8/00
Rev. 1/01 2/01 5/01

City of San José

 PERMIT SPECIALIST, SENIOR (3955)

CLASS CODE: 3955

   

DEPARTMENT:
Planning, Building and Code Enforcement

ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Supervising Plan Check Engineer
Building Inspector Supervisor

FLSA STATUS:
Non-Exempt

CLASS SUMMARY:
   Incumbents are responsible for performing a variety of construction reviews, permit issuance and customer service functions related to plan review processes and permit issuance. Duties may include: explain procedures and requirements, address problems and concerns, maintain related receipts and computerized tracking records; work on complex special projects as assigned; and train and provide technical direction to other staff. May be required to lead or supervise a technical unit.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
   The Permit Specialist, Senior is distinguished from the Permit Specialist by the journey level knowledge and experience required to perform more complex work. This is a non-professional journey level classification where incumbents work within a framework of established procedures. Employees are expected to perform a full range of duties with only occasional instruction or assistance. Positions at this level frequently work outside the immediate proximity of a supervisor. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Assigned duties require the exercise of judgment or choice among possible actions, sometimes without clear precedents and often with concern for the consequences of the action. May be required to work as a lead or supervise a technical unit.

Training and Experience (positions in this class typically require):
   High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.); and two years of responsible experience as a Permit Specialist in a public agency; or any equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licensing Requirements (positions in this class typically require):

  • Valid CA Driver’s License.

Knowledge (position requirements at entry):

Knowledge of:

  • Construction drawings and plans related to occupancy classifications, construction types, and plan and tract specifications;
  • Construction permit processes, including public rights-of-way, private and public easements, set-backs, zoning and engineering requirements, and the need for variances;
  • The Uniform Building Code, construction practices, and legal aspects of code administration;
  • Records management practices and general office operations;
  • Basic accounting methods and cash or payment handling procedures;
  • Basic math as well as standard geometry knowledge for computing areas and dimensions;
  • Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment;
  • Public administration principles;
  • Safety equipment and procedures.
  • Supervision principles, when required to lead or supervise.

Skills (position requirements at entry):
Skill in:

  • Using the City’s Automated Building Permit Issuing System;
  • Read and understand blueprints, plans and specifications;
  • Understand and explain local ordinances, regulations and procedures;
  • Perform mathematically oriented calculations accurately and quickly;
  • Provide technical direction to other staff;
  • Using computers and applicable software;
  • Communication and interpersonal skills in relations with coworker, supervisor, the general public, and other persons sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

DUTY

NO.

TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)

FRE-

QUENCY

BAND/

GRADE

       

1.

Establish, assign, change, correct and verify building addresses within the City.

Daily
10%

 
       

2.

Process and issue permits for large scale multi-family and tract home projects and commercial projects; provide assistance to Residential Plan Check Engineers in preparing approved plans for permit issuance.

Daily
20%

 
       

3.

Provide counter and telephone service to general public; answer code related issues and supply information regarding permit processing, policies, and procedures.

Daily
15%

 
       

4.

Approve Master Plan applications and perform plan checks on qualified minor projects.

Daily
10%

       

5.

Verify SITUS information and perform various research requests for Building Division staff and the general public.

Daily
10%

       

6.

Train and provide technical direction to coworkers.

Daily
10%

 
       

7.

Log-in, file, track and retrieve permitted plans for new residential and commercial projects.

Daily
10%

 
       

8.

Interface with contractors, management, co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.

Daily
10%

 
       

9.

Route, fax, ship drawings, specs and other related documents to staff, consultants, and other agencies.

Daily
5%

 
     

10.

Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

As Required

 
     

Physical Requirements:
   Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
   Incumbents may be subjected to work space restrictions and intense noises.
   Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

NOTE:
   The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Classification History:
   Draft prepared by Creative Management Solutions, Inc. BN
   Date: 08/14/00
   Revised: 01/23/01, 02/01/01, s001, 05/15/01, s002 (Formerly titled Sr. Permit Technician)