Utilities Permits Specialist - EXAM
Salary
$34.18 - $47.00 Hourly
Location
Varies by position
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-1042-C1
Department
60 Columbus Water & Power
Division
Office of the Public Utilities Director
Opening Date
06/25/2026
Closing Date
7/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Definition
Under direction, is responsible for specialized and technical work in the consolidated utilities permits and inspections office; performs related duties as required.
Examples of Work
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)
Provides technical expertise regarding permitting and inspection processes associated with water and sewer utility work; evaluates site plans for determination of permit application approvals;
Answers urgent calls from staff inspectors and/or contractors regarding final determinations of sewer or water line construction according to City rules and standards;
Reviews sewer line videos for determination of permitting for emergency repairs and/or to evaluate existing sewer lateral conditions; reviews sewer videos for main line wye locations and existing cap-off locations;
Coordinates with sewer maintenance workers regarding connection issues between private laterals and City main lines; ensures a summary record of each individual issue is complete;
Fields questions and issues from other City departments and divisions regarding water and sewer utility line construction practices, inspections, fee calculations, or other related issues;
Oversees inspections to ensure they comply with City codes, standards, rules, and regulations;
Provides fee calculations and front footage determinations for complicated and difficult plan reviews, including sanitary, storm, and water plans; reviews or verifies accuracy of fee calculations;
Manages the bond process for stormwater construction inspection deposits (CID); collects the bond with CID fees for the construction contract plans;
Supervises inspector or permit staff to include conducting performance appraisals, approving leave requests, and initiating disciplinary actions;
May research and sign off on sewer approval for building cards, a requirement for occupancy, after inspections are performed;
Prepares technical reports; maintains files and records of work activities.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of an associate degree and two (2) years of experience in the general construction field, reviewing construction plans, calculating fees for permit issuance, or performing construction inspections, sewer collection maintenance, or water distribution maintenance. Substitution(s): Additional experience as specified may substitute for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Possession of a valid driver's license.
Test/Job Contact Information
The names of the applicants passing this administration of this exam will be used to create a NEW, OPEN COMPETITIVE, eligible list, and will replace the names on the current list. If you are interested in having your name included on the new eligible list, you will need to apply for this exam within the filing period and successfully complete all phases of the testing process. Questions regarding this process can be directed to the Test Center at 614-645-7439.
The examination process will consist of a computerized exam weighted 100% covering planning/organizing, reading comprehension, problem sensitivity, plan/map reading, and 2016/2019 Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
The exam is expected to be administered in late July - early August 2026. Approved applicants will be notified by mail/email of their scheduled test date and time.
All applicants must complete all phases of the testing process in order to receive a final score. The names of all candidates who pass this examination will remain on the eligible list for two years, unless the eligible list is replaced prior to or extended beyond the two years. If a candidates name is certified and the candidate is to be considered for employment, the hiring process will include one or more interviews, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test.
The certification process will be: Fixed Band
The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Columbus seeks to promote compensation strategies that maximize the recruitment, performance, development, and retention of quality employees in support of the Citys Covenant and strategic plan. In addition to a competitive pay plan, the City offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes the following:
Specifics about these benefit opportunities and eligibility can be discussed with one of the Citys human resources professionals at the time of your interview or by contacting the Department of Human Resources, Labor Relations Office at (614)645-7206 for further information.
01
Do you possess a valid drivers license?
02
Select the statement below that best describes your college education. You MUST attach official documentation to the application to receive credit for education.
03
Did you attach official documentation of your education to this application? "Official documentation" is defined as a copy of an official transcript or copy of a diploma that shows your major. An advising report is NOT official.
04
Which of the following best describes your experience?
05
Did you include all of your relevant work experience and job duties that demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications for the job? If no, return to the "Work" section of this application and add relevant work experience and job duties. Note: A resume attachment does not substitute for including the relevant information in the "Work" section of this application.
Required Question
Employer City of Columbus
Address 77 N. Front Street, Suite 330
Columbus, Ohio, 43215
Phone (614) 645-8301