Program Technician

Depending on what department position is assigned to, this position performs a variety of clerical, technical and administrative duties in support of Planning, Building, Public Works, and Development functions. It reviews applications—including building permits, public work permits, parcel maps, lot splits, zone changes, and environmental assessments—for compliance with applicable regulations and standards. The position serves as the primary contact for the public, contractors, engineers, and developers, providing detailed information and assistance on permit requirements, municipal code, and application processes, supports departmental operations through document preparation, data analysis, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed to support community and economic development initiatives.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Job Duties

Performs technical and administrative work that bridges customer service and city permit application processing. Differs from clerical roles by applying knowledge of public works, planning, building, and zoning requirements to review and validate submittals and plans, ensure compliance, manage budgets for projects, and coordinate routing across departments. Differs from professional planning, public works and building positions by focusing on procedural accuracy, software administration, and interdepartmental coordination rather than advanced analytical plan review or policy development. Exercises independent judgement in resolving procedural issues, managing permitting systems, and facilitating communication among applicants, contractors, and City staff.ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties listed and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address temporary or permanent changes in business needs and/or practices.

• Serves as primary contact for the public regarding building, planning, public works, and community development related issues and responds to requests, inquiries, and complaints in person and over the phone.
• Provides information to the public and agency stakeholders regarding zoning classifications, development standards, and various permit processes.
• Serves as a point of contact for public records requests; searches hard copy and digital files for permit history and prepares reports for the City Clerk.
• Reviews applications for a variety of requests, such as, encroachment permits, basin excavations, street closures, banner placements, storm and wastewater permits, building permits, parcel maps, lot splits, and zone changes for completeness and compliance with planning and building ordinances; inputs permits into computer and map tracking systems.
• Validates project files for compliance with ICC, CBC, CRC, and City of Sanger Municipal Code requirements and confirms contractor licensure.
• Evaluates plan sets to determine appropriate departmental review (e.g., Planning, Building, Fire, Civil, Public Works); performs minor technical plan checks to ensure compliance with City standards and development conditions.
• Corresponds with applicants to facilitate streamlined permit processing; provides status updates, identifies corrections, and supports project completion.
• Calculates and collects applicable fees based on established fees schedules, square footage, or project valuation; monitors account activity and resolves discrepancies.
• Issues approved building, grading, landscape, and occupancy permits; releases stamped plans via email or over-the-counter.
• Schedules daily inspection requests; communicates with contractors and inspectors regarding inspection status and maintains records of inspection results.
• Operates permitting software at an administrative level; manages user access, configures fees, archives records, and trains staff on platform use.
• Utilizes software and equipment to support permit processing and documentation.
• Reviews and reconciles balances of various fund accounts for projects using ERP software; tracks fees and financial obligations related to inspections, meetings, and public improvements.
• Compiles technical data for analysis, including demographic and land use information; issues notices of determination and records subdivision maps.
• Prepares and maintains Development Services website content.
• Prepares and distributes agenda packets for applicable department meetings. .
• Attends meetings and prepares minutes of proceedings.
• Assists in researching new development standards and ordinances.
• Generates and distributes monthly permit reports to the county assessor and construction monitoring agencies; responds to U.S. Census Bureau building permit surveys.
• Reports project updates to the department manager for weekly meetings.
• Provides administrative customer service at the front counter; performs routine clerical tasks, maintains departmental records, and supports interdepartmental communication.
• Trains summer interns and new departmental staff; assigns tasks, provides instruction on software and procedures, and monitors progress.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

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

Education/Experience

• Major college coursework in planning, engineering, architecture, geography, public administration, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year of increasingly responsible administrative experience in a municipal or county building, engineering, planning, or public works departments.
  
  

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements:

• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid and appropriate California Driver’s License by time of appointment.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.
  
  

The following generally describes the knowledge, skills, and abilities to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge Of

• Principles and practices of urban planning.
• Principles and practices of public infrastructure projects.
• Computer usage and applications including Microsoft office and specialized permit tracking software.
• Administrative research techniques.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and data analysis.
• Intermediate mathematics and statistics.
• English grammar, spelling, and composition.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Principles of composition and report writing.
• Modern office practices and procedures including keyboard skills.
  
  

Ability To

• Interpret and apply City standards, building codes, department policies, ordinances and regulations.
• Prepare technical reports, documents, and correspondence.
• Analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information.
• Read and interpret construction drawings, blueprints, and traffic control plans.
• Read maps and aerial photographs to obtain information such as land use, distance, topography.
• Use measuring devices such as engineering scales and architectural scales.
• Understand engineering and building plans.
• Learn and apply computer applications.
• Plan, prepare, and provide public presentations.
• Prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Understand and carry out oral and written technical instructions.
• Communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, with employees, consultants, other governmental agency representatives, City officials and the general public.
• Speak and write effectively to express ideas on technical subjects clearly and concisely.
• Maintain office records and files.
• Attend occasional evening meetings.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.
  
  

Working Conditions

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made for some physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Environmental Conditions

Work is primarily performed in a standard office setting within a municipal environment. Occasional fieldwork may be required, involving limited exposure to weather and uneven terrain. The position entails minimal exposure to environmental hazards or physical risks. Tasks are conducted in a climate-controlled space with access to permitting software, communication tools, and other resources. The work is deadline-driven and may involve multiple priorities, frequent public interaction, and coordination with staff across departments.

Physical Demands

Sedentary to Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Work involves frequent sitting, talking, hearing, and the use of hands to operate a computer, copier, scanner, and other standard office equipment. The employee may occasionally stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Field-related tasks may require short periods of walking on uneven surfaces and exposure to outdoor conditions. Visual acuity is required for reading and preparing documents, viewing a computer screen, and performing administrative tasks with precision.This position will be assigned to the Public Works Department. The Process

Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process - which may be any combination of written, oral and/or performance exams.

Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment process. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States. Following appointment, a probationary period is required as the final phase of the selection process.

Applications for this recruitment must be submitted online only. An online application may be found at: governmentjobs.com/careers/sanger

Open Job Information Flyer and click "Apply" to begin the online application process. Failure to complete the job application or failure to follow the application instructions (such as the formatting of education or work experience) will result in the disqualification of the applicant. Applications must be complete and received prior to the filing deadline. Amendments will not be accepted after the filing deadline.

• A copy of the applicant’s required current certificates and licenses must be submitted with application. ***
  
  

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. All statements made on the application are subject to verification; false statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WOMEN, MINORITIES & HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS ARE

ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

SELECTION PROCESS: The qualifications of each applicant, as set forth in the application, will be continuously reviewed by the Personnel Department. Applicants whose applications clearly demonstrate they meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral and/or performance exams.A score of 70% or above is required to advance through each phase of the process.The City of Sanger reserves the right to change, alter, cancel, or modify examination parts and dates.