Development Services Technician

Development Services Technician

HOW TO APPLY: Download application and email cover letter, resume and application, to [email protected]

THE POSITION:

Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine to complex administrative and technical support duties related to the issuance of building and construction permits and in support of related services and activities of the Planning, Building and Public Works Department; explains ordinances, requirements, and City codes, and department procedures to building contractors, architects, engineers, developers, and the general public pertaining to land development and improvement, permit requests, and concerns. This position will be the Departments point of contact for the public at the public counter and performs other work as required. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Include but are not limited to the following

• Advises contractors, developers, engineers, architects and the public on permit process requirements and permit status.
• Reviews applications for completeness so that the plans can be reviewed for accuracy and compliance with local, state and Federal regulations and policies.
• Research permit application status in response to inquiries from staff and public.
• Updates permit records and files; enters data into automated system; organize and maintain electronic and physical project files.
• Circulates permit submittals to other departments and consultants for review and comments, and records responses.
• Assists the customers by providing information on various permits and maintenance performed by the Public Works Department.
• Assist in intaking requests for public works maintenance staff and providing information regarding those requests.
• Processes and issues over-the-counter permits 
• Reviews submittals for completeness and routes to various departments for review.
• Prepares and issues receipts, letters, statistical reports and forms, schedules inspections as needed.
• Coordinates archiving and digitizing of records to ensure both departments meet required record retention policy requirements and process public record requests.
• Receives, reviews, and processes encroachment permit applications; coordinates billing invoices and collects payments; issues permits. 
• Calculates fees based on established fee schedules, and monitors approval of plans by other regulatory agencies.
• Facilitates the routing of plans during plan review to various City departments, architects, and or engineers.
• Reads and identifies map and plat/tract specifications and components.
• Uses architectural and engineering scales to determine dimensions and calculate areas and percentages.
• Processes and issues building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading, film, and other related permits, following established guidelines.
• Monitors building permits and related projects for status changes, including expiration, completeness, and/or additional requirements and notifies applicants as needed.
• Responsible for preparing quarterly reports to the State relating to collected fees and permits issued.
• Processes Business License Certificates
   

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Organization, procedures, and operating details of the Planning and Building and Public Works Departments.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to building, land use, and/or urban planning, sufficient to answer questions and provide information to the public.
• Applicable building and zoning codes and related laws and regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to:
  • Understand and explain City policies, procedures, fees, and basic planning and building codes and regulations to the general public, permit applicants, and City staff.
  • Analyze, interpret, and explain applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies.
  • Read and interpret plans, specifications, related construction documents, and maps.
  • Calculate square footage, fees and/or penalties from plans, and fees for zoning permit applications.
  • Perform detailed, technical, and specialized planning and zoning and/or permit support work.
  • Perform the full range of office and administrative support duties and tasks.
  • Respond to and effectively prioritize multiple phone calls, walk-up traffic, and other requests and interruptions.
  • Compose correspondence and reports independently or from brief instructions.
  • Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
  • Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform assigned work.
  • Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
  • Operate modern office equipment including computer and related word processing, database, and spreadsheet software and applications.
  • Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
  • Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
  • Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Provide assistance in contract administration and coordination concerning construction contracts, annual service contracts, and purchase contracts.

EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education and Experience:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by two (2) years of college level coursework in construction management, engineering, architecture, planning, or a related field and/or three (3) years of specialized building/construction support responsibilities processing building plans and applications for building permits. Computerized permit processing experience is highly desirable.

License, Certificate and/or Other Requirements:

• A valid Class C California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
• Ability to obtain an International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certificate within twelve (12) months of employment or date of entry into the position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.  Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Mental Demands:
While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret complex data; thoroughly analyze and solve problems; exercise sound judgment in the absence of specific guidelines; use math and mathematical reasoning; establish priorities and work on multiple assignments and projects concurrently; meet intense and changing deadlines given continual interruptions; and interact appropriately with staff, management, City officials, and others in the course of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER:
All City of Solvang employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.