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EXTENDED-Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, December 30, 2025 or upon receipt of the first 150 applications- whichever occurs first

Written Exam: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Oral Exams: TBA

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Chief Building Supervisor/Building Official or their designee, the Building Permit Technician performs technical, clerical, and customer service work related to the intake, routing, tracking, and issuance of permits and coordination of inspection scheduling. The Building Permit Technician serves as a key point of contact for applicants, staff, and the public, ensuring accurate intake, digital processing, and efficient communication throughout the permit lifecycle. This position requires knowledge of building permit procedures, plan routing systems, and municipal permitting processes. Perform other related duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Assist customers with navigating the City’s online permitting tools and resources; support permit applicants with creating accounts, uploading documents, and requesting inspections; perform intake review of permit applications for completeness;  check applications for compliance with submittal requirements  accurately assign work types, scopes of work, and required inspections using standardized intake protocols; assign required inspections based on established scope-of-work logic tables when system automation is unavailable; use the City’s permit tracking software to route applications and documents to appropriate departments; track the status of permits, reviews, and inspections; respond to applicant inquiries about permit status;  communicate clearly with the public, contractors, developers, and staff regarding permit status, corrections, and fees; maintain digital records and ensure proper filing of supporting documents;  generate and track digital invoices for plan check and permit fees; monitor payment status through the online portal;  use digital tools and plan data to calculate permit fees based on square footage, valuation, or standardized tables; verify completeness of digital plan submittals and assist with document labeling and version control for online plan review;  respond to applicant questions submitted through the online portal regarding permit status, corrections, or document requirements; provide administrative support including scheduling inspections; maintain permit logs and generate reports; interpret and explain basic code requirements, permit processes, and department procedures to the public; participate in transition to digital workflows and assist with system improvements through the City’s ERP/ELP vendor as directed; participate in testing and feedback of new digital permitting tools and process improvements; advise applicants on Construction & Demolition (C&D) deposit requirements and compliance procedures at the time of permit intake; collect and log C&D deposit forms and fees in coordination with applicable project scopes; track C&D compliance documentation and assist with refund eligibility checks using the City’s digital permit system; provide general guidance on C&D recycling requirements and maintain reference materials for applicants.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: 

Building, zoning, and municipal codes as they relate to the permit process. Permit application procedures and records management. Use of modern permitting systems and digital tools to support permit processing and communication. Construction terminology and plan reading basics. Effective communication and customer service principles .  Basic procedures related to Construction & Demolition deposit processing and compliance tracking. Inspection types and associated scopes of work as outlined in departmental logic tables or permit intake protocols. Plan submittal requirements and digital document management practices for online plan review. Methods for calculating fees based on square footage, use type, valuation, or occupancy.

Ability to: 

Learn and operate the City’s digital permitting platform with accuracy read and interpret basic construction plans and documents; apply City policies and procedures related to permits and inspections; accurately collect and record data and fees. Communicate effectively with the public and staff, both orally and in writing; maintain professionalism while handling sensitive or challenging customer interactions’ organize and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment; adapt to evolving technologies in permit tracking and electronic plan review; coordinate C&D documentation during permit intake and assist with compliance-related communication; apply internal inspection assignment logic to accurately select required inspections during permit setup; assist with applicant questions submitted through digital platforms; support document formatting, tracking, and version control for digital plan review. Interact positively and cooperate with co-workers, respond politely to customers, work as a team member, function under demanding time pressure, respond in a positive manner to supervision, and attend work and perform duties on a regular and consistent basis.

Experience: 

One year of administrative or customer service experience in a construction, permit, or planning environment.

Education:  Graduation from high school or equivalent.  Technical training in construction, planning, or public administration desirable.

License: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record. International Code of Council (ICC) Building Permit Technician certification is desirable.

This is a Temporary Provisional position.  

A provisional appointee must participate and be successful in a Civil Service Examination process for this classification and be selected through an open competitive process in order to be considered for a permanent appointment. 

San Francisco is a vibrant and dynamic city, on the forefront of economic growth & innovation, urban development, arts & entertainment, as well as social issues & change. This rich tapestry of culture and ideas is sustained by our City's commitment to heighten the quality of life for the diverse population of San Franciscans and residents of the greater Bay Area. Our employees play an important role not only in making our City what it is today, but also in shaping the future of San Francisco.

• Applications Open: May 19, 2023
• Applications Close: No earlier than Sunday, June 9, 2023
• Salary $116,272

Are you passionate about Juvenile Justice, Public Safety, and the Community we serve? Are you a dedicated professional who wants to maximize their impact in the lives of some of San Francisco’s most marginalized youth? If so, we encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to join a team that is devoted to re-imagining Juvenile Justice, committed to racial equity, and focused on ensuring long-term public safety through the development, enrichment, and accountability of young people we serve throughout San Francisco. Read more about the San Francisco Juvenile Probation Department (JPD). 

Job Description

Under general supervision, operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs a wide variety of pumping, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration and auxiliary plant machinery and equipment in a large complex or multi-faceted facility. Ensures that all equipment, machinery and systems are functioning normally and safely, and complies with all applicable safety rules and regulations.

MAJOR, IMPORTANT, AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Operates, maintains and repairs a wide variety of pumping, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and power generating equipment in a large complex or multi-faceted facility to ensure the safe, correct and efficient functioning of the facility and equipment may be required to operate computerized building management systems, preventative or predictive maintenance computer systems or Computerized Data Gathering System (SCADA).2. Inspects and tests: machinery and equipment for safe, efficient and proper operation by visual and audio inspection during walk-throughs and by standard monitoring; fire prevention equipment to ensure safe and proper functionality; water storage and multiple distribution systems, high pressure zones, wood and steel storage tanks, pumps and relief valves, and samples of water.

3. Makes entries and keeps records on shift operation by taking and entering gauge readings and accurate water laboratory analysis readings and temperatures on operating log sheets or into a computer data system to ensure preventative maintenance and equipment history; and changes charts and recordings accordingly.

4. Receives, records and stores large amounts of treatment chemicals and may handle hazardous chemicals in confined or enclosed areas; must be capable of safely and properly handling chemical spills; may also include handling and treatment of industrial or hazardous waste.

5. Contacts, communicates and is required to deal with contractors, building tenants and/or the general public in order to be able to discharge assigned duties.

6. Maintains keys, communications equipment, and security (in the absence of Security Personnel), in order to ensure the security of a plant and buildings and grounds, including public safety. As part of an emergency response team, recognizes, evaluates, and responds to potentially hazardous situations.

7. Performs control tests on water samples to determine chlorine and fluoride residual, pH, alkalinity, turbidity, color, saturation index and flocculation factors; under supervision, conducts water analysis and regulates treatment chemical dosages to maintain water quality in filtration plant, distribution system, or other large complex facility may also be required to perform water analysis on water/wastewater as required by the State of California; performs boiler water and cooling tower chemical tests, including pH, alkalinity TDS, etc., to monitor and control growth of organisms in water.