Job Abstract

The Community Development Department of the City of Norwalk is in search of a skilled Permit Technician to join their team. The Permit Technician will be responsible for performing various clerical, administrative, and technical tasks, including processing and issuing permits, as well as enforcing adopted codes and related rules and regulations. They will review building permit applications to ensure that all necessary documents are complete and that the building codes and other municipal and state requirements are complied with. Additionally, the Permit Technician will receive and review complaints relating to zoning, sign, land use ordinance violations, property maintenance, and public nuisances. Finally, the Permit Technician will perform other related duties as required.

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 information necessary. Composes letters, routine correspondence, and reports; assists in the conduct of follow-up procedures including the preparation of additional correspondence, communications 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 of: California 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.

Desirable qualifications: Ability to speak Spanish, and possession of current International Code Council (ICC) certification as Permit Technician. Attach a copy of your ICC certification to your application.

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 experience in issuing permits in compliance with building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes, and providing support for enforcement activities; or completion of thirty college semester units in building inspection, engineering, architecture, or physical science plus one year of related experience.

Required Licenses and Certificates
Possession of or ability to obtain an appropriate California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands
Work is performed mostly in office settings. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand or sit; walk; talk; or hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

SELECTION PROCESS
Apply online at http://www.norwalkca.gov/city-hall/departments/human-resources. Employment application must be completed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City application. Applicant must be specific in describing qualifications for this position on application. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Faxed materials or postmarks will not be accepted. Applications will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in the job announcement. Candidates with qualifications that best relate to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure continuation in the selection process. The selection process will include an oral interview and other testing processes designed to predict successful job performance.

For a complete copy of the class specification, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be requested by calling the Department of Human Resources at least three (3) business days prior to the scheduled examination/interview date. 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 on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability, sex, or sexual orientation in its employment actions, policies, procedures or practices.