Definition

The recruitment will remain open until the first review of applications scheduled for Monday, April 28th or open until enough qualified applications have been received. Interested applicants should apply as soon as possible as the recruitment may close at any time.

The City of Benicia’s Community Development Department is seeking a knowledgeable, people-focused permitting professional to join us as our newly-created Permit Services Specialist.

Are you a natural problem-solver who enjoys helping others navigate the permitting process? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment—working closely with planners, engineers, fire personnel, architects, contractors, and business owners? If you have experience with California Building Codes, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and plan review practices—and you communicate with clarity and care—we want to hear from you!

This is a great opportunity to bring your expertise and enthusiasm to a role that directly supports the success of our community’s development efforts. We’re looking for a dedicated professional who’s passionate about making a positive impact and contributing to Benicia’s ongoing economic growth. If that sounds like you, we invite you to apply!

Under supervision of the Community Development Director and/or their designee, serves as an ambassador to the City’s permit services by ensuring timely and clear information to the public at large concerning permit processes, fees and expectations. Acts as ombudsperson to seek resolution of issues and complaints related to development and construction permits. Provides technical expertise in development review processes. Coordinates all pre-application meetings and follow-up support. Provides case management of complex construction and related permits. Ensures efficient and effective service delivery to applicants and the general public. Plans, organizes, facilitates, coordinates and participates in the work of the team assigned to assist customers with successfully navigating the City’s development processes.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position facilitates highly effective permitting processes from pre-application through occupancy, inclusive of pre-application and project review, plan review, fee assessment, permit issuance and satisfaction of post-construction permit conditions. The incumbent is expected to provide proactive and highly responsive customer service, including identification and facilitation of issues related to permit coordination.

Under supervision, the employee coordinates with appropriate staff and serves as programmatic lead in administering the City’s permit services function, which may include permit processes and fees. The position requires diligent management and maintenance of fees, deposits, and records, including inter-departmental coordination. Assignments will encompass a range of permit services functions, requiring a high level of expertise in permitting processes and regulations. Permit plan review duties will be assigned by the Building Official and/or their designee.

Representative Duties / Qualifications

The representative duties listed include essential and marginal functions that vary by position. 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.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Establish schedules and methods for development review and permit processing; implement policies and procedures.
Provide case management of complex permit applications; confer with project owners and design professionals regarding State and local code requirements and obtain multi-agency application approvals.
Handle difficult and complex customer service situations.
Conduct and ensure active participation in routine interdepartmental meetings to coordinate review activities.
Coordinate with City divisions and departments, and outside agencies as necessary including but not limited to the County of Solano and Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) and Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD); perform follow up phone calls and other communications to ensure timely response from departments and agencies.
Administer and maintain all permit workflows; coordinate improvement and upkeep of permit workflows as assigned.
Coordinate with appropriate personnel to ensure integration and efficiency of permit software with other city technology.
Oversee administration of permit-related fees and deposits with attention to detail and accuracy.
Provide and coordinate staff training for permit processes, technology, and customer service.
Develop, update and maintain information about the City’s permit services function to the public for distribution by various media and methods (website, handouts, video, etc.) as appropriate.
Provide procedural support to ensure the effective permitting and implementation of capital projects.
Coordinate and monitor the handling of applicant deposits, bonds, and fee deferrals related to development projects and permits.
Perform permit plan review as directed by the Building Official and where supported by professional certifications and expertise.
Prepare reports, data, and memos as requested.
Assist with special projects.
Attend and participate in professional training and development; stay abreast of current information, innovations, technologies, and laws affecting the development review and permitting processes.
Represent the Community Development Department with community, business, or governmental representatives as required.
Intermittent weekend and/or evening work other than normal business hours may be required.
Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Processes and procedures of development review, building plan review and permitting.
Practices and techniques of project and workload planning.
Pertinent codes, ordinances, and regulations enforced by the City including the California Building, Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical Codes, Benicia Municipal Code, and related city, state and federal regulations.
Organization, policies and procedures of the department and the City.
Basic cost accounting and funds management including by not limited to applicant fees, deposits and financial surety.
Development and application of fee structures and collection methods.
Principles of workflow and records management, including public records tracking and storage.
Administration and maintenance of permit software, including fee calculation and establishment and maintenance of workflows.
Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment.
Principles and procedures of records management and reporting.

