BUILDING AND PLANNING TECHNICIAN

City of Imperial Beach
Imperial Beach, CA

Building & Planning Technician
Regular Full-Time Employment Opportunity

The salary above does not reflect a 2% cost of living increase that will take effect on July 1, 2026.

All new hires will begin at Step 1 ($25.13 per hour). Employees receive an annual 5% step increase until reaching the top step of $33.68 per hour, contingent upon satisfactory performance.


Recruitment is open on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received or after receiving 85 qualified and complete applications, whichever is first. Recruitmentmay close without prior notice.Interested applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.

Testing is tentatively planned for April 21, 2026.

GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general supervision, to assist the general public by responding to customer emails, phone calls and visits, regarding building permits, land use permits, plan checking fees, filing procedures, and permit status; assess appropriate invoice permit fees and input pertinent permit information into automated tracking system; support other plan checking, administrative and front counter related tasks; assist in the review of building, land use and encroachment permits and business license applications for compliance with appropriate codes; provide administrative support to building inspection staff; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Works under the direct supervisor assigned by the Department Head. Incumbent does not supervise.
  • Assist the general public at the front counter, via email and/or by phone regarding building and/or land use permit requirements, plan check fees, plan check filing procedures and processing, and permit status.
  • Accept permit applications, enter permit data into the automated database; assess and invoice permit fees.
  • Research information and respond to public and/or department staff inquiries.
  • Review and evaluate plans for completeness and for conformance with ordinances and department's standards, policies and guidelines.
  • Review plans for conditions of prior approval; route plans to other city departments for review; and approve minor permits.
  • Prepare related reports and summary findings.
  • Administratively assist building inspection staff on all types of building, housing, and similar structures that are being constructed and make sure that the work being done complies with provisions of building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical codes and the Zoning ordinance.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
  • Basic customer service principles and practices.
  • English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
  • Basic understanding of the land development process and construction industry terminology.
  • Basic principles and practices of plan checking.
  • Basic policies and procedures for fee assessment and invoicing.
  • Modern office methods, procedures, computer equipment, and computer software applicable to assignment.
Ability to:
  • Assist customers with building and planning issues at the front counter, by email and over the telephone.
  • Read and interpret construction documents and plans.
  • Learn applicable laws, codes, ordinances and regulations.
  • Review applications and documents submitted for building and land use permits.
  • Compile research.
  • Prioritize and balance workload.
  • Schedule intake for permits, reviews, plan submittals, and other related information.
  • Use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Operate standard office equipment and software: phones, computer, Microsoft 365 software, copy machine, and postage machine.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Education and Experience
Enrollment in an approved college/university program with coursework in the area(s) of land use, building, planning, construction, or related field(s), or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Licensing Requirements
Possession of or ability to obtain, prior to employment, a valid Class "C" California driver's license with a safe, satisfactory driving record and able to maintain it through the course of employment.

Applicants must successfully complete the following processes prior to starting employment:
  • Interview process
  • Live scan background investigation
  • Pre-employment physical examination including a drug screen
  • Professional Reference check
Complete job descriptions can be found here: Building & Planning Technician.Job Description Is Pending City Council Approval.
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