Operations Assistant (Permits)

Job Title: Operations Assistant (Permits)

Location: Columbus, OH

Department: Administration / Operations

Employment Type: Full-time, on-site with local travel

FLSA Status: Non-exempt (hourly)

No fire alarm or sprinkler project starts without a permit. You will be the person who gets it done, building relationships with local building departments and keeping projects moving.

Why Silco

• Eight-time Top Workplaces winner and an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company.
• Family-owned since 1931, with approachable leadership and real advancement across branches and departments.
• Veteran-friendly: about 30% of our team has served in the military.

About Silco

Silco Fire & Security protects lives and property for more than 45,000 businesses across Ohio, Kentucky and surrounding states. We design, install, inspect, service and monitor fire protection and security systems, from fire alarms, sprinklers and kitchen suppression to video surveillance and access control. Founded in 1931 and still family-owned and operated, Silco has more than 500 team members across seven branches: Cincinnati (headquarters), Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo and Louisville.

The Role

The Operations Assistant (Permits) owns the permit process for new fire alarm and sprinkler projects in the Columbus region. Your work begins when design is complete: preparing applications, delivering them to building departments, tracking fees, picking up approved permits and clearing any obstacles. You will work closely with our design team and supervisors and also support equipment calibration and backflow documentation.

What You'll Do (Essential Functions)

• Prepare, submit and track permit applications for Service and Install projects.
• Deliver applications to and pick up permits from local building departments; track and reconcile associated fees.
• Resolve issues that delay permit approval by working with design staff and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
• Build working relationships with central Ohio building departments.
• Submit and renew backflow documentation for testers.
• Track equipment calibration and testing schedules.
• Maintain and update the customer database accurately.
• Perform other administrative tasks as assigned.

What You Bring

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Strong numerical, analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and a driving record that meets Silco's vehicle insurance requirements (role involves local travel to building departments).

Preferred

• Salesforce and/or Sedona experience.
• Experience with construction permits or municipal building departments.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to type, use a mouse, handle paperwork, and operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to read a computer screen and printed documents for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate clearly by phone, email, video call, and in person.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching to file documents and move around the office.
• Able to occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds, such as files, supplies, or boxes of paper.
• Ability to remain alert and focused while performing detailed or repetitive tasks.
• Work is performed primarily in an office environment with moderate noise levels.
• Capable of driving a vehicle to and from local building departments and other locations, as necessary.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance; accident and illness insurance; Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement and company-paid training and certifications.
• Up to 8 paid volunteer hours per year, plus dollar-for-dollar matching of your charitable gifts.
• Company events and recognition programs that celebrate success.

Equal Opportunity

Silco Fire & Security is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Reasonable accommodation: Silco provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants and employees with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions. If you need an accommodation to apply or interview, contact Human Resources at (513) 733-5655 or aschmitz@silcofs.com.

Offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screen, conducted in accordance with applicable law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Positions that drive for work also require a motor vehicle record review. Criminal history is evaluated individually in light of the position's duties.

This description outlines the essential functions, qualifications and physical demands of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties; other duties may be assigned. It does not create a contract of employment. Employment with Silco is at will.