Permit Technician I

Under general direction of the Permit Center Supervisor, Chief Building Official or designee  performs responsible specialized clerical work involved in the receipt, processing and review of building permit applications, and in the issuing of building, fire and special event permits; performs other related work as required.Positions in this class perform specialized clerical work.  Incumbents perform a variety of routine tasks involved in the receipt, review, and processing of applications and in the issuing of permits.  Work in the class is distinguished from that of higher classes by the routine nature of the work performed and by the limited level of independent responsibility.  Work in the class is distinguished from that of lower classes by its specialized nature.

Benefits of Employment
For a comprehensive listing of benefits, see the Benefit Matrix here (Download PDF reader)

• CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 formula, 8.868% contribution; New Members 2% @ 62 formula, 8.75% contribution.
• Medical: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide comprehensive health coverage to employees. Multiple HMO and PPO plans available
• Dental: Comprehensive dental coverage provided to employees and their eligible dependents.
• Vacation: Starting with 75 hours annually and increasing with years of service.
• Holidays: 11 holidays per calendar year
• Floating Holidays: 6 floating days
• Sick Leave: 90 hours annually; unused sick leave is converted to service credit at retirement
• Deferred Compensation: After 1 year of service, the City will contribute 1% base salary for employees who contribute at least 0.5% of their base salary

The following list of duties is intended only to describe the various types of work that may be performed and the level of technical complexity of the assignment(s) and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties. The omission of a specific duty statement does not exclude it from the position if the work is consistent with the concept of the classification or is similar or closely related to another duty statement. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Essential Duties

1. Receives and reviews permit applications, construction plans, blueprints and other supporting documents for completeness, accuracy and conformance with local, state, and federal building codes, regulations, requirements, and other established criteria.
2. Processes and issues various building and other related permits; routes application and permit materials to appropriate parties; verifies receipt of proper approvals.
3. Calculates, collects and accounts for permit fees.
4. Provides information and instruction to property owners, architects, contractors and developers regarding planning review, permit processes, related codes and ordinances, and common related issues; provides assistance in completing permit applications and other required forms and notices.
5. Records, logs and tracks permit application and issuance activities; monitors permit processing time limits and policies; identifies application and processing problems and recommends corrective action; researches permit application and issuance status.
6. Helps coordinate permit activities with the County, special districts and other agencies.
7. Performs extensive complex specialized computerized data entry, data organization, and records access.
8. Composes routine correspondence or prepares draft documents for review.
9. Maintains complex files and recordkeeping systems; maintains inventories and orders supplies; maintains various manuals, logs and schedules, and updates resource materials; copies, collates and distributes information.
10. Assists in the development of administrative procedures.
11. Collects and reviews information; prepares various reports and summaries. 
12. May provide lead direction and training for other clerical employees.

Other Duties

1. Performs related duties as assigned. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment. 
• Noise level is usually moderate, ambient office sounds such as speaking, working office equipment, and software. 
• Frequent interaction with City departments, the general public, and/or citizens which may include responding to variousinquiries, providing City or department information, and interacting with upset customers, staff, and the public in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Operate a computer keyboard and office equipment.
• Seeing to interpret, read, and maintain various documents, such as files, contracts, and reports, in electronic and non-electronic formats.
• Hearing and speaking to present and exchange information and to communicate in person and by telephone.
• Frequent sitting for extended periods of time.
• Frequent standing to assist customers at the permit counter.
• Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. 
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds. 

Education/Experience
Any combination equivalent to education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:



Knowledge
Knowledge of the building permit process, and of how planning and building functions interrelate amongst themselves and to other City departments and external organizations; building construction practices and materials; applicable local, state, and federal codes, regulations, and requirements; modern office practices and procedures; modern office equipment including computers and computerized recordkeeping systems; filing, indexing and cross-referencing methods; correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; report preparation.  Knowledge of applicable computer software and operating programs is desirable.

Ability
Ability to effectively perform specialized clerical and computerized work involved in the receipt, processing and review of building permit applications and in the issuing of building and related permits; read, understand, implement and explain specialized information, materials and documents; perform assigned clerical work with speed and accuracy; perform routine and complex arithmetic calculations with speed and accuracy; operate a variety of modern office and other specialized equipment; maintain and utilize designated specialized computer software; effectively perform computerized data entry, data organization and records access; interpret and apply established City Policies and governmental guidelines and regulations; compile and summarize data and prepare reports, statements or logs; use initiative and exercise independent judgement; establish and maintain accurate records; acquire and maintain level of knowledge required for satisfactory job performance; communicate effectively; establish, maintain, and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; demonstrate an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective customer service attitude; provide lead direction and training to other clerical employees.

Keyboard Skills
Ability to perform computer keyboard work with speed and accuracy.

Selection Process
The examination process may include an application and supplemental questionnaire evaluation, a written exam, a performance exam, and/or an oral interview. The examination process may test for,  but is not limited to, the essential knowledge and abilities listed in the job specification and announcement and will be designed to provide a comprehensive review of each candidate's technical knowledge and overall suitability for the position. Qualified applicants will be notified of the exact date, time, and location of examinations approximately two weeks in advance. Candidates passing all components of the examination process will be placed on an Eligible List. A list of names is certified to the department(s) having vacancies based on the type of examination conducted pursuant to the provision of the City's Civil Service Rules. Final selection will be made from the Eligible List by the Department Head subject to approval by the City Manager. The Department Head may utilize additional selection procedures to make a final hiring decision. Placement on an Eligible List does not guarantee employment. Prior to appointment, a thorough reference check will be conducted which may include a credit check and background. The selection process may be evaluated and revised based on the number of qualified applicants. Federal law requires that prior to employment, you must furnish proof of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States, as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

E-Verify
The City of Alameda utilizes the Federal government's E-Verify program and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization, which includes showing a valid United States Social Security card at the time of hire (photocopies not accepted). Veteran's Preference Credit: A job applicant qualifies as a veteran if honorably discharged from active military, reservist, or National Guard duty of at least 18 consecutive months within the past five (5) years of the date of application. In case of discharge attributable to service-connected injuries or illnesses, the 18 months active-duty requirement need not be fulfilled. An applicant claiming veteran's preference credit must attach to their application, a legible copy of their DD-214 verifying the type of discharge and date(s) of active service. NO OTHER DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ACCEPTED.

An Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Alameda encourages minorities, women and the disabled to apply. It is the City's policy that all aspects of employment and promotion shall be without regard to sex, marital status or disability (except where dictated by requirements of the position), race, sexual orientation, political affiliation, religious creed, color, national origin or age. Qualified disabled persons must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. No individual may pose a direct threat to the health or safety of himself/herself or other individuals in the workplace. Barring undue hardship, reasonable accommodations can be made in the application and examination process for disabled individuals or for religious reasons. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be made in advance to the Human Resources Department. Hearing Impaired TDD (510) 522-7538.