What are the responsibilities and job description for the Departmental Promotional Only* Senior Permit Technician position at Humboldt County?
DEFINITION
DEFINITION
Under direction, leads and performs the more complex and difficult permit applications work in one or more specialized land use areas, including those for commercial and industrial projects; receives plans and land use applications, calculates fees, routes plans for professional review, and reviews plans within specific guidelines; provides lead direction and training to lower level staff; provides information to the public; confers with applicants regarding County procedures and plan requirements; and performs duties as assigned related to various permit and development processes.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Permit Manager. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey-level classification in the Permit Technician series responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform assigned duties. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines and methods to deliver services. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. This class is distinguished from the Permit Manager in that the latter is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the work of staff in the Permit Unit.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignment of different positions.
- Provides lead direction, training, and work review to Permit Technician staff; sets work priorities, coordinates, and schedules assignments, and establishes goals and objectives.
- Provides input into performance evaluation, disciplinary matters, and other personnel decisions for assigned staff.
- Processes permits for complex commercial and industrial projects, ensuring that all permit requirements are met and follow-up is accomplished.
- Participates in the development and implementation of permit and office procedures, training manual, and standardized forms.
- Assists in the review and approval of a variety of permits; assists staff with the resolution of situations that arise in contact with homeowners, builders, architects, and contractors regarding the interpretation or coordination of the department's work.
- Reviews building plans and specifications for completeness and conformance to permit requirements; reviews specific forms, permit applications, waivers, affidavits, plans, energy calculations, and truss calculations for completeness and compliance with pertinent codes and regulations.
- Accepts and logs a variety of applications, and reviews for compliance with land use standards and regulations; routes plans to various County departments for review and sign off; monitors plans and ensures their return in a timely manner; prepares plan packets for plan check by contract services.
- Creates, processes, and maintains referral inspection requests and business license requests.
- Calculates square footage of the construction area or cubic yardage of grading area by measuring to scale; calculates permit, plan check, map check, and similar fees; collects such fees and issues receipts.
- Performs parcel, permit, and zoning research, and/or permit history regarding parcel zoning, land use, and subdivision restrictions to the public, which may involve multiple County departments; checks the addresses and parcel numbers for any previous work or departmental actions regarding the properties.
- Verifies that required permits have been obtained; verifies contractors’ and subcontractors’ workers’ compensation insurance coverage, construction bonds, and licenses.
- Issues permits for specific types of construction; issues other permits as required, following specific guidelines.
- Provides information to the public regarding County regulations, requirements, and complaints, as well as applicable ordinances, regulations, requirements, and procedures related to the permitting and land development process; assists the public in completing and processing various permits.
- Determines the types of inspections and reviews required for the construction proposed.
- Provides information to applicants and others regarding application policies and procedures, basic planning requirements, how to correct deficiencies in original applications, and the process for re-application.
- Performs a variety of office and administrative support work.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Knowledge of:
- Principles of providing functional direction and training.
- Various construction types and basic building, encroachment, and grading and/or land development procedures and requirements.
- Applicable local ordinances and state statutes relative to land use, land development, and permitting process.
- Applicable fire, zoning, and related laws and regulations.
- Real property description terminology and concepts.
- 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:
- Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
- Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction.
- Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
- 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.
- Read and interpret building, encroachment, and grading and/or land development plans, related construction documents and various maps.
- Calculate square footage or cubic yardage, fees, and/or penalties from plans.
- Interpret, explain, and apply policies, laws, and procedures regarding the permit process and County zoning ordinances.
- Perform detailed technical and specialized development support work.
- Organize and maintain accurate files and records.
- 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. Some college-level coursework in building, urban planning, or a closely related field is preferred.
and
Two (2) years of increasingly responsible work experience performing permitting, technical planning, drafting, or related work at a level equivalent to the County’s class of Permit Technician II.
Licenses and Certifications:
- None.
WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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 10 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.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office 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.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e., background screening, physical examination, etc.).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.
Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application?
- You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.
Can I change my application after submitting it?
- No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.
How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?
- You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.
Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?
- Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.
If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS
Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES
Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All County of Humboldt 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.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.