Permit Technician - Hourly/Part-Time/At-Will

This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of applications are received. The City reserves the right to limit the applications to the first 30 applicants.   This recruitment may close at any time; apply immediately.

The City of Norwalk is looking to hire a part-time Permit Technician to fill a vacancy in its Community Development Department. The Permit Technician will perform a variety of clerical, administrative, and technical tasks related to the processing and issuance of permits, as well as the enforcement of adopted codes and regulations. 

Key responsibilities include reviewing building permit applications to ensure all necessary documents are complete and compliant with building codes and municipal and state requirements. Additionally, the Permit Technician will receive and assess complaints regarding zoning, signage, land-use ordinance violations, property maintenance, and public nuisances. Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

Essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Provides general zoning, building and related code information and application forms to permit applicants and the general public, and provides guidance in filling out various permit applications and forms.  Advises and assists general public including architects, engineers, and contractors with technical information concerning building permit requirements and procedures to comply with state, county and city laws and building codes.

Processes permit applications by accepting the application, checking for accuracy and completeness, receipting it in, calculating fees, routing to appropriate review staff, monitoring application progress for status reports, and preparing plans and permits for issuance.  Issues simple, routine permits within scope of authority and responsibility assigned.

Maintains accurate and timely records of the permit process; inputs, maintains and compiles a variety of data on permitting activity, such as the number of permits by type, valuation, permit fees, review time, problem areas, conditions imposed, actions taken, etc.

Performs minor plan checking at the public counter and assists the public with code interpretation; advises the public on matters related to building codes, construction plan requirements, zoning regulations and other related information.

Receives and responds to complaints or inquiries regarding zoning, sign, land use ordinance violations, and public nuisances; explains code requirements and established policies and procedures; schedules or assigns enforcement and code compliance activities in specific geographic areas.

Prepares case files requiring the establishment of legal owner, the verification of the parcel address, and other necessary information.   Composes letters, routine correspondence, and reports; assists in conducting follow-up procedures, including preparing additional correspondence and communicating with complainants, attorneys, and property owners involved in code violation cases.

Provides routine assistance to the public, the Norwalk Property Maintenance and Building Rehabilitation Board of Appeals, and assists other department staff involved in related activities; may provide assistance to the public by performing translations into Spanish.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: Uniform Building Codes; zoning regulations; building administration; manual and computerized record keeping systems; engineering terminology; the principles and methods of enforcing varied municipal codes; applicable laws, ordinances and codes; principles and methods of code enforcement activities; the organization and functions of the various agencies involved in planning, zoning, and land use processes; basic terminology used in zoning, including legal descriptions; regulations and requirements for court evidence documentation.

Ability to: interpret and explain related codes, federal and state laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations; use correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; compose correspondence; read and interpret maps, plans, and legal descriptions; deal courteously but firmly, and communicate effectively with individuals contacted in the course of work; establish effective working relationships with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, owners, and the general public; read and understand plans and blueprints; maintain accurate records of inspections and code enforcement rules; work under stressful conditions and with frequent interruptions.  Ability to speak Spanish is desirable.

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. 

Example combinations include:

Graduation from high school and two years of experience in issuing permits in compliance with building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes, and providing support for enforcement activities; or completion of 30 college semester units in building inspection, engineering, architecture, or physical science, plus 1 year of related experience.

Evidence of this requirement must be attached to the application and listed on it to move forward in the recruitment process.

Required Licenses and Certificates

Possession of or ability to obtain an appropriate California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.

SELECTION PROCESS

Apply online at http://www.norwalkca.gov/city-hall/departments/human-resources. Employment application and supplemental questions must be completed. Resumes will not be accepted in place of a City application. Applicant must be specific in describing qualifications for this position on application.  Failure to provide all pertinent information may result in elimination from consideration.  Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Faxed materials or postmarks will not be accepted. Candidates whose qualifications most closely relate to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee continued participation in the recruitment process.  The selection process may include an oral interview and other testing processes designed to predict successful job performance. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be requested by calling the Department of Human Resources at least three (3) business days before the scheduled examination/interview date. City appointments are contingent upon the successful completion of a post-offer medical examination, including drug screening to comply with our Drug-Free Workplace policy and a Live Scan fingerprint check through the Department of Justice. The successful candidate must provide identification and employment eligibility as outlined in the Immigration Reform and Control Act.  The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of Norwalk, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability, sex, or sexual orientation in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.