Provides administrative and clerical support to the Department of Permitting and Inspections. In addition, this position is responsible for providing information and assistance to the public and applicants for permits. This position is distinguished from other administrative positions, as it is responsible for providing “Administrator” level office support.

Union: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Primary Responsibilities include:

• Meet and greet walk-in and telephone customers, provide direct assistance at counter for customer inquiries, and respond to online customer requests.
• Provide assistance to applicants including information needed to submit an application for a permit, and information pertaining to past permits. Explain the permitting process and how it pertains to properties and areas throughout the City.
• Enter and maintain permit application data and other related City and state permit information in the permit system and other record keeping systems in accordance with department procedures.
• Process zoning certificate of compliance requests.
• Receive and resolve customer complaints for manager review.
• At direction of manager, produce various reports from permitting system.
• Act as staff to the Burlington Board of Health, to include scheduling and warning meeting times and locations, preparation of agendas and associated meeting packets, organizing and gathering post meeting information as necessary, and prompt preparation and online posting of minutes.
• Ensure proper public notification of all public meetings of department-supported boards and commissions in accordance with city and state requirements including maintenance of mailing lists, and preparation and distribution of agendas and public notices to applicants, property owners, media outlets, and interested parties in advance of meetings in accordance with department procedures.
• Schedule and secure accessible locations for all meetings of department-supported boards and commissions and any associated subcommittees.
• Provide routine administrative support, including, but not limited to:
  • Process incoming and outgoing department mail;
  • Scheduling appointments;
  • Typing;
  • Photocopying; and,
  • Data entry.
• Maintain departmental records and filing systems, including maintenance of applicable permits, resolutions, ordinances, meeting minutes and other related material, in accordance with City retention requirements and storage schedule.
• Provide research support as may be requested by other department staff to research, compile and organize information from land records, surveys, maps, permits and other legal documents for various properties.
• Record and deposit all department revenues in accordance with procedures established by the CAO’s Office.
• Preparing, recording, and processing department expense vouchers and interdepartmental transfers for payment of department in accordance with procedures established by the CAO’s Office.
• Researching and purchasing all office supplies in accordance with procedures established by the CAO’s Office, and ensuring all general office supplies are maintained at appropriate levels.
• Position may require the operation of City vehicles and/or personal vehicles in order to conduct City business.

• Responsible for basic assistance with zoning applications.
• In the absence of the zoning Permit Technician, be able to:
  • Record official minutes at board meetings and prepare minutes for signature and distribution in accordance with department procedures.
  • Review zoning permit applications for completeness and release zoning permits when complete.

• Performs other duties as required.

• Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required, reasonable accommodations will be considered.
• Associate’s Degree and five (5) years of experience in a customer service and/or office management/administration capacity is required. Additional experience may be substituted for a degree requirement on a two-for-one year basis.
• Experience in land development, permitting, and/or government administration capacity is preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and excellent interpersonal skills are required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of the customer service team in a fast-paced, complex, detail-oriented office environment that features many repetitive tasks and strict deadlines.
• Ability to interact professionally, and to establish and maintain positive relations with co-workers, supervisor, staff, public officials, general public, and other departments.
• Ability to manage, and prioritize multiple initiatives, and to engage in collaborative decision-making.
• Ability to apply tact and discretion in addressing controversial and emotionally charged issues.
• Familiarity with municipal building standards, zoning ordinances, and related state statutes is preferred.
• Interest in contributing to the City of Burlington, and improving the quality and effectiveness of governmental services.
• Ability to learn and maintain knowledge of the Departments purpose, objectives, legal requirements, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to operate traditional office equipment including desktop and laptop computers and associated software, copiers, scanners, etc., accurately type a minimum of 60 words per minute, and troubleshoot common problems as necessary.
• Some evening work is required to attend public meetings to take minutes (approx. one evening per month).
• Regular attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.
• Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules and personnel policies.
• Ability to obtain a valid driver’s license within 45 days of hire and the continued maintenance of a valid driver’s license. Operation of a City vehicle or personal vehicle to conduct City business without providing proof of a valid driver's license to Human Resources will not be permitted. A valid driver’s license shall be defined as a current state of residence-issued license to operate a motor vehicle on public roadways. Position also requires the ability to be covered under the City’s vehicle insurance policy prior to operation of any City vehicles or non-City vehicles for City business.

Promoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity.

The City of Burlington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable work-force that mirrors the population and world that we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, crime victim status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.

In addition to being an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity to apply.

Applications for our employment opportunities are only accepted online through our Government Jobs website.

For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at 802-540-3057 or careers@burlingtonvt.gov.