Community Development Jobs in Lawrence, KS (NOW HIRING)

Requirements
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT / PUBLIC WORKS
Position Title: Customer Service Representative
Department: Community Development / Public Works
Reports To: Community Development Director
Salary Range: 1
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime pay)
Last Update: July 31, 2026
Job Summary:
Under the supervision of the Community Development Director, the Customer Service Representative is responsible for assisting the public and contractors with inquiries, permits, registrations, and payments received both in person, by telephone and e-mail. Additionally, the position will support the administrative functions of staff in the Community Development and Public Works Department including support of Planning Commission activities and functions.
Job Scope:
Work is performed with a substantial degree of independence within the framework of prescribed policies and procedures. Employee does not have supervisory responsibility for subordinate personnel.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Receive and review building, community development, public works and other permit applications for completeness and appropriate content, calculate and process fees associated with such permits and applications, enter information into Naviline / Central Square database or other software.
• Create spreadsheets and reports by inputting and retrieving information from Naviline / Central Square and Cognos.
• Respond to or refer inquiries from members of the public both in person, by telephone, and by e-mail as appropriate.
• Accept payments associated with Community Development and Public Works functions, and payment of other miscellaneous fees. Validates and/or receipts payments as necessary.
• Collect and make change for cash transactions, and balances assigned cash drawer.
• Completes daily reconciliation of cash, checks and credit cards collected.
• Provides daily assistance to office staff and the Community Development Director.
• Provides administrative support for Planning Commission activities and functions in the absence of the Administrative Assistant or as needed.
• Works with Community Development and Public Works Directors to ensure fair and professional customer service is being delivered, within set guidelines.
Perform other related duties as assigned, deemed necessary or required.
Education, Certification, and Experience Requirements:
High school diploma or GED and a minimum of 1 year of experience in a customer service-related field, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the appropriate knowledge, abilities, and skills. Requires possession of a valid driver's license and a good driving record. Prior work in local government / community development / building inspection / public works capacity preferred,
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Knowledge of office practices and procedures. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to develop working procedures appropriate to the objectives desired. Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks. Ability to make routine monetary transactions with speed and accuracy. Basic knowledge of accounting principles applying to cash management. Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including complex telephone systems. Knowledge of and proficiency in the use of personal computers and various software programs, i.e. Outlook, Word, Excel. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers and the public. Ability to resolve customer concerns and complaints within established procedures. Close attention to detail. Excellent public relations / customer skills and abilities are a must. Familiarity with databases such as Naviline / Central Square and Cognos or similar software preferred.
Tools and Equipment Used:
Personal computer ; 10-key calculator; telephone; copier; facsimile; multiple document scanner, postage meter and scale; vehicle.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to operate, finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to focus.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee normally works within an office environment. The noise level is usually moderately quiet.
Selection Guidelines:
Formal application, rating of education and experience; and successful completion of oral interview; reference check; physical and drug screen; and background checks are required. Job related tests including assessments may be required.
The City of Gardner is an equal opportunity employer. Any applicant/employee with a disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act may request an accommodation to perform the functions of this position. Requests should be directed to the immediate supervisor.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.