Customer Service Specialist

City Planning Department - Permits Division
Location: 414 E. 12th St.
Salary Range: $19.27-$29.39 per hour

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. *Telework available after completion of 6-month probationary period
Application Deadline: May 22, 2026


Responsibilities

a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb;}tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;}tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5;}

Job Summary
This role supports customers, residents, and internal departments by serving as the front line for the City Planning & Development Permits Division. You'll help people navigate permitting and inspections while keeping communication, scheduling, and documentation running smoothly. If you care about public service and helping people move projects forward, this role has real impact.
What You'll Do
The Customer Service team provides a wide range of support services to the division and to our customers and residents. These duties include:

• Serve as the front office receptionist for the City Planning & Development Permits Division, other divisions, departments (Public Works and Water Services), and citizens on the 5th floor.
• Manage numerous phone calls, in-person interactions, and email communications to ensure timely and accurate responses.
• Assist customers with using the CompassKC system so they can submit and track permits and inspections.
• Guide customers on next steps for the plan review or permitting process to help projects move forward.
• Schedule standard and 2-hour inspections to support efficient field operations.
• Schedule meetings for staff and applicants to support coordination and timely decision-making.
• Assess inspection fees as needed to ensure accurate billing and compliance.
• Perform property, inspection, and permit documentation management to maintain complete and organized records.
• Assist walk-in customers by answering questions, scheduling inspections, or connecting them with the correct city staff or department.
• Coordinate with utility companies, such as Spire and Evergy, for service reconnections.
• Perform other duties and tasks assigned based on customer and divisional needs to meet performance goals and Council-mandated key performance indicators (KPIs).

What Success Looks Like

• Customers receive clear, accurate guidance and know their next steps.
• Inspections and meetings are scheduled correctly and on time.
• Phone, email, and in-person inquiries are handled professionally and efficiently.
• Permit, inspection, and property records are complete and well-organized.
• Work supports divisional performance goals and Council-mandated KPIs.

What You'll Bring

• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple requests across phone, email, and in-person interactions.
• Comfort working with online systems and learning new tools like CompassKC.
• Attention to detail when handling documentation, fees, and scheduling.
• Ability to collaborate with internal staff, applicants, and external utility partners.

Why This Role Matters
This role is often the first point of contact for residents, contractors, and city partners. The way you support customers directly affects how smoothly permits, inspections, and development projects move forward, helping the city serve the community efficiently and transparently.


Qualifications

REQUIRES:

• High school graduation and 3 years of public or private sector experience in customer service work at the level of Customer Service Representative or higher
• OR an equivalent combination of education and responsible customer service experience at the level of Customer Service Representative or higher.

Other Information

Military veterans encouraged to apply

Why You'll Love Working with Us - Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)

Comprehensive Health Coverage
Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays-with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning
City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Life's Big Moments
Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance
Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses-invest in your future while you work.

Income Protection
Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided
City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave
Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?
Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.
Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to accommodations@kcmo.org .

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code • 4211).

• 

• City of Kansas City

• 816-513-1903

Show more