Licensing and Permits Administrator en City of Thomaston, GA

About the Department

Position Title: Licensing and Permits Administrator 

Department: Building & Safety

Reports To: Chief Building Official

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Licensing and Permits Administrator supports the City of Thomaston’s Building & Safety Department by managing licensing, permitting, and zoning functions while ensuring compliance with city ordinances and state regulations. This position provides direct assistance to residents, businesses, and developers, facilitates communication across city departments, and contributes to community engagement efforts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive and process business and alcohol license applications from initial submission through approval.
• Administer alcohol licensing requirements, including fingerprinting, background checks, and secure recordkeeping.
• Ensure all licenses comply with city ordinances and Georgia state law.
• Manage building and sign permit applications, preferably through the CloudPermit system.
• Assist applicants with completing forms, answering questions, and ensuring documentation is accurate.
• Provide zoning verification letters and confirm compliance with overlay regulations such as Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Historic District requirements using the City’s GIS mapping system.
• Prepare and distribute notices, flyers, and guidelines for residents.
• Receive and log complaints (in person, by phone, or electronically) and route them to the appropriate code enforcement officer.
• Maintain accurate complaint records and assist with follow-up actions.
• Respond to inquiries from the public regarding licensing, permitting, and zoning processes.
• Support outreach efforts, including neighborhood sweeps, Building Safety Month, and other community events.
• Collaborate with other city departments, including Fire, Police, and Planning, to coordinate inspections and approvals.
• Reference Municode and city ordinances to explain rules and requirements clearly.
• Prepare and maintain forms, letters, reports, and electronic records to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
• Maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive applicant and resident information.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of administrative or customer service experience, preferably in local government, planning, zoning, or licensing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to interpret and apply city ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, planning, or related field.
• Experience using CloudPermit or similar permitting/licensing software.
• Familiarity with GIS mapping tools and Municode.
• Knowledge of Georgia state laws related to alcohol licensing and zoning.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to explain technical information to the public in a clear, courteous, and professional manner.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks with deadlines.
• Commitment to public service, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear written reports.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment with regular contact with the public.
• Occasional participation in outdoor community events.
• May require evening or weekend hours for meetings or outreach.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional standing, walking, stooping, or reaching.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. The City of Thomaston reserves the right to assign or reassign duties as needed.