And

Ability To

Manage and coordinate permit services operations and activities.
Establish milestones and deadlines for individual and interdisciplinary projects and ensure that deadlines are met.
Work in close communication with the Building Official and Zoning Administrator to ensure Code compliance and adherence to relevant regulations and laws.
Build and maintain positive, professional working relationships with peers, co-workers and the public and exercise sound judgment in such communications and interactions.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including but not limited to customer interactions, technical meetings, public settings, staff reports, memoranda and emails.
Provide training to staff as assigned.
Read, interpret, explain and apply laws, regulations and codes including building codes, zoning codes, ordinances, construction terms, and regulations.
Apply regulatory code requirements and processes.
Evaluate submittals for completeness as to the requirements of State or local law, and applicable submittal checklists and standards.
Read and understand technical plans and specifications, including general civil plans, architectural plans and construction documents and plans.
Implement new and updated technology, programs and procedures as assigned.
Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned program budget.
Coordinate the administration of payments, reimbursements and refunds.
Operate and administer equipment necessary to perform work functions, including computers and related devices; permit software, word processing and database software, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), electronic records management software, electronic plans and records; and related technology.
Organize and maintain accurate electronic and manual records, logs and databases.

Experience And Education

Any combination of training, education, and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skill. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:

Experience

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in permitting, land development, planning, building inspection or construction management, including at least two (2) years in a local government permit department or agency.

Education

An Associate’s degree in fields related to Architecture, Engineering, Construction Technology or advanced level construction experience.

License Or Certificate

Must possess a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.
International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician Certificate at time of appointment
ICC J1 Residential Certificate at time of appointment.
ICC Plan Check Certification Combo is required within one year of hire.
Required licenses and certifications shall be maintained as a condition of passing probation and continued employment.

Working Conditions

The conditions herein are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Most tasks are performed in an office setting will include utilizing a computer and standard office equipment. Field work may be required outdoors with exposure to various sites and weather conditions. Travel within or out of town to attend meetings, workshops, conferences, seminars and related events during working and non-working hours may be required. Essential duties require the ability to work in a standard office environment; drive a vehicle; operate a computer keyboard; converse by telephone and other electronic means; communicate in person and to large groups and be clearly understood.

Supplemental Information

Application Process

Individuals interested in being considered for the Permit Services Specialist 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.

Please apply here: 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

The position of Permit Services Specialist is a part of the Benicia Supervisors & Professionals Association (BSPA).

Benefits for BSPA (formerly known as Local 1) Employees

01

To provide us with an opportunity to evaluate your background, responses to the Supplemental Questions are required in addition to your application. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process for this position. All work experience that is described or included in your supplemental responses(s) should have occurred during employment of one/more of the Employers you listed in the "Work Experience" section of your application. If not, you will need to provide additional information as to where/how you received that experience.

I have read and understand the above instructions.

02

This position requires a valid California Driver's License. Do you possess a valid California Driver's License?

03

What is your highest level of education?

High school diploma or GED
Some college or Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree or higher

04

Which of the following best describes your educational background?

No formal education in a related field
Advanced-level construction experience but no formal degree
Associate’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Technology
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Technology

05

How many years of increasingly responsible experience do you have in permitting, land development, planning, plan review, building inspection, or construction management?

Less than 3 years
3-4 years
5 years
More than 5 years

06

Do you have at least two (2) years of experience working in a local government permit department or agency?

07

If you answered 'No' to the previous question, please indicate 'N/A.' If you answered 'Yes,' please provide the name of the company/organization, your role, and the duration of your employment with them.

08

Do you currently hold an ICC Permit Technician Certificate?

09

Do you currently hold an ICC J1 Residential Certificate?

10

Do you currently hold an ICC Plan Check Certification Combo?

11

Do you certify that the information and statements made in connection with this application and supplemental questionnaire are complete and true to the best of your knowledge? Please note that intentional misrepresentation of your qualifications will be grounds for disqualification from this selection process and/or removal from the eligibility list.

I have read and understand the above information and certify the information I have provided is true to the best of my knowledge.
Required Question

City of Benicia

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Permit Services Specialist