Development Services Technician I/II

City of Modesto; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Modesto is seeking a Development Services Technician for an in-person role, guiding the public through land use, planning, building and community development processes, and supporting professional staff.

This position requires on-site work only; interviews will be held in person. Salary offered depends on experience, with education incentives of 2.5% for a bachelor’s and 5% for a master’s.

Qualifications

• Two years of increasingly responsible administrative or technical experience involving extensive public contact.
• Ability to interpret, apply and explain basic local, State and Federal regulations and standards.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as first line of contact to internal and external customers on land use, planning, building, and community development issues.
• Provide information and direction to the public related to land use, planning, building and community development and permit processes via phone, e-mail and counter work.
• Review and provide information on applicable regulations, codes, ordinances and guidelines.
• Perform minor plan checks; log-in and coordinate routing of plans and permits; ensure insurance is on file.
• Assist in the preparation of agenda reports and resolutions and maintain files and records.

Education

Associate's degree in urban planning or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS

Excel

Word

Job description

City of Modesto is excited to announce an in‑person opportunity for a dynamic and customer-focused Development Services Technician. In this essential role, you’ll be at the forefront of our land use, planning, building, and community development services—guiding the public, supporting professional staff, and helping streamline key permit and development processes. If you’re energized by problem‑solving, public service, and making a tangible impact in your community, this role offers an exciting place to grow.

Salary Incentives:

• 2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree)
• 5% Education Incentive (master's degree)

The Development Services Technician is responsible to perform technical and administrative work in one or more specialized land use areas; to provide information and direction to the public on processes and requirements associated with construction, community development, planning, and building; to provide assistance and support to professional planning, engineering, and building staff; and to receive, review, route, process, and perform minor plan checking of minor applications and permits.

This position requires on‑site work; remote work Is not an option. All interviews associated with this recruitment will be held in person.

Current vacancies in Building Safety (1) and Planning Division (1).

The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire.

The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas.

Salary offered depends on candidate’s experience.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serve as first line of contact to internal and external customers on land use, planning, building, and community development related issues.
• Provide information and direction to the public related to land use, planning, building and community development and associated permit processes via phone, e‑mail and counter work.
• Review and provide information and direction to the public regarding applicable, local, State and Federal regulations, planning and engineering codes, ordinances, documents, standards and guidelines.
• Perform minor plan checks; review, log‑in and coordinate routing of various plans and permits; ensure insurance is on file.
• Calculate land use related fees and provide fee estimates as requested; issue routine permits.
• Research, compile and analyze a variety of data for special projects and various reports.
• Maintain manuals and update resource materials; develop and maintain a variety of databases.
• Recommend and participate in the implementation and improvement of policies and procedures related to assignment with the goal of improving customer service.
• Assist in the preparation of a variety of agenda reports and resolutions.
• Update and maintain a variety of files and records.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with co‑workers, City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.

When assigned to Development Services:

• Process requests for Outdoor Dining permits; conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans; coordinate annual renewal process.
• Receive and process requests for residential clearance; conduct field inspections for public improvements; identify existing utilities, connections and improvements.
• Receive requests for outside service; explain Outside Service Agreement requirements and process to the public, complete required agreement, and verify ownership and calculate fees.
• Provide infrastructure information to the public utilizing GIS, various sources to provide accurate information both in person and via phone; meet with citizens about development requirements, investigate and resolve complaints.

When assigned to Planning:

• Assist with the processing of parcel and subdivision maps; check for completeness, code violations, environmental assessment requirements and other pertinent data.
• Assist with reviewing applications for zoning changes; compile zoning history, size and development features; research lot history, zoning, and entitlements.
• Assist with the processing of annexations; research background information on tax assessments, registered voters, availability of utilities and public services, property owner sentiment, and logical boundaries.
• Conduct field surveys regarding property owner sentiment and land use.
• Work with the City’s GIS system to integrate data into a variety of systems; create and work with maps and drawings using AutoCAD and ArcMap.
• Design and prepare graphic artwork such as brochures, illustration and covers for reports, posters, lettering charts and signs for wall displays; develop initial design and layout of sketches; meet with other City personnel to discuss and evaluate graphic needs; maintain an inventory of graphics supplies and materials.

Marginal Functions:

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and trends in land use.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Basic research techniques, resources and sources of information related to landuse functions.
• Principles, practices and techniques of drafting and graphic design.
• Basic statistical and engineering practices as applied to land use.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Computer programs such as AutoCAD, GIS, Excel, and Word.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Ability to:

• Learn to interpret, apply and explain basic local, State and Federal regulations and standards.
• Read and understand general construction plans and specifications.
• Research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of statistical and administration reports.
• Prepare correspondence and memorandums.
• Conduct routine analytical studies; problem solve.
• Make accurate mathematical calculations.
• Prepare maps, graphs, charts, site plans, and other descriptive material using difficult lettering, tracing, drafting and layouts.
• Provide information to the public, developers and realtors regarding land use.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

• Two years of increasingly responsible administrative or technical experience that involved extensive public contact, preferably related to land use development.

Training:

• Equivalent to an Associate's degree from an accredited college with major course work in urban planning, engineering or related field.

Mobility frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close‑up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological frequent decision‑making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental frequent exposure to noise.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical temperature controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.