Permit Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $24.37 - $26.00 Hourly
Location : 1002 Washington Ave., Houston, TX 77002
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 39374
Department: Houston Public Works
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/3/2026 11:59 PM Central
POSITION OVERVIEW
Accepting Applications from: All Persons Interested
Service Line/Section: Houston Permitting Center /Occupancy Inspection
Reporting Location: 1002 Washington Avenue*
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
*Subject to change*
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTION
Performs professional administrative support and leads Permit Technician Aides and Permit Technicians in the acceptance, review and dissemination of a wide variety of building permit applications and documents.

• Receives, reviews and evaluates permit applications, construction plans and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy and conformance with building codes and other applicable requirements.
• Pre-screens plans for accuracy, contacts customers for any needed documents/information, performs final review of application and related documents, and routes commercial and residential plans for review and inspection.
• Processes applications in and out of the system, perform setup inspection and re-inspections and reviews returned applications.
• Answers questions from customers on the progress of permits at all stages and advises applicants of information and submittals needed at locations to have requirements checked.
• Provides guidance to Permit Technician Aides and Permit Technicians; may schedule and review work to ensure effective and efficient processing of applications.
• Recognizes and resolves permit system issues and submits Service Now Tickets as needed.
• Creates and prepares various administrative documents and statistical/performance reports.
• Determines and calculates various permit and application fees.
• Understands the functions of all sections requiring permits, for permitting.
• Understands general construction principles and practices.
• May educate the public on permit application process at community and outreach programs.
• Performs other related duties as requested.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort; i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.
This is a Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier III Level.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a high school diploma or a GED.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Three years of experience as a Permit Technician/Permit Technician Aide, with at least one year as a Permit Technician are required.
Substitutions:
An Associate degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the experience requirement.
A Bachelor's degree in a related field may substitute for the education and experience requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None
PREFERENCES
Preference will be given to candidates that are proficient in the following systems: iPermits, PDox and ILMS (Integrated Land Management System), and have knowledge of how to research using GIMS, HCAD and HAS.
**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**
GENERAL INFORMATION
SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED: None
However, the department may administer a skills assessment evaluation.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: No
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
Pay Grade 16
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting:
or call 832-393-6015.
If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-6015. (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
Must be able to pass a criminal background check, obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required.
EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
01
Please select your highest level of education.

• Less than a High School diploma/GED
• High School diploma/GED
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree or higher

02
Which best describes your VERIFIABLE experience in customer service?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years, but less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

03
Which describes your VERIFIABLE Permit Technician related experience?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more

04
Select your amount of experience as a Permit Tech Aide.

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more

05
How many years of experience do you have using the Q-Flow system?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 2 years
• 2 to 3 years
• 3 to 4 years
• 5 years or more

06
How many years of experience do you have with the software application Integrated Land Management System (ILMS)?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 2 years
• 2 to 3 years
• 3 to 4 years
• 5 years or more

07
How many years of experience do you have using Live Chat or Permit Portal?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 2 years
• 2 to 3 years
• 3 to 4 years
• 5 years or more

08
Please select the following application(s) that you are proficient in using. (Check all that apply)

• Excel
• PowerPoint
• Outlook
• No experience

09
Which languages other than English do you speak, read and write fluently? (Check all that apply)

• Spanish
• Vietnamese
• Mandarin
• Arabic
• Other
• No additional language

10
Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

Required Question