Job Announcement

Fairfax County boasts a top-notch school system, safe neighborhoods, thousands of acres of parkland, and bustling town centers. County government sits at the heart of this dynamic community of almost 1.2 million residents and seeks employees eager to bring their energy, enthusiasm, and skills to serve Fairfax residents and to shape the county's future. Land Development Services (LDS) is the steward of the county's land development and building construction codes and regulations, and its staff members embrace their essential role as "first preventers." Every day, through careful review, permitting and inspection of site and building construction, our staff protect the health, safety, welfare, and environment for those who live in, work in, and visit Fairfax County. Our department also serves as the gateway to much of the county's economic development, reviewing over 30,000 building and site plan submissions, issuing nearly 70,000 building permits, and conducting over 220,000 building and site inspections each year. If you would like to join a creative, collaborative, innovative team doing meaningful work, then LDS is the place for you.

Under the direct supervision of the Permitting Application Center supervisor, processes residential permit applications to ensure compliance and acceptance with all applicable codes and polices. Compares submitted plans and documentation to requirements for complete applications. Under direct supervision, applies basic engineering principles and performs calculations to determine compliance with related codes and standards. Reviews inspection results and notices of violation and coordinates with code enforcement staff to assist in case resolution. Provides Quality Control reviews of all online permit applications. Public assistance and correspondence using available resources, responds to customer inquiries and project status requests orally or in writing. Assists customers in person at public counters, by email, by virtual appointment or by telephone. Forwards inquiries to proper staff members for further assistance. Maintains inventory of work unit's current forms, brochures and publications made available to the public. Responds to customer and staff inquiries by providing code interpretations and technical information. Complies with LDS’s safety program and guidelines. Complies with county, agency, and job specific training, including but limited to Emergency Management and Safety related courses.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Communicates basic construction code regulations to developers, contractors, citizens, and other Fairfax County agencies. Responds to customer and staff inquiries by providing code interpretations, technical information. Creates computerized permit records from fax, mail, electronic and in-person submissions. Responds to oral and written inquiries from constituents regards to as to when permits and/or plans are required in accordance with the Virginia Construction Code and Fairfax County Code. Provides information about the permit process and advises applicants of the submission requirements, required documentation, and required approvals for their specific project. Research archived permit records using LDI, for constituents and other FFX County Agencies. Test changes to FIDO and FIDO Online computer system to ensure that he changes have been implemented accurately by IT staff.
• Evaluates applications and related documentation for all building permit types to ensure compliance and acceptance with all applicable codes. Determines use group(s), type(s) of construction, required reviews, process sequencing, fees and applicant eligibility as set forth by the state law. Acts as a point of contact for all stakeholders in the permit application process. Mediates and resolves complaints related to the permit application process.
• Performs quality control review of all online permit applications, for permits with no associated plans. Confirms that the application is complete and accurate, all appropriate fees have been paid, and for compliance with county- and state- related codes and ordinances, interprets, administers, and ensures the consistent application of state and county codes related to the permit application process.
• Performs other duties to contribute to the Land Development Services mission, vision, and values, including following safety policies, providing equitable services to customers, and collaborating with colleagues in a team environment.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to high school graduation or a GED issued by a state department of education; and one year of engineering technical support work experience or one year of post-secondary vocational trade school or completion of one year of an applied science associate's degree.
Click here to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to"

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least two years of customer service experience and/or public contact experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge and familiarity the Virginia Construction code and ICC family of codes
• General knowledge of land development processes and permitting applications.
• Bilingual
• Proficient in the use computers, scanners, printers, and smart phones
• Proficient in Microsoft Office

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Need to be able to pick up large sets of plans up to 50 pounds. Position requires incumbent to be mobile with periods requiring sedentary tasks. Ability to operate computer driven equipment. All duties are performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs will still be subject to the weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview may include a practical exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.