Linn County is committed to creating a Customer-Center Culture placing our internal & external customers at the center of everything we do! Why do we do this? We get that question a lot. The answer is simple: We want our customers to have a positive experience. Our co-workers are customers too. Exceptional internal customer satisfaction leads to exceptional customer satisfaction for the public!

Why work at Linn County?

• Competitive wages with annual pay increases & annual cost of living increase (depending on budget)
• Medical, dental, vision, short & long term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension Plan (IPERS)
• Wellness program offering credit on insurance premiums to eligible employees
• On-site fitness centers for $15 per year
• 100% County paid basic life insurance
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Training & professional development opportunities

Hourly Wage:
New Hire: $21.42/$21.96* · 90 days: $23.07 · 1 year: $24.37 · 2 years: $25.69 · 3 years: $27.08

• Wage goes to $21.96 on 7/1/23.

About Permit Specialist:
Under general supervision of the Planning and Development Office Manager, the Permit Specialist intakes permits and development case applications, utilizing specialized permitting software. The Permit Specialist is the first point of contact with the public in the integrated permitting system including well, septic, entrance, address, zoning, and building permits; and in assisting customers in person and on the phone. The Permit Specialist must work independently and use their own judgement for both routine and complex functions in accordance to established procedures, policies, and guidelines. Knows the County’s Customer-Centered Culture principles, the County’s Mission, Strategic Plan and Core Values and demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction for all customers on a regular basis.

Essential Functions

• Assists customers in person and intakes permit applications including zoning, building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, well, septic system, address, and entrance.
• Assists customers in person in the preparation of site plans for new construction.
• Assists customers over the phone with routine zoning and building questions.
• Enters all permit information and process requirements into the department’s permit software system.
• Receives and processes online permit applications.
• Receives and processes permit applications for the various municipalities under agreement with Linn County for permit and inspection services and applies the process requirements specific to each municipality.
• Calculates fees for all permit and case applications in accordance with adopted fee schedules.
• Assists customers in person with various case applications including but not limited to major and minor subdivisions, minor boundary changes, rezonings, conditional use permits, variances, special exceptions, agricultural exemption requests, and appeals.
• Enters case information and process requirements into the department’s permit software system.
• Coordinates all monthly case processing including but not limited to publication of legal notices, correspondence, agenda creation, and preparation of packets for various boards and commissions.
• In accordance with the process requirements specific to each municipality, creates reports and invoices the various municipalities under agreement with Linn County for permit and inspection services.
• Balances daily receipts; creates credit card transaction reports on a daily basis, and
• prepares a financial report for the Office Manager to review and submit to the Treasurer.
• In accordance with internal procedures, assigns new monthly cases to the appropriate lead staff person.
• Routinely tracks permits and cases for compliance to established timelines; communicates with applicant and staff regarding noncompliance.
• Performs inspection scheduling on a backup basis in the absence of the Lead Permit Specialist.
• Prepares correspondence, including letters, memos, emails, and phone calls.
• Answers general and specific questions from the public regarding all department services and functions; refers technical questions to the appropriate staff as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Knows the products they personally produce and the customers of each product. Listens to the “Voice of the Customer “and closes gaps between customer expectations and experience whenever possible.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Four (4) years of experience in a customer satisfaction related field required including at least one (1) year with financial transactions involving cash, check, and credit cards and the ability to balance daily and weekly all financial transactions. Experience in permitting or project management software desired.
• Achieve certification as Permit Technician within one (1) year or in accordance with a schedule developed with the Office Manager.
• Ability to integrate customer priorities with departmental strategic objectives, innovation initiatives, performance measures, product design, and employee engagement.
• Ability to learn, apply and articulate Code of Iowa, county ordinances and departmental policies and procedures to everyday work procedures.
• Thorough knowledge in the operation of office equipment including a computer, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, multi-line phone and a fax machine.
• Ability to effectively utilize permitting and GIS software.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of financial processing of payments and reporting.
• Knowledge of basic math with the ability to perform mathematical computations quickly and accurately.
• Ability to communicate politely with customers by email, letter, in person, online and by telephone.
• Ability to perform tasks with speed and accuracy and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to take initiative and handle multiple tasks concurrently, adjust to changing priorities, maintain composure under stressful conditions and meet deadlines.
• Ability to deal with difficult people, handle complaints and demonstrate good listening skills and tact.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other county employees and the general public.
• Ability to process, manage and maintain confidential information.
• Handle cash transactions and maintain accurate balance in cash drawer.
• Perform tasks which require independent judgment and policy interpretation.
• Represent Linn County and perform duties in a professional and responsible manner.

Special Requirements:
Valid Iowa Driver’s License required. Must pass a County physical examination which includes a drug test after offer of employment. Regular work attendance required. Must remain awake and aware of surroundings at all times. Flexible work schedule - overtime may be mandatory at times.