PERMIT TECHNICIAN I-II

Job Description:

PERMIT TECHNICIAN I-II

Description

DESCRIPTION

Vacancy Information: Current vacancies are with the Community Development Department, in the Building and Safety Bureau and Planning Bureau, and in the Public Works Department.

Building and Safety Bureau:

The Permit Technician position is within the Permitting Division of the Building and Safety Bureau. This position plays a key role in supporting the public and staff in the permit application process. The Permit Technician will offer technical guidance on municipal codes, ordinances, and application procedures both in person and over the phone. The role requires daily use of permitting software to track, process and manager permit record efficiently. Strong customer service skills, attention to detail and the ability to interpret construction documents are essential to this position.

Planning Bureau:

The Permit Technician position is within the Zoning Administration Division of the Planning Bureau. This position will include learning and providing a range of planning and zoning services in person at the permit center, via phone, and virtually. The Permit Technician will complete the review of architectural plans for compliance with the zoning regulations and historic preservation guidelines. This position will require a candidate to work closely with planning and building and safety staff for the processing of ministerial approvals and the communication of regulations to applicants and the public. The Permit Technician role will be closely involved with the use of permitting software in their daily workflow.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Under general supervision, assist architects, engineers, contractors, business owners, and homeowners by providing routine and technical information related to the issuance of permits. Provides technical information regarding routine municipal code requirements and ordinances; assists the public in completing applications and other required forms. Issues permits as authorized; provides customer support and assistance at the public permit processing center and over the phone regarding relatively routine questions about ordinances and codes, permit application process and procedures; assists the public in completing applications and other necessary forms; receives and reviews permit documents and other pertinent information at the public permit processing center in order to verify accuracy and completeness of information; determines permit, plans, and processes requirements for prospective applicants; reviews plans and permit applications for compliance with established codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures; processes permit applications and plan intake; uses architectural and engineering scales to determine dimensions and calculate areas and percentages; calculates a variety of fees for plan check, permits, and other development impact fees and determines construction valuations based on established standards; and performs other related duties as assigned.

This is not an inclusive list. A complete list of examples of duties is detailed in the approved PERMIT TECHNICIAN I - II class specification.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

Candidates must meet option A OR B:

(Option A) Two (2) years of paid, full-time equivalent experience involving extensive public contact working in a building, planning, and/or construction environment, with at least six (6) months of the required experience in computerized permit application processing. OR;

(Option B) Completion of nine (9) or more college semester units (proof required)* or the equivalent in planning, building inspection technology, engineering, architecture, code enforcement, fire science technology, or a closely related field; and one (1) year of clerical and/or technical paid, full-time equivalent experience involving extensive public contact, in a building, planning, and/or construction environment with at least six (6) months of the required experience in computerized permit applications processing.

A Permit Technician certification from the International Code Council (ICC) must be obtained prior to passing probation.

*Proof of required documents, such as licenses or certifications, must be uploaded to the online application at the time of filing. Any proofs submitted must contain either the applicant's name or other identifying characteristics on the form. Degrees must indicate the field of study and transcripts must indicate a field of study and degree conferred date. Candidates who possess degrees from colleges or universities outside the United States must attach proof of educational equivalence at the time of filing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of permit application review;
• Knowledge of familiarity with plans, codes, ordinances, and related terminology, architectural drawing convention and what comprises a complete set of building plans;
• Knowledge of process and procedures associated with permits;
• Knowledge of records management practices;
• Knowledge of customer service methods and techniques;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and procedures;
• Ability to learn quickly and apply departmental policies and procedures affecting the acceptance and review of permit applications and commonly used codes and ordinances;
• Ability to understand the relationship between City zoning ordinances and building code requirements;
• Ability to learn, retain, interpret and communicate technical and complex information, terminology, policies and procedures, including codes, ordinances, and regulations;
• Ability to analyze and review permit applications;
• Ability to perform basic math computations;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to type or enter data accurately and at a speed necessary for successful job performance;
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people by consistently exercising tact, good judgment and a proactive, problem-solving focused communication style;
• Ability to maintain composure under stressful circumstances;
• Ability to operate office equipment including computers, printers, and copiers as well as the supporting word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, and database applications;
• Ability to maintain accurate records and files;
• Ability to facilitate and problem-solve quickly and independently and/or as part of a team;
• Ability to provide support to City and department staff.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bilingual/biliterate skills (Spanish, Khmer, or Tagalog) is desired for some positions.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Application and Supplemental Application.............................................Qualifying

Occupational Written Exam.........................................................................100%

A minimum rating of 70 must be attained in order to pass the examination. Certification by score bands will be considered based on an analysis of exam results. This is a continuous eligible list, which means eligible lists may be established periodically and may expire six months from their effective date. Applicants may apply only once during a four-month period. Applications received by Wednesday, September 3, 2025, will be invited to test on Test #01. Screening of applicants will be conducted on the basis of application and required supplemental application submitted. Only those candidates showing the strongest backgrounds on the basis of comparative analysis will be invited to the examination process. Based on the number of applications accepted, the selection procedure may be changed. In the event a revision is necessary, the affected persons will be notified.

If you have not received notification within two weeks after the close of filing, please contact the Human Resources Department at (562) 570-6202.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION:

The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners. We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender.

The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act

In support of the City's Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer, and/or Tagalog) are desirable for positions interacting with the public.

This information is available in an alternative format by request at (562) 570-6202. If special accommodation is desired, please contact the Human Resources Department two (2) business days prior to the test at (562) 570-6202. For the hearing impaired, call (562)570-6638.

An Equal Opportunity Employer.

J.O.B. ED6AN-25 PT: AG

Employee Benefits

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

• Medical and Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plan (P.E.R.S.)

• Paid Vacation, Personal Holidays and Sick Leave

• Deferred Compensation

• Credit Union Membership

• Free Bus Transportation (Long Beach Transit)

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Free Employee Parking
• Paid Parental Leave*
*Paid Parental Leave - after six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

Closing Date/Time: 9/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$26.11 - $40.32 Hourly