Building Permit Technician I/II/III

Building Permit Technician I: $4,660 - $6,245 per month
Building Permit Technician II: $5,273 - $7,066 per month
Building Permit Technician III: $5,820 - $7,800 per month

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Building Permit Technician I/II/III in our Development Services Department/Building Services. For a complete listing of job duties and qualification, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under supervision (Building Permit Technician I), general supervision (Building Permit II), or direction (Building Permit III), advises and interprets, for the public, requirements of various codes as they relate to the construction and use of building, structures, land use and land development; processes, reviews, and approves technical plans for conformance with building, planning, and engineering requirements; and performs related work. Supervision is received from the Deputy Building Official.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Building Permit Technician I – This is the entry level class in the Building Permit Technician series. Under supervision, incumbents are expected to learn and perform duties involved in the review of plan check submittals and the issuance of permits. Under initial guidance, this position provides highly qualified customer service to the general public and is capable of providing support at the public counter during peak operating hours. This position may receive lead direction or functional support from the Permit Technician III.
Building Permit Technician II – This is the journey level class in the Building Permit Technician series. Under general supervision, incumbents are expected to work independently in the review of plan check submittals and the issuance of permits. This position provides highly qualified customer service to the general public and is capable of effectively performing all duties. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level, or when filled from the outside, have prior experience. This position may receive lead direction or functional support from the Permit Technician III.
Building Permit Technician III – This is the advanced journey level class in the Building Permit Technician series. Positions at this level require demonstrated ability to independently perform the most advanced functions related to the review of plan check submittals and the issuance of permits. This position provides highly qualified customer service to the general public and is capable of effectively performing the duties necessary during busy peak operating hours. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the II level, or when filled from the outside, have prior experience. This position may also provide lead direction and functional support to the Permit Technician I/II.The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Provides information and assistance to the public at the counter and by phone regarding project processing, application procedures, codes, laws, and ordinances;

Interprets and applies various Building Codes, Land Use and Development Ordinances;

Accepts permit applications and collects fees;

Researches and responds to public inquiries;

Reviews proposed plans and permits to determine compliance with codes and ordinances;

Issues permits and approves plans for minor projects;

Operates computer related to department functions;

Updates and maintains automated permit tracking system;

Maintains log books and monitors projects;

Computes fees for issuance of permits;

May make field investigations related to property addressing issues.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

Building construction methods and the reading of building plans;
State laws and City ordinances governing building, land use and zoning matters;
Planning and zoning as they relate to ordinances, governing land use and zoning;
Mathematics for the purpose of reading building plans and maps, and calculating valuations and fees;
Communication skills and techniques required for gathering, evaluating and transmitting information, and preparing and presenting oral and written technical reports and research projects;
Methods and techniques for analyzing and interpreting construction design plans, specifications, and working plans related to code enforcement procedures and practices;
Basic knowledge of structural technology; construction practices and techniques, new building construction, and/or alterations of existing structures; and;
Principles and practices of customer service.

Ability to:

Read building plans;
Prepare and present oral and written technical reports and research projects;
Use independent judgment based on established policies;
Work well with people and to handle a public counter and telephones of a public agency in a calm, self-assured, and confident manner;
Use knowledge and experience to work with architects, engineers, contractors, real estate brokers, appraisers, and the public to solve problems and achieve cooperative relationships;
Communicate effectively and clearly with the public and coworkers;
Establish and maintain effective and courteous relationships with the public and co-workers; and;
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.

Education and Experience Guidelines

Building Permit Technician I/II/III
Education/Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. College level course work in construction, architecture, public administration, business administration, or closely related field is highly desirable.

Building Permit Technician I
Experience:
Two years (full-time equivalent) experience in building or construction regulations or closely related field.
An Associate’s degree in construction, architecture, public administration, business administration, or closely related field may substitute for the required experience.
After one year of successfully completing progressively responsible work, an employee at the I level may be considered for advancement to the II level.

Building Permit Technician II
Experience:
Three years (full-time equivalent) experience in building or construction regulations or closely related field;
OR
An Associate’s degree in construction, architecture, public administration, business administration, or closely related field and one year (full-time equivalent) experience in building or construction regulations or closely related field;

After one year of successfully completing progressively responsible work, an employee at the II level may be considered for advancement to the III level.

Building Permit Technician III
Experience:
Three years (full-time equivalent) experience in building or construction regulations or closely related field.
OR
An Associate’s degree in construction, architecture, public administration, business administration, or closely related field and two years (full-time equivalent) experience in building or construction regulations or closely related field.

License and Other Requirements
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license or ability to arrange transportation for field work when necessary.
Residential Plans Examiner Certificate is highly desirable.

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY
The is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.