting of materials of up to 10 pounds.
This is a Department of Houston Public Works Emergency Management Position at the Tier III Level.
Requirements
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTSRequires a high school diploma or a GED.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Six months of customer service or general clerical/administrative experience are required.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTSNone
Qualifications
Preferences shall be given to applicants with experience in customer service, the use of ILMS, Q-Flow, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
**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.**
Additional Information
SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED: None
However, the department may administer a skills assessment evaluation.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION:
Yes
If 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 13APPLICATION PROCEDURESOnly 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 832-393-8085.
If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-8085. (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.