Location
Description
Are you someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment where every day brings new questions and challenges? Do you enjoy helping people navigate complex rules and processes? Do you take pride in accuracy, organization, and delivering excellent customer service? Would you like to be part of a small-town community where your work truly makes a difference? Come join the Town of Los Altos Hills!
The Town is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Building Technician to join our outstanding Community Development team. This newly budgeted, full-time position will enhance how our team supports the Town's residents and ensure the permitting process is smooth, precise, and community-focused. As a Building Permit Technician, you’ll play a key role in guiding property owners, contractors, and professionals through the permitting process. You’ll help ensure projects meet Town regulations while maintaining the high level of service our community expects.
Key Responsibilities:
As a Building Permit Technician, you will:
- Provide courteous and professional assistance at the public counter, by phone, email, and virtual platforms to answer questions about building permits, requirements, and the permit process.
- Answer basic questions about building permit requirements, processes, and Town regulations.
- Receive and review building permit applications and related documents for completeness.
- Enter, track, and maintain permit records and data using the Town’s permit management software.
- Prepare, issue, and file permits and related documents accurately.
- Calculate and collect permit fees and issue receipts.
- Maintain organized records and filing systems for building permits, plans, and related documents.
- Provide administrative support to the Community Development team, including preparing reports, correspondence, and notices as needed.
- Learn and apply basic knowledge of the Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, and Municipal Codes as they relate to permit processing.
- Assist with other tasks or special projects as assigned.
Ideal Candidate
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a well-rounded professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working with the public, and is committed to providing excellent customer service. They will be organized, detail-oriented, and eager to learn the technical aspects of building permit processes. The ideal candidate takes pride in accuracy, communicates clearly, and values working as part of a team dedicated to serving the community.
Knowledge and Abilities
The successful candidate will have knowledge of or the ability to:
- Operate computers and software, including Microsoft Office Suite and permit tracking systems.
- Learn and apply basic provisions of the Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, and Municipal Codes as they relate to permit processing.
- Understand and maintain knowledge of the Town’s building procedures and regulations.
- Read and interpret construction plans and perform basic checks for completeness on small residential projects.
- Provide courteous and professional customer service in person, by phone, email, and on virtual platforms.
- Maintain accurate records, files, and documentation.
- Calculate and collect permit fees accurately.
- Communicate clearly and tactfully, both verbally and in writing.
- Work independently and exercise good judgment within established guidelines.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, Town staff, and the public.
Qualifications
- Candidates may qualify through a combination of education and experience that provides the necessary skills and abilities for this position.
- Experience in building permit processing, planning, construction, office administration, or a related field is highly desirable.
- Two (2) years of related experience is preferred but not required.
- Additional coursework or training in construction, planning, engineering, building technology, or public administration is desirable and may substitute for some work experience.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
- ICC Permit Technician Certification is desirable and may substitute for some education or experience requirements
About the Town
Los Altos Hills is primarily a residential community with approximately 8,000 residents, situated within an 8.6-square-mile area. An additional 5.8 square mile area of unincorporated land adjacent to the Town’s boundaries is within Los Altos Hills 'sphere of influence.” The Town is home to Foothill Community College. The Town Hall was constructed in 2005 and provides a comfortable and modern work environment. The Town Hall is also within a short walking distance to charming downtown Los Altos. Town residents are known for their spirit of community volunteerism and are encouraged to become active in Town governance, serve on Town committees and to participate in local events. This inclusive, open style of governance is embraced by the citizens and is part of what makes Los Altos Hills a unique and progressive town.
The Town organization includes a staff of 27 FTEs within the departments of Administrative Services, Engineering, Planning, Public Works, Parks & Recreation and the City Clerk. Law enforcement services are contracted with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department, and the Los Altos Hills County Fire District provides fire protection.
Benefits
- CalPERS Retirement
- New employees with no prior CalPERS service or have a break in CalPERS service of 6 months or more: 2% @ 62. Employees are required by law to pay 50% of the normal cost, or 6.5%.
- New employees who are classic CalPERS member and did not have a break in service for more than 6 months: 2% @ 60. Employees are responsible for CalPERS member contribution, currenlty set at 7.0%.
- Health Insurance – Town provides a generous flexible spending allowance to employees at a rate that currently covers up to the Kaiser premium cost.
- Dental Insurance – Town paid insurance through Assurant Employee Benefits for employee and eligible dependents.
- Vision Insurance – Town paid insurance through VSP for employee and eligible dependents.
- Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (ADD) Insurance – Town paid Life and ADD insurance for active employees to receive a lump sum amount up to the employee’s annual salary in the event of a qualified loss while employed by the Town.