PERMIT TECHNICIAN I

Permit Technician I

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Permit Technician I to be part of the Community Development team! The Community Development Department delivers a wide variety of programs and services related to planning, building and safety, code enforcement, affordable housing, neighborhood improvement, and historic preservation to help create and maintain more safe, sustainable, and livable neighborhoods. The main purpose of the Building & Safety Division is to protect and promote public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. The Building & Safety Division provides inspections for new construction, buildings and remodeling of structures for compliance with the local, state and federal laws.

The Community Development Department is seeking a dedicated, results-oriented Permit Technician I to join their team in its fast-paced environment! As part of the team, the Permit Technician I performs responsible technical work in the review, processing, and issuance of a variety of permits such as building permits, development review permits, and zoning and business license information. This position calculates permit, plan check, development and business license related fees; receives money paid over the counter; collects fees, issues receipts for money received, and balances cash drawer. The Permit Technician I develops or modifies forms for reporting data, ensures accuracy of data, performs administrative support duties and a variety of specialized tasks of a technical nature, and does related work as required.

Education and Experience Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and skills required is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be: Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate; and one year of experience with a municipal building department's permit processing function or similar experience at a public counter with an emphasis on customer service. In addition to the experience requirement, completion of courses from a vocational school or college related to this field such as Public Works Inspection, Computer-aided Architectural Drafting, Principles of Engineering Technology, Blueprint Reading, the Uniform Building Code, and Bookkeeping and Accounting is highly desirable. Must possess a valid State of California driver's license of the appropriate class.

Successful candidates will possess the following: Exceptional customer service skills; Strong interpersonal skills; A high degree of initiative and adaptability; Strong ability to be resourceful and reliable; The ability to interpret and explain codes, regulations, and laws; Strong aptitude to work independently and shift priorities as appropriate; High level of proficiency in utilizing computers and software; and Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Experience with a permitting software such as Accela is highly desirable.

Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at Application submissions will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. First review of applications will be those received by Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time. Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components: Oral Exam: Weighted 100% (Tentatively scheduled on Thursday, April 30, 2026) Department Interview: (Tentatively scheduled for the week of May 18, 2026) The tentative test date will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date.

The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked. To view the current benefits for Engineers and Torrance Fiscal Employees bargaining unit, visit MOUs/Salary Resolutions - City of Torrance (torranceca.gov) For additional information about the City's benefits, visit: Employee Services - City of Torrance (torranceca.gov) RETIREMENT BENEFITS – The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.