Building Permit Technician

ABOUT THE POSITION

NOTE: This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice. First review of the applications will occur on Friday, May 22, 2026. Please thoroughly review the entire job flyer including the application instructions. Failure to submit a completed application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration.


Effective the start of the pay period that includes April 28, 2027, employees will receive a four percent (4.0%) across the board pay range increase. Additional four percent (4.0%) increase on April 2028, April 2029.

The Community Development Department is looking for a highly motivated individual with strong customer service skills to assist the Department as the Building Permit Technician. Under general supervision this position is responsible for accepting, processing, and reviewing building permit applications and providing information and assistance to the public regarding departmental policies and procedures.

An Eligible List of qualified applicants will be established from this recruitment. Eligible List may be utilized to fill other full and part -time vacancies as needed. Generally, a valid Eligible List is in effect for up to one year.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.

• Assist the public at the service counter, processing forms, permit applications and plans necessary for the issuance of development and construction permits.
• Respond to inquiries and explain all information related to permit procedures, policies and functions at the counter, over the telephone, and via email.
• Review permit applications, plans and specifications for compliance with applicable codes and standards; may issue permits for minor projects or assist professional staff in permit issuance; calculate fees in accordance with established fee schedules; input information into computer.
• Maintain supplies including permit applications, forms and related documents; requisition additional supplies as required in accordance with established procedure.
• Ensure that all fees have been paid prior to permit issuance and/or occupancy and utility releases; coordinate the microfilming of plans and blueprints.
• Calculate and determine a variety of fees for plan checks, permits, taxes and other charges.
• Educate and assist applicants in correct procedures for completing required forms and applications.
• Explain information regarding City, State and Federal regulations pertaining to building and construction.
• Maintain files, logs of plans and applications submitted; direct the filing and routing of plans and permits to appropriate City departments and staff. This includes processing of destruction plan checks.
• Notify applicants when plans or permits are ready for delivery or issuance; provide status updates as requested.
• Assist in the maintenance and update of permitting software.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: High school graduate or equivalent.

Experience: Two (2) years of full-time experience issuing permits in a municipal department which requires the interpretation and application of rules and regulations.

OR
Four (4) years of increasingly responsible clerical full-time experience requiring the application of policies and procedures.

NOTE: Part-Time experience will be evaluated on the basis of its fractional equivalent of a forty (40) hour workweek.

Knowledge of: Building and zoning codes, planning regulations and ordinances, or engineering rules and regulations; permit processing and fee structures; modern office practices and procedures, including effective customer service techniques and practices and the use of standard office equipment including the operation of a personal computer, computer software such as Microsoft Excel and Word, and data entry procedures.

Ability to: Learn, apply, interpret, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, related to permit issuance procedures; perform basic mathematical computations; maintain related files and records; understand and follow verbal and written directions; use personal computers; prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials; organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines; effectively prioritize responses to multiple requests for information and other requests for service received over the telephone and in person; establish cooperative and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; handle difficult situations in a common sense manner using reasonable judgment and approach; and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; and work assigned work schedule with consistent attendance and reliability.

Candidates with Spanish bilingual skills are highly desirable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

License Requirement: Position requires access to reliable and efficient method of transportation as travel may be required by duties.

Certification: Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician is highly desirable.

Physical Task and Environmental Conditions: The duties and responsibilities of this position are performed in an office environment and involve sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged or intermittent periods of time, and include reaching above and below shoulder level, bending, stooping, and twisting at the waist to perform desk work, file maintenance, and operate general office equipment, including a personal computer with keyboard for prolonged or intermittent periods of time.

The operation of a personal computer requires finger and wrist dexterity and the ability to withstand exposure to vibration, pitch and glare from the computer. Employee must be able to safely lift and carry books, files, and reports weighing up to 25 pounds.

Testing & Selection Process:

A ll application materials received on-line by the final filing date will be reviewed. For consideration, a completed employment application and supplemental questionnaire submitted on-line is required. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the required application materials. Incomplete application may be removed from consideration. All information submitted is subject to verification.

Those applicants who are assessed as meeting the desired qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of:
An appraisal (oral interview) examination weighted 100% to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete the appraisal interview with acceptable results will be placed on an Eligibility List to be considered by the Department's hiring authority.

An employment offer is contingent upon acceptable results from a completed background review, including a fingerprint check with the California Department of Justice (DOJ). A pre-placement medical exam will be scheduled after the issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.

To view the benefit summary for this positionplease click HERE.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.Our values includeIntegrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.

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• City of Downey

• 562-904-7292

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