Permit Assistant

~ The Forest Preserve District of Cook County, with more than 69,000-acres, is the largest forest preserve district in the United States. ~

It receives an estimated 40 million visits each year, providing an escape into a world teeming with wildlife and rich with outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities. Within its boundaries are rare habitats that offer plant and animal diversity on par with the rainforests of the world. This natural heritage offers something for everyone.

Position Overview

Under general supervision and direction from the Manager of Permits and Revenue and Permit Coordinator, provides logistic clerical support to office, business or administrative operations, by exercising administrative and customer service skills.

Operates, when required, various office equipment and systems for purposes of capturing, transcribing, and processing information. This person will be responsible for administrative software support for the District's permit system. Issues permits, maintains records, collects and records fees and provides excellent customer service. Manages assigned permit requests as required. Contributes to establishing and implementing policies and procedures for the permit process.

Responsibilities  

Typical Duties 

• Exercises skill in the coding, screening, sequencing, filing, copying, proofing, logging and cross-referencing of routine and complex data. Reviews assembled material for completeness, clarity and accuracy; reconciles discrepancies by looking up data in files, cross-referencing other data and records, conferring with senior staff or communicating with other offices as required.
• Manages and coordinates assigned permit requests and various District memberships.
• Performs basic accounts receivable duties.
• Maintains the highest degree of fiscal accountability while providing the public with a high quality of services.
• Handles cash on a regular basis.
• Receives, accesses, and processes permit requests.
• Addresses customer complaints and concerns and takes corrective action as needed.
• Maintains data, files and records on permits, daily deposits and memberships.
• Assists in training for seasonal and part-time staff.
• Analyzes customer requests and provide feedback as needed as related to the permitting process.
• Acts as a department liaison for the Permits, Rentals and Concessions Department.
• Receives calls and visitors; provides information, forms, brochures, etc. relative to rules and guidelines of the permits department.
• Provides excellent customer service to all customers
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Must possess a high school diploma, GED, or higher.
• Must possess 4 or more years of full-time work experience performing clerical or administrative duties.
• Must possess a current, valid driver's license.

OR

• Must possess a bachelor's degree or higher.
• Must possess two (2) or more years of full-time work experience performing clerical or administrative duties.
• Must possess a current, valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Must possess 1 or more years of full-time work experience performing cashier functions and procedures or cash handling.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics: 

• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel (in a Windows environment); familiarly with design capabilities of Microsoft Word and other design software.
• Proficient in the use of a computer and software programs to manage and generate information, reports, letters, etc.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, capable of meeting tight deadlines, and working calmly under pressure.
• Ability to travel and make site visits as needed.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Skill and accuracy in the control, organization and maintenance of files and records according to various methods.
• Good communication and customer service skills; ability to gather information from others and make inquiries; ability to convey information and explain or describe basic office policy and procedure to others in person or by telephone.
• Skill in exercising sound judgment relative to problem solving.
• Knowledge and interest in recreation trends; specifically new concepts related to outdoor and adventure recreation, the arts and nature play activities.
• Ability to work without supervision, to be flexible, to work well in groups, and to communicate with people.
• Good interpersonal relation skills. Ability to be tactful and exercise diplomacy.

Note: The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

General District Employment Requirements: 

Proof of Education, Certifications and Licenses will be required at the time of interview. Must be resident of Cook County or establish residency in Cook County in six months of employment and remain a resident at all times during employment with the district. 

Veteran's Preference:

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. 

To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must: 

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify themselves as a Veteran on their employment application by answering Yes to the question "Are you a military veteran?"
• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of the application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).
• Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview. 

Compensation: Posting salary is $40,425.00 yearly.  

Benefits Package 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)  

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on this link. 

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your resume and a cover letter. Be sure to indicate the postion title. 

~ The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. ~