City of Evanston
Permit Services Representative (Union/AFSCME)
City of Evanston, Evanston, Illinois, us, 60208
Position Type:
Community Development/Customer Service Representative
Date Posted: 10/30/2025
Location: Civic Center
Date Available: TBD
Closing Date: 11/21/2025
$32.67 - $41.68 per hour *Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.
NATURE OF WORK : The Permit Services Representative is responsible for a wide variety of technical duties involved in accepting, processing and reviewing building permit applications, contractor registrations, and certificates of occupancy. This position will assist and inform residents and contractors of departmental procedures while providing a courteous customer experience. The Permit Services Representative must convey to the customer a sense of expertise in our services and capabilities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : (Specific assignments will include some or all of the following): Processes building permit and contractor registration applications. Ensures information provided is accurate, complete, and in compliance with building and zoning regulations. Verifies licenses and insurances needed for contractor registrations. Records permit information into permitting software database (Civic Platform) and maintains electronic files of property information. Routes plans to appropriate staff for approval. Calculates fees and establishes online payment records. Communicates effectively with applicants when missing required information or when applicants have inquiries about the status of a permit. Processes payments and refund requests as needed. Isses building permits for approved plans and certificates of occupancy for completed projects. Assists and responds to customers via telephone, email, and videoconference in a prompt and courteous manner. Provides in-person customer service at the City's permit desk. Interpret and explain City policies and procedures related to the building permit process. ? Performs other duties as assigned or required. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK :
Must possess a high school diploma, GED, or higher. Must possess two (2) or more years of progressively responsible experience within a clerical and customer service-oriented field. Must possess the Permit Technician certification as offered through the International Code Council (ICC) or have the ability to obtain it prior to the employment start date. Permit Technician certification must be maintained as a condition of employment. Knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas: Proven verbal and written communication skills. Strog interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. ? Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals including supervisors, co-workers, and the public. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations, in particular those operations involving monetary units. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite. Basic plan reading ability with plats of survey, site plans, architectural drawings, and other similar documents. Basic knowledge of construction and architecture terminology. Ability to read, understand, and interpret written documents.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS : Mostly sedentary work occasionally exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. May involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes. No environmental hazards indicated for this classification.
SUPERVISION : Work is performed under the general direction of the Permit Desk Supervisor. Assignments may vary from day to day, however they are primarily routine. Assignments can be either verbal or written, with the employee determining proper procedure and work methods, and responsible for completing the work according to City work rules and safety regulations. Work is reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communication, meetings, and feedback from the supervisor and other department management staff. Guidance is provided through rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Unified Work Rules, union contracts, Personnel Rules and OSHA. Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled utilization of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with the classification standard.
PUBLIC CONTACT : This person has regular and frequent contact with all levels of internal staff as well as contact with the public at large.
SELECTION METHOD:
TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST: LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST: Structured Oral Interview N/A Two (2) Years
To apply for this position, please apply online at
www.cityofevanston.org
on or before the closing date. Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY)
Date Posted: 10/30/2025
Location: Civic Center
Date Available: TBD
Closing Date: 11/21/2025
$32.67 - $41.68 per hour *Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.
NATURE OF WORK : The Permit Services Representative is responsible for a wide variety of technical duties involved in accepting, processing and reviewing building permit applications, contractor registrations, and certificates of occupancy. This position will assist and inform residents and contractors of departmental procedures while providing a courteous customer experience. The Permit Services Representative must convey to the customer a sense of expertise in our services and capabilities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : (Specific assignments will include some or all of the following): Processes building permit and contractor registration applications. Ensures information provided is accurate, complete, and in compliance with building and zoning regulations. Verifies licenses and insurances needed for contractor registrations. Records permit information into permitting software database (Civic Platform) and maintains electronic files of property information. Routes plans to appropriate staff for approval. Calculates fees and establishes online payment records. Communicates effectively with applicants when missing required information or when applicants have inquiries about the status of a permit. Processes payments and refund requests as needed. Isses building permits for approved plans and certificates of occupancy for completed projects. Assists and responds to customers via telephone, email, and videoconference in a prompt and courteous manner. Provides in-person customer service at the City's permit desk. Interpret and explain City policies and procedures related to the building permit process. ? Performs other duties as assigned or required. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK :
Must possess a high school diploma, GED, or higher. Must possess two (2) or more years of progressively responsible experience within a clerical and customer service-oriented field. Must possess the Permit Technician certification as offered through the International Code Council (ICC) or have the ability to obtain it prior to the employment start date. Permit Technician certification must be maintained as a condition of employment. Knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas: Proven verbal and written communication skills. Strog interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. ? Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals including supervisors, co-workers, and the public. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations, in particular those operations involving monetary units. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite. Basic plan reading ability with plats of survey, site plans, architectural drawings, and other similar documents. Basic knowledge of construction and architecture terminology. Ability to read, understand, and interpret written documents.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS : Mostly sedentary work occasionally exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. May involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes. No environmental hazards indicated for this classification.
SUPERVISION : Work is performed under the general direction of the Permit Desk Supervisor. Assignments may vary from day to day, however they are primarily routine. Assignments can be either verbal or written, with the employee determining proper procedure and work methods, and responsible for completing the work according to City work rules and safety regulations. Work is reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communication, meetings, and feedback from the supervisor and other department management staff. Guidance is provided through rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Unified Work Rules, union contracts, Personnel Rules and OSHA. Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled utilization of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with the classification standard.
PUBLIC CONTACT : This person has regular and frequent contact with all levels of internal staff as well as contact with the public at large.
SELECTION METHOD:
TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST: LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST: Structured Oral Interview N/A Two (2) Years
To apply for this position, please apply online at
www.cityofevanston.org
on or before the closing date. Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY)