Summary

This is an Extra Help Position. Extra Help means this may be a Part-Time or Non-Permanent position. The number of hours worked per week may vary and depend on the needs of the department. For terms and conditions concerning Extra Help with Butte County, see Section 6.13c (Download PDF reader) of the Butte County Personnel Rules.
This recruitment is for Level I. The salary rage for level I is $1504.00 -$2015.20 biweekly ($18.80 -$25.19 per hour).

DEFINITION

Under immediate or general supervision, performs a variety of support duties related to the processing and issuance of building permits; provides customer assistance and interprets codes, policies, and procedures; receives, reviews, and processes applications; coordinates plan review with other County staff and departments; issues permits and calculates and collects fess; performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Permit Technician I) or general (Permit Technician II) supervision from the Permit Center Supervisor or designee. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Permit Technician I: This is the entry-level classification in the Permit Technician series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine building permit review, processing, and issuance. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Permit Technician II: This is the journey-level classification in the Permit Technician series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Permit Technician classification series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.

Essential Job Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Receives, reviews, and accepts building permit applications; reviews applications for completeness; calculates and collects applicable fees; prepares and issues receipts.
• Determines the types of inspections and reviews required for the construction proposed; coordinates plan review with other County units, divisions, or departments; accepts plan revisions from applicants, contractors, and others.
• Responds to questions on zoning, flood zone, building land use, permit readiness, project fees, and other issues; explains policies, codes, standards, and code enforcement violations.
• Answers questions and provides information regarding ordinances and procedures for building construction, remodeling, and repair, as well as information on building and planning submittal requirements, planning, and general information on environmental review and zoning and the General Plan to owners, developers, and the general public.
• Reviews plans, design drawings, and supporting documents for completeness; reviews basic content of standard blueprints and construction drawings; identifies compass direction, section, township, and range on zoning maps.
• Performs research on permit history regarding parcel zoning and land use restrictions; assists in the retrieval of documents and building records.
• Creates customer and permit logs or files for various documents; enters application data into computer and manual filing systems; compiles and maintains accurate and detailed records
• Performs administrative and clerical functions; photocopies building and planning files upon request; processes forms, documents, letters, and citations; assists with payroll and other related administrative matters.
• Provides radio support to building inspectors in field.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances and County policies and procedures relevant to land use, land development, zoning, and the permitting process.
• Types of construction and basic building, encroachment, and grading and/or land development procedures and requirements.
• Procedures for processing and issuing regulatory permits.
• Basic real property description terminology and concepts.
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping.
• Business arithmetic, including the calculation of areas and fees.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Understand and interpret construction drawings and parcel maps.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures and standards relevant to work performed.
• Perform required mathematical computations with accuracy.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and other written material.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education 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:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and

Permit Technician I: One (1) year of general office and clerical support experience.

Permit Technician II: Two (2) years of experience performing increasingly responsible permit processing and plan review at a level equivalent to the County’s class of Permit Technician I.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Permit Technician II: Possess and maintain a valid International Code Council (I.C.C.) Permit Technician Certificate.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.