Permit Technician

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine is seeking an experienced professional for the Building Department to code and process compliance, permit intake, and plan reviews. You will coordinate inspections and work with stakeholders to ensure timely, accurate service for contractors and the public.

The role requires deep knowledge of permitting procedures, construction documentation, and strong communication skills to support the university and its partners.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of plan review and permitting procedures and related industry practices.
• Ability to evaluate construction design documents and understand architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing terminology as applied to permit intake and plan reviews.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform full range of building department responsibilities, including permit intake, plan reviews, inspection coordination, and record-keeping.
• Act as central point of contact for stakeholders regarding permit applications and code compliance activities.
• Navigate established workflows while delivering responsive customer service to contractors, developers, and the public.

Skills

Plan review procedures

Permitting procedures

Construction terminology

Analytical skills

Written/verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Tools

Accela

E-Builder

Fieldwire

C-forms

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second‑largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

The Division of Finance and Administration (DFA) provides services and support to over 50,000 students, faculty, and staff with the mission of advancing UCI's brilliant future and the vision of becoming world‑class campus partners. DFA serves the university as planning partners, problem solvers, and solution providers—striving to make it as easy as possible for people to get the services they need, when they need them.

Design & Construction Services support the University's strategic plan through the design and construction of new and renovated facilities. We are committed to innovation, quality and value while being stewards of the University's valuable resources as we focus on the mission of UCI's brilliant future.

The Building Department provides permitting, plan review, and inspection services in support of safe, compliant construction and development within the jurisdiction. Our mission is to protect public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring all construction activity conforms to adopted building codes, zoning regulations, and local ordinances. We are committed to delivering efficient, transparent, and customer‑focused services to contractors, property owners, developers, and the community we serve.

Your Role on the Team

Experienced professional who knows how to code compliance and building permit processing with in‑depth understanding of the building permit services organizational processes. Independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope such as permit processing, inspection scheduling, and interdepartmental coordination within the building department and determines solutions. Serves as the central point of contact for key stakeholders regarding building permit applications, plan reviews, and code compliance activities. Moves efficiently through established workflows while maintaining accurate records and delivering responsive customer service to contractors, developers, and the public.

Required

What It Takes to be Successful

• Thorough knowledge of plan review and permitting procedures, industry practices, and/or expertise in a highly specialized and critical discipline such as permitting and inspection documentation services.
• Thorough understanding and ability to evaluate construction design documents related to plan review and building permitting services. Working knowledge of construction vernacular including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing terminology as applied to permit intake, plan review support, and applicant communications.
• Proven analytical, organizational, and problem recognition/avoidance/resolution skills.
• Proven written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, de‑escalation skill, and well‑developed political acumen.
• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a building department, public agency, or construction‑related environment performing permit intake, records, processing or public counter service; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provided the required knowledge and abilities.

Preferred

• Proven experience developing policies related to plan review and building permitting services.
• Thorough knowledge of University organization, including University Partners, policies, and short‑ and long‑range strategic permitting process plans.
• Well‑developed team building and facilitation skills.
• Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), MS Project.
• Skilled in use of permit tracking software (Accela, E‑Builder, Fieldwire, C‑forms).
• Law degree preferred.
• ICC Certification Permit Technician (PT) required for the first year.
• License to practice in at least one of the following professions: architecture, engineering.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience with electronic permit tracking and document management systems such as Accela, Fieldwire, or E‑Builder.

Total Rewards

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

Conditions Of Employment

• Background Check and Live Scan
• Employment Misconduct*
• Legal Right to work in the United States
• Vaccination Policies
• Smoking and Tobacco Policy
• Drug‑Free Environment
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Additional Conditions

• California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• E‑Verify
• Pre‑Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

Closing Statement

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824‑0500 or [e-mail].

Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship

Must be able to provide proof of work authorization.