Location
Description
Applications are being accepted for the position of Permit Technician with the City of South San Francisco in the Economic and Community Development Department.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2025 AT 5:00 PM, OR UPON RECEIPT OF THE FIRST 100 ONLINE APPLICATIONS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.
THE CITY OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE, AS WELL AS CALPERS RETIREMENT PLAN AND SOCIAL SECURITY PARTICIPATION.
The Department
The Department of Economic and Community Development includes four dynamic divisions that together are responsible for the preservation and improvement of the physical and economic conditions of the South San Francisco community. The Building Division is responsible for enforcing the California Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electric, Residential, and Energy Codes, as well as monitoring construction activity and performing inspections throughout the construction process.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Permit Technician is a detail-oriented, customer-focused professional who thrives in a fast-paced, service-driven environment. They bring a solid foundation in building and zoning codes, construction terminology, and permit processing and possess relevant experience in planning, building, public works, or a related field. This candidate excels in delivering clear, accurate information to contractors, developers, design professionals, and community members both at the public counter and over the phone. They possess a working knowledge of permit procedures and documentation requirements and demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply codes, regulations, and policies with consistency and professionalism. The ideal candidate is also comfortable performing basic plan checks, calculating permit fees, and using permitting or database software with efficiency and accuracy.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to navigate sensitive or challenging customer service interactions with patience, tact, and a solutions-oriented mindset. With a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement, the ideal Permit Technician is a collaborative team player who takes initiative, manages multiple priorities effectively, and contributes to a high-performing and responsive department. They demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a strong commitment to public service.
QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
Experience: One year experience in planning, building, contracting, public works, or a related field.
Training: Equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by college-level courses in construction or building technology, blueprint reading and drafting, building inspection, or a closely related field.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS:
To be considered, the following REQUIRED items must be submitted at time of application:
- City application
- Responses to the supplemental questionnaire
NOTE: Applications must be filled out in their entirety. Failure to complete the application and/or supplemental questions or failure to include a required attachment will disqualify the applicant from the recruitment process. Failure to list work experience, education or training or indicating “see resume” in the work experience section of the application will be considered an incomplete application and subject to disqualification. Additionally, only the application materials and documents specifically requested within this job announcement will be accepted and considered. Any supplemental documents submitted that are not required will not be reviewed as part of the application process.
THE SELECTION PROCESS:
The process will first consist of a review of application materials, including responses to supplemental questions, which must be detailed and complete. Applicants whose submitted application materials demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in the best alignment with the required and desired qualifications of this position will be selected to participate in the next phase of the qualification and selection process, which will include an oral panel interview, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
Following this examination, the top scoring candidates will be invited to a final selection interview with the hiring department.
To review complete job descriptions which include all special requirements, go to www.ssf.net
Benefits
Retirement: CalPERS retirement formula is 2% at age 60 for Classic members or; 2% at age 62 for “new members” as defined by Government Code §7522.04(e). Social Security and Medicare participation and the option to participate in 457 deferred compensation plans. City contributes equivalent of 1.5% of base pay towards a medical after-retirement account, with a $100/month employee contribution.
Health Insurance: City offers a choice of medical HMO (two providers) or PPO plan, and offers vision and dental coverage. City pays 100% of vision and dental premiums for employee and eligible dependents. Employees shall contribute 10% of the HMO premium cost based on category of coverage (single, two, family). For PPO, employee pays cost difference between PPO and HMO plans. City provides 100% City-paid short- and long-term disability insurances. The City offers a discretionary benefit account for employees who demonstrate health coverage elsewhere.
Vacation: Fifteen to thirty working days annual vacation, based on the length of service.
Holidays: Thirteen total paid holidays per year plus one floating holiday.
Programs: 457 Deferred Compensation, Paid Family Leave, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Long-Term Care, Disability and Life Insurance Programs, City Recreation Classes, Reduced-fee Childcare Programs and Commuter Benefit Programs are available.
Administrative Leave: Entitled to receive 40 hours of administrative leave annually and are also eligible to receive up to an additional 40 hours of administrative leave per fiscal year.
This classification is in an employee bargaining unit.
Special Instructions
Prior to appointment, candidates will be required to submit to any or all of the following (as applicable):
- Reference Check
- SSF Background Check
A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Determinations are made on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to the nature and recency of the conviction and relationship to job duties. All City standards must be met before the final appointment is made.
Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submittal of application.
Candidates requesting veteran’s preference must provide a copy of U.S. Government DD Form 214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" as an attachment to their CalOpps application.
The policy of the City of South San Francisco is to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or national origin. It is the intent and desire of the City of South San Francisco that equal employment opportunity will be provided in recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The City of South San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).