Customer Service & Development Assistant

The Neighborhood and Community Services Department is currently recruiting for a Customer Service & Development Assistant. The Customer Service & Development Assistant accepts and reviews applications and issues building and construction permits, performs work related to building inspection and code enforcement. This position provides administrative support and is the first point of contact for the public’s interaction with the Neighborhood and Community Services Department.

Essential Job Functions

• Processes building permit and contractor/construction trade license applications
• Records permit information into permitting software database and maintains electronic and hard file property information
• Performs a wide variety of clerical work including written communication, file maintenance, handling records requests, and processing payment and refund requests for department related fees
• Updates property files and notified other department of property address changes
• Issues building permits for approved plans and certificates of occupancy for completed projects
• Informs project applicants of city requirements, processes, and deadlines from time of initial contact to completion of the project
• Receives requests for, and schedules, building inspections
• Understands basic code enforcement and accepts and directs related phone calls or in-person inquiries
• Serves as first point of contact for the Community Development Department
• Processes planning division permits
• Collaborates with the Building Official and City Planner
• Balances cash drawer daily

Ancillary Job Functions

• Comply with all City ordinances and policies.
• Assist other departments and perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience – An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of one year of relevant experience.
• Requires Permit Technician certification within one year of employment. 
• Must have valid drivers' license. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those commonly associated with this position.

• Ability to efficiently use office equipment. 
• Proficient knowledge and use of computers to include Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), electronic file storage and maintenance, and software databases.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees, business entities, and the general public.
• Ability to deal with difficult citizens in a calm and patient manner.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work under general supervision and make responsible decisions.
• Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations.

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• General office conditions and moderate noise levels.

Physical Abilities (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions)

• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to talk, hear, and kneel.
• Must be able to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement and manual dexterity.
• Must have precise hand-eye coordination, clarity of vision, and three-dimensional vision.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Range:   $22.15-24.36

Date Opened:  April 18, 2025

Date Closed:  May 18, 2025

Hours:  8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday.

Residency:  Regular, full-time employees are required to establish and maintain residency within a driving distance of 35 miles of Ottawa City Hall within one year from hire.

E-Mail Confirmation:  After your application has been received by the City of Ottawa, you will receive confirmation by e-mail. Please check your SPAM filter or JUNK Mail. If you have not received confirmation within 48 hours of submitting your application, please call 785-229-3634 to verify application has been received. For additional information, contact Human Resources at 785-229-3634 or e-mail [email protected].

Anyone with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at 785-229-3634 at least two days prior to a scheduled test or interview.

The City of Ottawa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.