This position performs general office work and assists contractors, design professionals, building inspectors, City staff, and the general public at the Permit Center’s public counter, on the phone, and through email with questions pertaining to building permit applications, processes, and policies.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides contractors, design professionals, building inspectors, City staff, and the general public with specific information regarding the City’s requirements for plan review, inspection, and permit processes
- Reviews building plans and specifications for completeness; reviews permit applications and ensures conformance to permit requirements and regulations; calculates and invoices permit fees; verifies clearances by other agencies; issues permits
- Performs data entry of permit application information into the City’s permit tracking system
- Monitors permit records for permanent storage and retrieval for viewing by the public
- Researches permit history and verifies property address and owner information
- Establishes positive working relationships with City employees, outside agencies, and the public
- Reviews small project plans for approval
- Completes other duties and assignments as directed
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Two years of experience performing customer service and office support duties, preferably in a public setting
- Experience with the permit process and related construction regulations is desirable
- Bilingual in English and Spanish is desirable
- A valid Class C California driver license
- Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered
- Knowledge of or the ability to learn the permit process for new construction, including policies, procedures, regulations, and legal requirements pertaining to the issuance of construction permits and the ability to understand, interpret, and explain City and department policies, regulations, and procedures to others
- Knowledge of or the ability to learn the Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB) license classifications, requirements, and regulations pertaining to the issuance of construction permits
- Strong customer service skills and the ability to provide relevant information and assistance in a fast-paced setting at the public counter, on the phone, and through email
- Strong conflict management skills and the ability to find workable solutions and resolve difficult issues with professionalism and tact
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize daily workload, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, be flexible to changing priorities, and meet time-sensitive deadlines
- Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to explain complex permit information to customers
- Strong written communication skills and the ability to develop reports, documents, and general correspondence
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong collaborative relationships with contractors, design professionals, building inspectors, City staff, and the general public
- Strong records management skills and the ability to prepare and maintain effective tracking and record-keeping systems
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to produce work that is accurate and complete
- Strong computer skills and the ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; the ability to use Geographic Information Systems and Adobe programs; and knowledge or ability to learn Accela, the City’s permit tracking system
- Strong work ethic and the ability to work both autonomously and within a collaborative team
- Ability to lift, drag, and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds
An online completed City application form is required to apply for this position. All employment information must be provided on the application. Providing a resume is not a substitute for completing this section of the application. Applications left incomplete, or with a reference to attachments may be rejected. The selection process will include one or more of the following: written exam, technical knowledge assessment, writing skill assessment, and/or oral interviews that may be conducted in person and/or via video conferencing. Applicants that meet minimum qualifications and are selected for interviews will be required to disclose information regarding criminal convictions. If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance.
All offers of regular employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States, successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment physical, which may include a drug screen and Department of Justice fingerprinting. Criminal offender information will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The City uses the E-Verify program to electronically confirm work authorization of newly hired employees. All new employees are required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program. This program authorizes the City to receive a driver record report upon enrollment and during employment. Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation will be accepted.
As a City of Santa Clarita public employee, you may be called upon to work as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) in the event of an emergency (in accordance with Government Code §§ 3100-3109). Before entering upon the duties of employment, all public employees, except those excluded by law, take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution, declaring them to be Disaster Service Workers in time of need.
Compensation includes enrollment in California Public Employees’ Retirement System as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package. All appointments are made at step 1 of the salary range unless otherwise authorized by the City Manager.
The City of Santa Clarita is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The City of Santa Clarita offers CalPERS Retirement contributions as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.
