Permit Technician

The Permit Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient processing and issuance of permits by providing clear guidance on local and state regulations reviewing a variety of permit applications coordinating with multiple departments and agencies and assisting with minor plan checks. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast paced environment.

A background in construction or familiarity with building codes is highly desirable and a commitment to delivering high quality service is essential. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys problem solving thrives in a collaborative setting and is motivated by serving their community.

If you are a team player who is ready to make a meaningful impact through public service we invite you to apply and join our mission to support safe and responsible development throughout Novato.

• Flexible work hours with potential for scheduled telecommute days based on eligibility
• 9/80 work schedule every other Friday off
• City contribution of up to $2893 per month for health premiums depending on enrollment
• Accrue vacation at a rate of 80 hours per year to start
• Provided with 40 hours of sick leave upon hire
• 14 paid holidays per year
• Ability to earn comp time off
• Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Agency
• Free parking on site
• Office is within walking distance of terrific restaurants and shopping

DEFINITION

To perform responsible technical and administrative work in one or more specialized land development areas including Building Code Enforcement and Planning; to provide information and direction to the public on processes and requirements associated with construction community development planning and building; and to receive review route process and perform minor plan checking of minor applications and permits.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from a higher level supervisor.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Essential Functions:

• Serve as first line of contact to internal and external customers on building planning and code enforcement related issues; provide information and direction to the public related to the permit processes via phone email and counter work.
• Advising contractors developers engineers architects and the public on permit process requirements; assisting the public in completing applications for building permits; explaining reasons for routine denial of applications identifying additional requirements and explaining the process for reapplying.
• Review interpret and provide information and direction to the public regarding applicable local State and Federal regulations codes ordinances documents standards and guidelines.
• Perform minor plan checks reviews such as simple room additions tenant improvements air conditioners and pool/spa installations to ensure compliance with building and zoning code regulations; review login and coordinate routing of various plans and permits; calculate land use related fees and provide fee estimates as requested; issue permits when plans are approved. Perform plan checking by comparing drawings of proposed improvements against drawings which illustrate standards applicable to various projects.
• Serving as liaison between building permit applicants and the referral division department and outside agency; assisting in resolving problems related to the permit review and issuance process.
• Access enter and update computerized plan check data entry and tracking systems; provide information to the public relating to the status of projects and permits.
• Confer with and provide information to architects builders contractors engineers and developers regarding fees; prepare reports memos and letters pertaining to development review and permitting.
• Making determinations from plans and related documents on building area occupancy group etc and calculating and assessing fees by using or measuring scale plan dimensions project classification and schedule of fees; presenting and collecting fees.
• Monitor City Council action regarding modifications to or adoption of new development fees; work with all City development departments to collect fee updates.
• Review commercial and residential plans for plan check approval.
• Coordinate development services related revenue collections with the Citys finance department.
• Research compile and analyze data for special projects and various reports.
• Maintain manuals and update resource materials.
• Recommend and participate in implementation and improvement of policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.

Marginal Functions:

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• City permit and plan check procedures rules regulations and guidelines.
• Maps construction plans and specifications.
• Pertinent local State and Federal regulations building zoning engineering and planning codes and regulations related to the permits process.
• Land use planning design and construction processes.
• Research techniques resources and sources of information related to land development functions.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• English usage spelling grammar and punctuation.
• Business letter writing and report preparation.
• Modern office equipment and procedures including use of word processing database and spreadsheet applications.

• Interpret apply and explain advanced regulations and standards.
• Understand complex construction plans and specifications.
• Respond to and assist in the resolution of difficult and sensitive development related inquiries and complaints.
• Read and understand construction drawings and blueprints.
• Calculate fees and apply fee formulas to buildings or projects.
• Independently prepare correspondence and memorandums.
• Use independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Learn and operate the permit tracking software and system and records management software.
• Know understand interpret and explain department and program policies and procedures.
• On a continuous basis know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
• Analyze situations carefully and adopt effective courses of action.
• Research compile analyze interpret and prepare a variety of statistical and administrative reports.
• Prepare correspondence and memorandums.
• Conduct routine analytical studies; problem solve.
• Make accurate mathematical calculations; utilize geometry.
• Operate a computer using word processing spreadsheet and business software and other office equipment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective tactful and positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including various cultural and ethnic groups.
• Foster and contribute to a work environment that supports and exhibits honesty diversity integrity trust and respect.
• Demonstrate teamwork by contributing to the overall success of the organization with flexibility cooperation and communication.
• Provide high quality and fiscally responsible services to the Novato community while delivering responsive customer service.
• Demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit by generating new innovative ideas and development of better methods to accomplish tasks and complete projects.
• Use principles of effective office safety including use of equipment in a proper and safe manner use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques and maintaining safe personal and common workspaces.

The City of Novato is an Equal Opportunity Employer