Permit Technician I

The Position

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions should they occur.

Under direct supervision, greets and meets the general public inquiring about the permit application process, issues simple permits, confers with applicants regarding County procedures and plan requirements. Calculates fees, routes plans for professional review, and reviews basic plans within specific guidelines.

The Permit Technician series provides an excellent career path for those interested in pursuing a career with the County of Mendocino.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Provides a high level of customer service by responding to inquiries from the public.
• Receives, reviews and processes a variety of building permit applications such as commercial, industrial, and residential new construction, additions, alterations, tenant improvements, and site grading and drainage.
• Reviews building permit plan submittals for proper content, format, and completeness; confers with builders, engineers, contractors, architects and the public concerning building codes and permit requirements.
• Inputs application information into an automated permit tracking system; and issues certain "same day" or "over-the-counter" development permits.
• Assembles application materials and creates project application files, physically and/or digitally, for routing to other department staff for processing, including initiating referrals and performing any necessary entries into the tracking system.
• Checks the addresses and parcel numbers for any previous work or departmental actions regarding the properties.
• Routes sets of plans to various County departments for review and sign off; tracks plans and ensures their return in a timely manner; prepares plan packets for plan check by contract services.
• Prepares and mails routine letters; updates forms; inputs data; provides support to field staff and maintains records.
• Performs research to determine the status of permits and projects; performs initial review of submitted applications, plans, and complaints.
• Schedules building inspections.
• Performs a variety of office and administrative support work.
• Maintains forms and handouts, needed by customers.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent; AND, one (1) year of progressively responsible experience in administrative support and customer service work which included answering phones, dealing with high volumes of documents, significant public contact including handling difficult or disgruntled individuals.

Or

An equivalent combination of related education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Previous experience working for a government agency and/or in a building related field is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

Ability to obtain a Building Permit Technician Certification issued by California Building Officials (CALBO) or equivalent organization within twenty-four (24) months from date of appointment.
Valid Driver's License is preferred but not required. Some positions in this classification may require possession of a valid California driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Applicable Federal, State, and Local ordinances, laws, and regulations.
• County and department policies, rules, regulations, and procedures applicable to the work.
• External governmental bodies and agencies related to building permits and related functions.
• Standard business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• General office procedures, policies, and practices.
• Computer application, hardware, and other general office equipment related to the performance of the essential functions of the job.

Skill in:

• Accurately performing detail-oriented work.
• Planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating applications.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with internal staff, citizens, and other departmental staff to give and receive information in a courteous manner.
• Operating and performing routine maintenance of general office machines.
• Providing explanations and interpretations of the permit or application process.
• Document scanning.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Read, interpret, explain, and apply complex policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and code requirements.
• Read and understand plans, maps, aerial photos, drawings, reports, applications, various construction documents and specifications.
• Review complex and diverse permit application materials for accuracy and completeness.
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to: stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear; and push, pull, move, or lift above and below the neck objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing: The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 234-6600. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.

SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement

HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow

LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor

Closing Date/Time: 8/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

• 

• County of Mendocino

• 707-234-6600

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