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Under general supervision of the Chief Building Official, the Building Permit Technician performs technical, paraprofessional support, customer service, and clerical work supporting the operations involved with the issuance and coordination of the building inspection and permits process.

CLASS CHARACTERISITICS:

The incumbent will usually serve the public at the front counter and provide information regarding permits and building code requirements.  The nature of the tasks requires good public relations skills and the ability to handle customers with tact and good judgment.  The position will perform routine and complex tasks associated with the receipt, review and tracking of building permit applications through the permit process to ensure the efficiency and compliance to department policies and procedures.  May receive functional or technical supervision from department staff.  May exercise functional or technical supervision over other clerical positions.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (illustrative only):

• Efficiently process building permit applications and miscellaneous permits; ensure all necessary approvals are obtained.
• Perform elementary plan checking duties at the public counter, reviewing for completeness and for conformance to building and other appropriate policies and procedures as assigned.
• Respond to inquiries and confer with builders, engineers, contractors, architects, and the public concerning submittal requirements, building codes and permit regulations at the counter and over the phone.
• Assemble, route and monitor plans and associated information through various City departments and agencies for the plan review process and permit issuance.
• Enter appropriate information into the permit tracking system and other logs and records of permits issued.  Maintain and compile record files, forms and reports concerning building inspection and plan review activities.
• Perform general clerical tasks and use the computer to enter data using spread sheets and maintain and update the permit tracking software information.
• Calculate various valuations, plan check fees and permit fees.
• Sort file and purge documents and records, maintaining alphabetical, index and cross-reference files; maintain complex office records related to building inspection and code enforcement.
• Research and assemble information from a variety of sources for the completion of forms or the preparation of reports; make arithmetic or statistical calculations.
• Organize and maintain various departmental files.  Prepare correspondence, reports, forms, and specialized documents from drafts, notes, or brief instructions, using the office computer system.  Proofread and check typed and other materials for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with departmental policies and regulations.
• Act as receptionist, receive and screen visitors and telephone calls and direct the caller to the proper person or personally handle the call.
• Operate standard office equipment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

The City of Newark is hiring a Community Preservation Specialist. This role is essential to protecting the health, safety, and quality of life in our community. Working under general supervision, the Specialist enforces City codes related to health and safety, nuisance abatement, housing, and zoning. The position combines investigative work with public education and involves frequent interaction with property owners, businesses, community organizations, and residents.

In this position, you will:

• Advises property owners, businesses, and residents on City code requirements and compliance.

• Educates the public and professional groups on code regulations to encourage voluntary compliance.

• Investigates complaints from City staff, the public, and officials regarding zoning or nuisance issues such as signs, fences, rental housing, home occupations, vehicle storage, trash accumulation, noise, and odors.

• Conducts field inspections to ensure compliance, providing clear guidance on corrective actions when necessary.

• Prepares notices, correspondence, and detailed reports documenting investigations.

• Represents the City in court proceedings, hearings, and other official forums.

• Manages difficult and confrontational situations with professionalism and diplomacy.

• Provides lead direction and reviews the work of assigned clerical staff or coworkers, as needed.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

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

• Associates Degree or 60 college semester units in a related field from an accredited college, supplemented by one year of experience in code enforcement.  Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis up to a maximum of one year.
• Documented code enforcement related training from a recognized code enforcement association in the State of California, which includes training in the areas of property management and landlord tenant issues.
• Bilingual skills are highly desirable.