Department: Neighborhood and Business Development
City of Syracuse residency is required for this position. If you are not a resident, you have six (6) months from your date of hire to establish residency.
Job Description
The Permit Technician Trainee position is an entry-level classification designed to train employees in the basic functions of permit processing. Under supervision, the trainee will assist with receiving and processing permit applications, providing customer service to the public, and maintaining permit records. The position focuses on developing knowledge of permitting procedures and departmental workflows, with the expectation of increasing responsibility as training progresses.
Typical Work Activities
- Assist with receiving, logging, and tracking permit applications under supervision.
- Practice calculating simple permit fees using established schedules and guidelines.
- Perform basic review of permit applications for completeness and accuracy.
- Issue routine permits as authorized and directed by supervisory staff.
- Provide general information to developers, contractors, homeowners, and the public at the counter, by telephone, and via email.
- Route permit applications and related documents to appropriate departments or staff.
- Maintain permit files, records, and databases in accordance with department procedures.
- Learn and apply basic permit requirements and departmental policies.
- Respond to routine inquiries and refer complex or technical questions to higher-level staff.
- Perform related duties as required to support departmental operations.
Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities
- Ability to learn municipal permitting procedures, zoning basics, and related codes and regulations.
- Ability to learn municipal software systems, personal computers, and common office applications.
- Basic math skills for calculating permit fee schedules.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and files.
- Ability to learn and apply departmental rules, policies, and procedures.
- Proficiency with standard office software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, databases).
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Attention to detail and ability to work in a structured regulatory environment.
- Ability to interact professionally with the public, contractors, and internal staff.
Minimum Qualifications
- A) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with an associate's degree; or,
- B) Two (2) years of administrative, customer service, or public-facing office experience
Benefits
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
- Retirement plan
Click here to apply
The Affirmative Action Policy of the City of Syracuse is to provide equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, age (18 and over), marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression, sexual or affectional preference or orientation, or any other classified group within the protected class. The City also complies with 31 CFR part 51. If you have a disability for which you wish special accommodation to be made, contact the Office of Human Resources at 315-448-8780 or personnel@syr.gov.
The City of Syracuse may conduct a criminal background check with regard to the employment sought.