Permit Technician

Description

The Department:
The Community Development Department strives to enhance the community’s safety, welfare, quality of life, and economic opportunities by providing advanced planning, development review, permitting and inspection services, as well as administration of programs related to affordable housing. To learn more about the City of Santa Clara's Department of Community Development/Housing click here. .

The Position:
The Permit Technician is an entry level classification in the Permit Technician series. Incumbents work under direct supervision and are expected to follow established procedures and policies in order to perform the job duties. Work is generally reviewed on completion of task. Incumbents will evaluate situations, identify problems, and exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the Senior Permit Technician classification in that the latter possess journey level knowledge and experience required to perform the more complex work assigned to the series and acts as a lead to Permit Technicians. The Permit Technician, under supervision, performs a variety of construction review, permit issuance, and customer service functions related to the plan review and permit issuance process. Duties may include, but are not limited to; explaining process, procedures and requirements for permit submittal and issuance, resolving customer issues and concerns, calculating appropriate fees and maintaining our computerized permit record tracking system. Works on complex special projects and other related work as assigned.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.

Typical Duties

This description may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.

Under direct supervision:

• Performs clerical and public counter work and customer service related to the City's development process;

• Provides information to the public regarding City regulations, procedures, and policies;

• Reviews and prepares various plan checks for express plan review, permit applications, materials, documents, and plan submittals for permits and verifies accuracy, completeness, and compliance with pertinent laws and City guidelines;

• Assists applicants in completing the permit application process;

• Responds to customers about permit inquiries and may serve as a liaison to developers or contractors in order to provide status updates on applications;

• Calculates review, inspection, permit, and related fees, and collects funds and issues receipts;

• Issues construction and/or operational permits;

• Performs computer data entry, data organization, and records access retrieval;

• Maintains logs and records of permits issued;

• Performs simple plan checks and prepares plan checks for review;

• Distributes, coordinates, monitors, tracks, and files construction documents and permits for utilizing data management systems;

• Researches files and databases regarding prior actions, decisions, development activities, and other information as required;

• Verifies zoning, geologic hazard, environmental contamination, flood zone, historic, and other status of permit sites;

• May assist in preparing reports, including but not limited to revenue and workflow reporting;

• May assist in recommending process or procedural improvements;

• Coordinates workflow with other City departments and outside agencies; and

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D.; AND
• One (1) of the following experience patterns:
o Two (2) years of increasingly responsible office experience that involves extensive public contact in fire, planning, building, engineering, architecture, building construction trades, or related field; or
o One (1) year of permit technician experience in a City or County Fire, Building, or Community Development Department.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTION:
• Completion of 30-semester units/90 quarter units of college education from an accredited college or university, may be substituted for one (1) year of the required two (2) years of the required experience.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATES
• Possession of an appropriate, valid Class C California driver's license is required at time of appointment.
• Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certification is required to be obtained and maintained within one (1) year of appointment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job assignment.

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview will be required prior to appointment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE POINTS: This position qualifies for Veteran’s Preference Points. Applicants who have separated from service (Active Duty Status) must submit proof of honorable discharge (Form DD214) with their application at time of filing or will be ineligible to have points added to their final score.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
• Building, Fire, and/or environmental Codes and regulations, maps, reading/reviewing construction plans and specifications, terminology and processes;
• Database and records management practices and procedures;
• Procedures associated with construction and operational permits; and
• Policies and procedures of fee assessment.

Ability to:
• Read, understand, apply, and explain basic laws, City ordinances, regulations, and procedures that are routine in nature;
• Analyze and resolve specific applications, plan review, and permit inquiries;
• Deal effectively with customers and staff and use basic principles and techniques of customer service;
• Actively participate in process improvement changes to streamline procedures and processes;
• Assist in providing technical training to departmental staff;
• Read and interpret construction plans and specifications;
• Make accurate mathematical calculations regarding fees;
• Perform accurate data entry;
• Operate variety office equipment and use City systems and applications, including Microsoft Office Suite and other applicable City databases;
• Handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet strict deadlines;
• Evaluate situations, identify problems, and exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines
• Communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing;
• Work in a team-based environment to achieve common goals;
• Work effectively with the public, developers, consultants, and other City staff; and
• Bend, stoop, reach, carry, climb, and lift as necessary to perform assigned duties.

Additional Information:
You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”) To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Cover Letter and, 2) Resume. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov . This position is continuous or open until filled: Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis for consideration to the position. If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov .

City of Santa Clara Benefit Summary Overview for Bargaining Unit #5, 7, & 8
Employees Association

This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Santa Clara's benefits available to Bargaining Unit #5, 7, & 8 employees in 2024. In the event of any conflict between the information in this summary and the applicable official plan documents, City Manager's Directives (CMDs), Personnel and Salary Resolution, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the applicable official plan documents, CMDs, Personnel and Salary Resolution, or MOU will prevail over this summary. Benefits are subject to change.
Retirement:

• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)
  • Classic Employees: 2.7% @ age 55 formula - employee pays 8.00% of gross pay, minus $61 bi-weekly
  • New Employees: 2.0% @ age 62 formula - employee pays 7.00% of gross pay

Medicare and Social Security (FICA)

• Employee pays 6.20% up to $10,397.40(Social Security) and 1.45% (Medicare) of gross pay

Health Insurance:

• City contribution up to 90% of the Kaiser Family premium per month, based on enrollment in a CalPERS health plan
• Employees electing health coverage with premiums above the City health contribution will pay additional premium costs from salary on a pre-tax basis
• The City’s contribution is prorated based on scheduled hours for part time employees
• Coverage is effective as early asthe first day of the monthafter date of hire
• If an employee enrolls in a plan with a monthly premium that is less than $946.86, they will be paid the difference in cash
• Employees hired on or after 1/1/2022 who opt-out of City-offered health insurance and provide annual attestation and acceptableproof of alternative required coverage for themselves and their tax family, if applicable, are eligible for a cash-in-lieu amount of $250/month. Contact Human Resources for more details

Dental Insurance:

• Choice of two Delta Dental plans; enrollment is mandatory
• City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
• Coverage is effective as early asthe first day of the monthafter date of hire

Vision Insurance:

• Choice of two VSP plans
• City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
• Coverage is effective as early asthe first day of the monthafter date of hire

Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA):

• City contributes $50.00 a month toward employee's VEBA account
• Account funds may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses after separation from the City and after age 50 (pre-tax)

Life Insurance:

• City pays for $15,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverage
• Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment
• Additional optional insurance may be purchased by the employee for the employee, spouse, domestic partner, and/or dependent children

State Disability Insurance (SDI):

• Employee pays 1.1% of gross pay (includes Paid Family Leave)
• 7 day waiting period. Weekly paid leave for absences due to non-work related injuries/illnesses. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information

Paid Family Leave (PFL):

• Up to 8 weeks of benefits within a 12-month period to care for a family member or to bond with a new child
• No waiting period. Weekly paid leave benefit. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information

Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance:

• Benefit is 2/3 of basic wage up to $7,500; max of $5,000/month
• City pays $.558/$100 of insured earnings
• 30 calendar day waiting period
• Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment

Deferred Compensation:

• Voluntary plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions
• Employee may contribute up to the lesser of the IRS maximum or100% of gross compensation into a pre-tax 457(b) account or a post-tax Roth 457(b) account (or a combination of the two accounts) subject to IRS rules

Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125 Plan):

• Employee may contribute up to $3,200per year in pre-tax dollars to a health care spending account
• Employee may contribute up to $5,000 per year in pre-tax dollars to a dependent care spending account
• Employee may contribute up to $315per month in pre-tax dollars to a commuter benefit plan

Vacation:

• Vacation is accrued bi-weekly, cannot use vacation during first 6months of City service
  • For 1 -4 years of service: 10 days (80 hours)/year
  • For 5 -9 years of service: 15 days (120 hours)/year
  • For 10 - 15 years of service: 21 days (168 hours)/year
  • For 16 - 20 years of service: 22 days (176 hours)/year
  • For 21+ years of service: 24 days (192 hours)/year

Maximum vacation accrual is 450 hours Once per year, employees can elect to convert up to 40 hours of accrued vacation to cash to be paid out the following calendar yearSick Leave:

• Sick leave is accrued bi-weekly for equivalent of 96 hours per calendar year with no maximum accrual
  • Up to 48 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for family illness
  • Up to 40 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for personal leave

Employee may convert sick leave to vacation once per calendar year (annual maximum conversion is 96 hours sick to 48 hours vacation) Partial sick leave payoff provision on retirement depending on years of serviceNon-Management Leave:

• 24 hours of non-management leave credited to employees each January 1st
  • New employees hired between January 1st and June 30th receive 24 hours of non-management leave their first year
  • New employees hired between July 1st and December 31st receive 12 hours of non-management leave their first year
  • Unused non-management leave may not be carried over from one calendar year to the next

Compensatory Time Off (CTO):

• Employees may accrue CTO in lieu of overtime hours (maximum accrual is set by department)
• 16 hours of CTO is credited to employees each January 1st (prorated if hired after January 1st)

Holidays:

• Seventeen paid eight-hour holidays per year (13 & 4 holidays between 12/25 to 1/1 of following year)

Reimbursements/Allowances (for specific classifications):

• Raingear: Up to $120 per fiscal year for eligible classifications
• Safety Boots: Upt to $237 per fiscal year for eligible employees
• Walking Shoes: Up to $120 per fiscal year for eligible classifications (See MOU for details)
• Tools: $500 per fiscal year reimbursement for Auto Foreperson classification
• Phone allowance of $80/month for Senior Key Customer Representative(s) and Key Customer Representative(s) job classifications

Bilingual Pay:

• Certified bilingual employees are eligible for $55/bi-weekly bilingual pay

Night Differential Pay:

• Librarians and library support employees whose regular assignments are to City libraries are eligible for 5.0% night differential pay for all hours worked between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. so long as they work a minimum of 2 consecutive hours between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.
• All other employees are eligible for 5.0% night differential pay for all hours worked between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00a.m. so long as they work a minimum of 2 consecutive hours between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Standby Pay:

• Employees in the classification of Electric Utility Programmer Analyst, Electric Utility Network Administrator, and Senior Energy Systems Analyst are eligible for standby pay of $100/week when assigned to work standby

Tuition Reimbursement Program:

• Up to $2,000 per fiscal year for tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program:

• Confidential counseling to employees and dependents. Up to maximum of five (5) consultations per family member per incident per year
• City paid benefit

Retiree Medical Reimbursement Program:

• Employees who retire from the City with at least ten (10) years of service shall receive reimbursement to help cover retiree single health insurance premiums. The reimbursement maximum includes the PEMHCA minimum.
• Up to age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $416/month in 2024(amount adjusted annually)
• After age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $249/month in 2024(amount adjusted annually)

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Santa Clara, California United States View Map