Development Services Technician I/II chez City of Benicia, CA

About the Department

The recruitment will remain open until the first review of applications scheduled for October 1st or until enough qualified applications have been received. 

DONT WAIT, APPLY TODAY! 

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.

Position Duties

Under immediate supervision (Development Services Technician I) or general supervision (Development Services Technician II), incumbents in the class of Development Services Technician perform a variety of administrative and technical duties to support the Building Division; assist engineers, architects, contractors and homeowners by providing routine and technical information related to the issuance of permits; provide technical information regarding routine building code requirements and information about local ordinances and State regulations; assist the public in completing applications and other required forms; prepare fee estimates; and issue permits, including over the counter permits.

Development Services Technician I: This entry-level class to the Development Services Technician series is distinguished from the Development Services Technician II class which requires knowledge to perform the tasks with less supervision.

Development Services Technician II: This is the journey level class in the Development Services Technician series and is distinguished from the I level by the ability to perform the full range of duties assigned with only occasional instruction or assistance as unusual and unique situations arise. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the level I. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Development Services Technician I: Receives immediate supervision from a supervisor or manager; may receive technical and functional supervision from management or professional positions. No supervision is exercised over others.

Development Services Technician II: Receives general supervision from a supervisor or manager; may receive technical and functional supervision from management or professional positions. No supervision is exercised over others.

Minimum Qualifications

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

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.

QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Development Services Technician I:

 Education:
Graduation from high school or its equivalent. College courses with emphasis in building, planning, engineering, architecture, or related field highly desired.

 Experience:
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.

Certification:
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.

Development Services Technician II:

Education:
Graduation from high school or its equivalent. College courses with emphasis in building, planning, engineering, architecture, or related field desired but not required.

Experience:
One year of responsible experience performing technical duties similar to a City of Benicia Development Services Technician I.

Certification:
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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Most work is performed in an office setting working at a desk and/or the front counter for long periods of time. Work involves accessing and using office equipment, as well as, moving between office locations.  Employee will use standard office equipment to communicate; may lift light weight objects; and navigate uneven surfaces.  Position requires working extensively with the public. 

ESSENTIAL AND NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The representative duties listed in this job description include essential and non-essential functions. Individuals with disabilities will be considered for placement into positions in this class based upon an assessment of the essential functions of the particular position.  Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth to address business needs and changing business practices.

Other Qualifications

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Individuals interested in being considered for the Development Services Technician I/II  position must submit an application and responses to the required supplemental questions by the final filing date. It is preferred you apply through the NeoGov system.

APPLY HERE
 
Individuals wishing to file a paper application in lieu of the on-line application process should contact the City of Benicia Human Resources Department.

Applicants are expected to accurately document their related experience and any training, education, and/or skills relevant to this position. Applicants should respond to all supplemental questions, even if the information is also contained in the application.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Application materials will be carefully evaluated; applicants who document possession of experience and education which most closely meet the requirements of the position will be invited to participate in the next phase of the selection process, which may include an assessment center and interview process.

Prior to appointment, candidates must pass a thorough background investigation and a pre-placement medical screening, including a drug screen.   

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to future steps in the process.

HOW APPLICANTS ARE NOTIFIED OF THEIR STATUS:

Application status notifications are distributed via email through the Neogov (governmentjobs.com) email system, so please check your email/junk mail/spam folders for status notification updates.

If, due to a disability, you need accommodations at any point during the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 746-4766.