This is a part-time, long-term position with a schedule of 30 hours per week, Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8:00 am- 5:00 pm. 

Description:

Montgomery Parks is currently seeking a seasonal Permitting and Information Technician to support the Parks and Permitting team of Montgomery Parks. The candidate will assist in scheduling and processing permits of the Commission facilities and amenities. Provides information to the patrons. 

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, reviews requests for, approves and issues facility or amenity use permits. Schedules, and processes permits for, public use of Commission facilities and amenities such as, but not limited to, activity buildings, pavilions, camping sites, picnic areas, and ball fields. Discerns wants or needs of requestor to help ensure facility of interest will accommodate wants or needs, and suggests alternative dates, time or facilities, as appropriate. Provides information to callers who report various problems on park land such as downed trees, standing water and run-off, and trail or stream problems, and answers a variety of other questions of inquiring park customers and visitors. Performs a variety of administrative work in support of permit operations to include using and entering data into databases and drafting brief written replies to email and letters. The work results in provision of important use of facilities services to members of the public. Applies knowledge of specialized programmatic processes and procedures. Follows procedures and applies standard solutions to a range of common or recurring problems. Interacts with people inside and outside the organization, including the public, to exchange information, coordinate, obtain agreement or compliance or achieve other desired actions. Performs other duties, as assigned.

Assignments are made in terms of specific duties and responsibilities. The incumbent plans and carries out the work in conformance with established policies and procedures and accepted customer service practices, resolves commonly encountered work problems and deviations by selecting and applying the appropriate guideline(s), and brings procedural exceptions and recommendations to the supervisor for guidance or resolution. Work is expected to be accurate and is subject to check for conformance with guidelines, quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service and other factors.

1. Schedules and processes permits to the public for use of pavilions, picnic areas, activity buildings, camping sites, and other Commission facilities. Provides information to both internal and external customers requesting permit-related services.

2. Makes reservations, assists customers with the selection of appropriate rental facilities, and makes recommendations, as needed. Receives and reviews facility applications to determine availability of requested facility. Answers questions, and responds to requests for information, regarding facility characteristics, availability, accommodations, facility policies, rules and regulations. Coordinates with park or facility managers or others for approval of special customer requests such as usage of park facilities outside of regular operating hours.

3. Responds to a wide variety of customer questions and complaints about Commission land and structures (such as downed trees, standing water and run-off, trail, stream and structure problems or inquires), referring the more complicated ones to the supervisor for resolution. Responds to customer email requests and letters of complaints in writing or orally. Responds to telephone and face-to-face complaints orally or in writing.

4. Receives and processes requests for reservations. Collects key deposit fees, processes receipts, issues permits and records daily transactions of revenue collected. Prepares and issues refunds, once approved. Prepares and makes bank deposits, and maintains corresponding financial reports, as required.

5. Enters data into the computerized scheduling system, and ensures all data are accurate and that bank deposits are processed in a timely and efficient manner in accordance with office guidelines. Charges and collects proper fee(s).

6. Checks for keys that have not been returned. Issues deposit forfeitures for violations of rules, regulations, and failure to return keys.

7. Files and archives records such as permits, financial instruments, letters and complaints from customers in compliance with established policies regarding the safeguarding of customer personal and financial information (including credit card and checking account numbers) and all related demographic data.

8. Maintains, updates and distributes files and reports.

9. Makes requests for service maintenance and repairs to park structures and amenities such as repair of roofs, HVAC, lighting, drinking fountains, restrooms and fences, replacement of light fixtures and stocking of user supplies, as well as special tasks such as removal of graffiti and standing water, and investigation/correction of foul odors, as reported by customers. Makes follow-up on completion of requests.

10.  Makes recommendations to the supervisor for improvements in office policies, procedures and processes to enhance information and permitting operations.

11.  Communicates and interacts effectively with business contacts. Establishes and maintains, or enhances, working relationships, including teamwork, with internal and external contacts. Actively listens to understand wants, needs and concerns of customers, and seeks to obtain agreement and compliance.

12. Uses a computer and modern office suite software (such as MS Office), enterprise software and specialized software for planning, scheduling, permitting, communicating (email), data entry/word processing, manipulating data, time and attendance reporting, requisitioning, researching (the Internet), and performing other functions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in administrative and clerical support work or customer service that typically involves the performance of a range of general office support functions.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which requires 3 years.

• Must possess a valid Driver’s License and qualify to drive Commission vehicles to locations within Montgomery County.

• Ability to communicate in another language a plus (Spanish speaking preferred).

Important Skills and Characteristics:

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain positive and effective relationships and work collaboratively with a broad spectrum of individuals and groups internally and outside the agency.

• Communicates and interacts effectively with all partners. Establishes and maintains working relationships, including teamwork, with internal and external contacts. Actively listens to understand key information, including concerns, wants and needs of partners and co-workers. Proven ability to approach and interact with people of all backgrounds and the ability to think collaboratively with senior members of the organization.

• Proficient in using a computer and up-to-date office software (MS Office), enterprise software and specialized software for planning, scheduling, communicating, word processing, collecting, and reporting data, preparing presentations, researching, document control and performing other computer functions for data management and retrieval.