Position Description

Permit Technician I: $17.21 - $20.97

Permit Technician II: $20.18 - $24.51

Permit Technician III: $23.57 - $28.65

The Permit Technician is the first point of contact with the public in the Department of Public Works. The ideal candidate must be an amazing communicator and problem-solver with a strong focus on customer service, a professional demeanor, and must have the ability to quickly jump from one task to another.

Public Works handles the maintenance of over 650 miles of County roadway as well as permitting for any work performed in the right-of-way. Permit Technicians routinely receives calls regarding road conditions, including snow plowing, patching, and debris removal. In addition to the calls for road conditions, staff will field calls regarding new and existing permits while supporting our inspections staff comprised of 3 inspectors. This position is one of two Permit Technicians in the Department.

Under supervision, to perform general work related to the issuance of permits and conveyance of information relative to applicable County codes, policies and procedures and to perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS :

Permit Technician I

This is the entry-level classification in the Permit Technician series; incumbents typically have limited technical work related experience and knowledge of the applicable codes, laws and regulations. Staff at this level work under immediate supervision while gaining additional experience and familiarity with the various regulations, codes, and permit requirements applicable to their assigned department's process.

Permit Technician II

This is the journey level position in the Permit Technician classification series. Incumbents at this level have full knowledge of policies and procedures of the department and/or California Building Codes and receive limited guidance or supervision on determining permit requirements, the master plan process, and are sufficiently skilled to estimate fees independently.

Permit Technician III

This is the advanced level position in the Permit Technician classification series. Incumbents are expected to perform highly complex and specialized duties related to departmental permitting functions under minimal supervision. May function as the lead worker in special circumstances.

Example of Duties

(Duties vary depending on assignment)

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Permit Technician I/II/III

Principles and practices of general government; pertinent federal, state and local regulations related to the assigned department; procedures and techniques of permit processing and basic process for plan review and inspection; customer service principles and practices including conflict resolution; modern office methodologies.

Ability to:

Permit Technician I/II/III

Learn, understand, explain, apply and enforce applicable codes, policies and procedures; prepare and maintain basic records and reports; learn permit processing, building inspection and plan review policies and procedures to ensure compliance with county ordinances and laws; review plans for completeness and accuracy and calculate appropriate fees; respond professionally to the public related to status of projects and permits; use conflict resolution skills to resolve complex and sensitive problems that arise; make arithmetical calculations with speed and accuracy; prioritize work and coordinate several activities simultaneously despite interruptions; understand and carry out both written and verbal instructions; operate standard office machines and computer applications; effectively perform routine clerical tasks; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with co-workers, supervisors and those contacted in the course of work; provide excellent customer service.

Education, Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Permit Technician I

Equivalent to graduation from high school and one year of experience providing customer service and non-technical clerical functions preferably at a front counter in support of the building or construction industry with exposure to the engineering, permit, plan review, and inspection process.

Permit Technician II

Two (2) of front counter experience providing customer service and clerical functions in the civil engineering, building or construction industry including work at a permitting counter, issuing permits, calculating fees and explaining and applying the applicable California Building Codes, and work with database and permit tracking systems.

Permit Technician III

In addition to the Permit Technician II above, the completion of an additional three (3) years of progressively responsible Permit Technician duties within a government agency.

Incumbents assigned to work within the Building Department must possess a Permit Technician Certificate (or equivalent) from the International Code Council in order to be qualified for the Permit Technician III level.

Special Requirements

Possession of an appropriate California driver's license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS :

This class description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Not all duties are necessarily performed by each incumbent. Incumbents may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.