Development Review Technician

Description DEFINITION Provides technical, administrative and complex support for all aspects of the development review process, which includes planning, public works, fire, zoning, plan review, building inspection, permit issuance and related areas such as housing and code enforcement; provides information to the public at a counter or over the telephone; performs related work as assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is an advanced journey lead supervisor level class, in which incumbents with well developed office skills and some familiarity with planning, and/or building and/or other development review concepts become competent to perform the day-to- day responsibilities of providing development, housing and building information to the public, including applicants having varying experience and levels of sophistication, processing plans and permit applications and providing technical support to departmental staff. This class is distinguished from the planner, plan checking and building inspection classes in that the latter are professional and/or technical specialists in their areas of expertise, while this series provides support to all functional areas. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from the Permit Center Manager/Building OfficialProvides lead oversight, work review and instruction to lower level classes and temporary staff Examples of Duties Examples Of Essential Duties - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Provides information regarding development, planning, public works, fire, zoning, permit requirements, housing, code enforcement and related processes to developers, contractors, property owners and the public at a public counter or over the telephone; interprets and applies specific codes, rules and regulations related to the development review process, including building, planning, housing, public works, code enforcement and those of a variety of departments and divisionsReceives plans and other construction documents for review; ensures that applications and sets of plans are complete and contain the required information for submittal and review and that contractors possess appropriate insurance and bonding documentation Calculates plan review, inspection, impact, traffic, water and affordable housing fees, collects funds and issues receipts, balances monies received on a regular basisIssues basic permits after initial review and approval of materials where covered by procedures and guidelines such as roofing, water heater, and simple permits including the renovation of single-family homesIdentifies and resolves customer problems; directs the public to the proper department or determines the information requiredTracks and monitors status of development plan reviews; prepares standard periodic and special reports as required; researches files regarding prior actions, decisions and development activities and other information related to the property under reviewParticipates in the introduction of new technology as needed to advance the Department’s capabilities to serve customers effectively and efficientlyProvides input into departmental procedural and processing issues; recommends policy and procedural improvements related to counter activities or areas of responsibilityRecommends changes to codes, rules and regulations, forms and procedures to correct identified problems and to help ensure the process is efficient, effective and fairPrepares policy and procedures associated to the development process at the direction of the Permit Center ManagerChecks Business License applications for conformity with the Zoning and Building CodesPerforms a variety of technical and standard office support work; enters information into an automated data management system; obtains reproductions of microfilm or blueline copies; maintains departmental files and prepares a variety of period and special reports regarding the work of the departmentMay perform basic field inspections and/or plan reviews as assigned by the Permit Center Manager/Building OfficialPerforms special projects assigned by the Permit Center Manager/Building Official related to the Department EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Knowledge Of standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment recordkeeping principles and practices business arithmetic computer applications related to the work, including data entry and standard report generation correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation techniques for dealing with the public, in person and over the telephone, often in situations involving conflicts codes and regulations related to the work policies and procedures related to the development review, plan checking and building permitting processes basic planning, public works, fire, building and zoning principles and practices blueprint reading basic research techniques Ability to: learn and perform specialized development support and building permitting work read and understand development plans and specifications read, understand, apply and explain laws, codes, regulations and procedures analyze and resolve specific development application, plan review and permit questions and issues make effective recommendations for policy, procedure and customer service improvements make accurate arithmetic calculations maintain accurate records of plans submitted, fees received and work performed prepare clear and concise correspondence and other written materials gather and assemble data and prepare routine reports work under limited supervision in standard work situations use initiative and independent judgement within established procedural guidelines work in a methodical and organized manner lift from 1-15 lbs. daily to 40 lbs. occasionally stand and walk for at least six hours per day work indoors in an office environment subject to heat/cold and fragrances such as ammonia and perfumes work effectively and maintain a calm demeanor under stressful conditions and with frequent interruptions correctly operate one or more calculators, multi-function telephones, personal computers, printers, copiers and fax machines, and a two-way radio requiring fine hand manipulation drive an automobile speak English effectively to communicate in person or over the telephone speak Spanish highly desirable establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work Typical Qualifications Training and Experience: Required Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical ways to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Equivalent to graduation from high school and three years of office support experience, which has included explaining procedures and regulations, preferably in a public agency setting.Experience in a planning, building, contracting, public works or a related field is highly desirable. Possession of an Associate of Arts degree in building, construction technology or a related technical field is desirable, and such education may be substituted for related experience on a year-for-year basis. LICENSE a valid Class C California Driver’s License and a safe driving record Supplemental Information The candidate will be appointed for a 9-month probationary period. Names of successful candidates who do not receive a job offer will be placed on an employment list that normally remains effective for one year. The Human Resources Department may abolish an Employment list at any time the needs of the City so require. This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Prior to appointment to the position of Development Review Technician, a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required. The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities. NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVISED WITHOUT NOTICE. City of Watsonville offers excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for the employee and dependents. Benefits also include holidays, vacation, and sick leave. The City offers Public Employees Retirement benefits. Employees shall pay the full employee share of CalPERS contribution.