Development Services Technician I/II

City of Benicia • Benicia, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Benicia is seeking a detail-oriented, customer-focused professional to become the next Development Services Technician. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who understands the planning and building permitting process and is eager to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Benicia is a vibrant waterfront community of 28,000 residents that combines small-town charm with the operations of a full-service city. Located in the Bay Area, the City has recently completed major upgrades to its development services, including a new permitting system, GIS integration, and streamlined internal processes — making this an ideal time to join a modernized, efficient department. As a Development Services Technician, you’ll report to the Building Official and work closely with planning, engineering, and building staff. You’ll be a key point of contact for customers and play an important role in supporting a seamless permitting experience. Benicia’s diverse landscape — including two historic districts, a busy industrial park, a waterfront location, and access to two major interstates — offers you the chance to work on a wide range of projects and grow your professional skills. If you’re looking for a rewarding role in a city that values innovation, service, and professional growth, we invite you to apply and become part of Benicia’s future.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or its equivalent.
• At least one (1) year of increasingly responsible clerical or technical work involving public contact.
• Work experience which relates to land use regulations, building process, construction, drafting, mapping, customer service, or permit issuance highly desired.
• Must possess or obtain within one (1) year of hire, an International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician Certificate. Certificate must be obtained as a condition of passing probation.
• One year of responsible experience performing technical duties similar to a City of Benicia Development Services Technician I.
• Must possess an International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician Certificate at time of hire.
• Knowledge of: Basic building codes, ordinances, regulations, laws, and rules; basics of construction drawing and blueprint reading; principles and techniques of building inspection work; basics of building methods and procedures; customer service principles, practices, and techniques for dealing with customers in various situations; working knowledge of office methods, procedures, and techniques; manual and automated filing systems; office equipment operation; business correspondence; record-keeping practices; correct English usage; standard operating policies, procedures, and administrative structure; bookkeeping practices as they relate to fee collection.
• Skill and/or Ability to: Utilize basic office equipment to include computers and related software applications; understand, research, apply, and explain laws, regulations, and policies governing building and zoning program operations; read and review building plans and specifications for completeness; understand and apply building codes and ordinances for permits, plans, and public inquires; locate property on an assessor's parcel map and from property descriptions; calculate square footage; accurately perform routine mathematical calculations in order to collect fees and disburse change; make independent decisions in accordance with codes and established policies and procedures; perform a variety of technical and specialized tasks and functions in an independent, competent and timely manner; communicate information and ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively with all customers; establish good relationships with the public and customers while providing superior customer service; maintain a positive attitude and professionalism even when faced with misplaced criticism or frustration; refer customers to other appropriate staff members or authority when needed; maintain accurate records and document actions taken; research regulations, procedures, and/or technical reference materials relating to building inspections; analyze, evaluate, and interpret the data gathered; draw logical conclusions; develop reasonable and deliverable options, make appropriate recommendations; and implement the resultant change effectively; manage a variety of simultaneous work projects and carry them through to successful completion; attend and participate in meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of building; coordinate and communicate projects and tasks with other city departments; support department and division objectives, mission, and values in a team-oriented manner.

Nice To Haves

• College courses with emphasis in building, planning, engineering, architecture, or related field highly desired.
• Work experience which relates to land use regulations, building process, construction, drafting, mapping, customer service, or permit issuance highly desired.
• College courses with emphasis in building, planning, engineering, architecture, or related field desired but not required.

Responsibilities

• Receives, reviews and evaluates building permit applications for completeness and correctness; reviews blueprints for completeness and accuracy; clears all building permit applications; issues permits after necessary approval is secured; calculates square footage and determines cost per square foot based on use, occupancy and type of construction; determines and collects building fees; notifies applicant when the building permit will be issued.
• Verifies parcel ownership and checks for violations and inspection history; processes over-the counter permits for repair in-kind, electrical, plumbing and mechanical for all use and occupancy applications; determines which agencies must review applications and routes building plans to various divisions and agencies to process.
• Provides information to the public concerning building permit process requirements, codes and inspection procedures; assists the public in completing applications for building permits; receives various complaints and routes to the appropriate authority to resolve; explains reasons for denial of applications; explains additional requirements and the process for reapplying; communicates with applicants throughout the application process.
• Establishes account records; assigns/records permit identification code; records client data, services provided and charges; reviews file content for completeness, accuracy and consistency; sorts, stores and/or retrieves documents or records by alpha, numeric or other classification methods.
• Performs a variety of general clerical tasks; operates computers, copiers and other office equipment; composes routine correspondence and/or prepares notices/forms of action taken; utilize various computer software programs; performs administrative tasks in support of work unit operations.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED