Development Specialist

Job Description:

Development Specialist

Description

Position: Development Specialist I/II FLSA: Non-Exempt Department: Development Services Schedule: Flexible schedule Monday through Friday. Work schedule to be determined by department needs. Position may require evenings and weekends. Reports To: Development Coordinator Positions Supervised: As Assigned

Job Summary

Responsible for providing excellence in service delivery as the primary administrative, technical, and compliance support liaison for the department, ensuring the efficient operation and adherence to adopted codes and municipal ordinances. This role serves as the initial point of contact for all development customers, including residents, property owners, contractors, and business owners, and focuses on providing constituent services for planning, zoning, property maintenance, health, food establishments, public pools, and other regulatory programs. The Specialist is responsible for performing moderately complex administrative support, which includes ensuring the complete and accurate intake and processing of a variety of application types, contractor registrations, and code enforcement complaints, including the accurate collection of project fees. Provides essential technical and informational support to customers and exercises a significant level of independent judgment in extensive direct interactions. Manages critical tasks such as the timely issuance of legal/public notices, maintaining detailed files and records, and coordinating the scheduling of inspections and preapplication conferences. A core responsibility is to ensure that construction projects and development activities are effectively routed through the regulatory processes.

The core duties of a Development Specialist remain consistent across both levels: to ensure construction projects comply with applicable adopted codes, ordinances, and safety regulations. The progression from Level I to Level II typically reflects increasing responsibility, complexity of assigned projects, and a higher degree of independent judgment and technical expertise.

• Development Specialist I: Typically handles routine applications, simpler permit review and issuance, and a defined set of duties with some supervision. Must obtain ICC Certification as Permit Technician within one year of employment.
• Development Specialist II: Handles a full range of duties, including moderately difficult planning and zoning applications and questions. Performs more complex projects and may have a greater degree of independence. Requires a minimum of one year of experience as Development Specialist I and required credentials. Must have obtained additional ICC certification as a Permit Specialist and obtained, or be within one year of appointment to, ICC Code Specialist certification.

Roles & Responsibilities

Customer Service Focus

• Serves as the primary point of contact for development inquiries, providing accurate information related to planning, zoning, building codes, property maintenance, and regulatory processes.
• Provides in-person, phone, and email support to residents, contractors, architects, engineers, and business owners.
• Guides applicants through submittal requirements, completeness reviews, fee payments, and general process expectations.
• Provides courteous, accurate service while resolving concerns or routing complex questions to appropriate personnel.
• Intakes, verifies, and processes development applications, permits, contractor registrations, and code enforcement complaints.
• Ensures completeness of documents, plans, and fees before routing through technical review.
• Distributes applications to reviewing departments and tracks review progress to ensure timely comment issuance.
• Collects fees and balances cash drawer daily.
• Issues permits and manages case files following approval.

Office Management & Support

• Screens and prioritizes incoming calls, emails, and visitors; redirects inquiries appropriately.
• Prepares, proofreads, and edits correspondence, public notices, reports, agendas, and meeting packets.
• Supports the collection, posting, and publication of legal notices in compliance with statutory deadlines.
• Assists in the preparation of documents for various types of meetings.
• Assists in the preparation of various reports, including monthly building reports and planning activity reports.
• Assists in the public noticing process, including posting requirements and preparing mailings to surrounding property owners as required by law.

Technical Records and Data Management

• Maintains the integrity of all official development records, including archived plans and documents, in compliance with records retention regulations.
• Generates monthly activity, inspection, and code enforcement reports.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong verbal and written customer service communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with a diverse range of customers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including advanced skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Requires time-management skills, self-motivation, and ability to operate modern office equipment and computers.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines.
• Knowledge of municipal government operations, particularly in development related processes.
• Skilled in records management; strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and document preparation.
• Proficiency in learning specialized software for permit tracking, GIS, or other development related applications.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Basic knowledge of land use planning principles and zoning administration.
• Familiarity with subdivision regulations, development standards, and long-range planning concepts.
• Understanding of the development review workflow, including annexation, zoning approvals, platting, and site plans.
• Regular, reliable, and punctual levels of attendance are essential job functions and expectations of this position.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting with no major environmental or safety hazards.
• Work may be subject to time pressures, occasional noisy environment, irregular work schedule, frequent task changes, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working as part of a team, and dealing with difficult situations.
• May occasionally require attendance at evening meetings or events at outdoor and indoor venues.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or higher preferred.
• One year of experience in customer service, permitting, planning, or administrative support preferred.
• Permit Technician certification highly preferred.
• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job may be considered.
• Valid Texas Driver's License with driving record that meets City guidelines.

Closing Date/Time: ${closing_date}

Salary:

$21.08-$23.25