Permit Technician/Building Inspector

City of Fountain Valley; Fountain Valley (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4/10 schedule (off Fridays)

CalPERS retirement

CalPERS medical/dental/vision

Deferred compensation up to 225/mo

Long-term disability insurance

Generous leave accruals

11 paid holidays

Job summary

The City of Fountain Valley is seeking a motivated Permit Technician / Building Inspector to join its Community Development Department. In this hybrid position, you will review applications, issue routine permits, and help homeowners and contractors navigate the permitting process.

You will perform field inspections, document findings, and verify compliance with California Building Standards Codes. A California Driver License and ICC B1 certification (or ability to obtain within 12 months) are

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus college-level coursework in planning, drafting, engineering, mathematics, construction, building inspection, or related.
• Minimum two years of relevant experience in customer service, administration, or building/construction trades.
• ICC Residential Building Inspector Certification (B1) or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• California Driver License required; ICC certification preferred for the role.

Responsibilities

• Assist homeowners, contractors, and the public with the permitting process at the counter.
• Review applications and plans, issue routine permits, and schedule inspections.
• Perform basic field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and building codes.
• Document findings and communicate correction requirements to applicants and property owners.

Skills

Customer service

Administrative support

Building inspections

Planning knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent with related college coursework

Job description

BUILDING A BETTER FOUNTAIN VALLEY TOGETHER

Click Here to Learn About the City of Fountain Valley

THE CITY OF FOUNTAIN VALLEY

The City of Fountain Valley is nestled in the heart of Orange County. With approximately 57,000 residents, the City is only 7 miles from the beach with countless restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping centers, and Disneyland within a 15-mile radius of the City, providing many options for a rich work-life balance.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Are you a building professional who wants to bring your experience into local government? Or a permit technician ready to take the next step into building inspection?

The City of Fountain Valley is looking for a motivated, customer-focused professional to join our Community Development Department as a Permit Technician / Building Inspector—a unique opportunity that brings together two sides of the development process in one position.

This is not your typical permit counter position.

In this hybrid role, you will work directly with homeowners, contractors, architects, engineers, and the public while also getting out into the field to inspect construction. You will help customers navigate the permitting process, review applications and plans, issue routine permits, schedule inspections, and perform basic inspections to verify that construction complies with approved plans and applicable building codes.

A ROLE WITH VARIETY—AND ROOM TO GROW

Your days won't all look the same.

One day, you may be helping a homeowner understand permit requirements or reviewing a plan submittal at the public counter. The next, you could be in the field inspecting foundations, framing, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, roofing, solar installations, or other residential construction. You'll document your findings, communicate correction requirements, and help property owners and contractors understand what is needed to move their projects forward.

The position offers an opportunity to develop expertise across the building permit process—from application to inspection—while building valuable knowledge of the California Building Standards Codes, local regulations, construction practices, and municipal operations.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MAY BE A GREAT FIT

We're especially interested in candidates who can bring practical experience and a willingness to learn.

Your background might include:

• Building inspection
• Construction or building trades
• Permit processing or permit technician work
• Building department experience
• Construction administration
• Planning, engineering, or related municipal work
• Customer service or administrative support in a technical environment

A college degree is not required. The minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by college-level coursework in a related field, along with at least two years of relevant experience. A California Driver License is required, and candidates must possess an ICC Residential Building Inspector Certification (B1) or be able to obtain it within 12 months, subject to the conditions outlined in the job specification.

WHY FOUNTAIN VALLEY?

Located in the heart of Orange County, the City of Fountain Valley offers the opportunity to build a career in a community known for its high quality of life while working in a professional, service-oriented organization.

As a member of the Community Development Department, you'll play a direct role in helping residents and businesses navigate the City's development process and ensuring that construction meets applicable safety and building standards.

If you enjoy solving problems, working with people, understanding how buildings are constructed, and making a tangible difference in your community, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

BRING YOUR EXPERIENCE. EXPAND YOUR SKILLS. SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY.

Come build something meaningful with the City of Fountain Valley.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS INCLUDE

• 4/10 schedule (off Fridays)
• CalPERS retirement (2%@60 for Classic or 2%@62 for PEPRA)
• CalPERS medical HMO/PPO plan options, dental, life insurance, vision, and optional AFLAC insurance
• Matching deferred compensation employer contribution(up to $225 per month)
• City-paid long-term disability insurance
• Generous leave accruals
• 11 paid holidays, including on floating holiday

NOTE:

This job announcement is not intended to include a complete listing of all responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the position. To access the full class specification, please click on the following link: Permit Technician/Building Inspector.

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented with college-level coursework in planning, drafting, engineering, mathematics, construction, building inspection, or related.

EXPERIENCE:

At least two (2) years of relevant experience in customer service, administrative support, or building/construction trades (preferably involving permits, construction, planning, engineering, or building departments).

CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• International Code Council (ICC) Residential Building Inspector Certification (B1) (or ability to obtain within 12 months as a condition of successfully passing the probationary period.)
• International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician Certification is highly desirable.

LICENSE REQUIRED:

Possession of a valid California Driver License and a satisfactory driving record is required to perform the essential functions of this position, including travel throughout the City to perform field visits and inspections. The City will evaluate whether alternative means of transportation would allow an individual to perform these essential functions in accordance with applicable law.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The selection process may include one or more of the following: application review, panel interview, and performance exam. The employment application and supplemental questions will be evaluated based on the employment standards and minimum qualifications listed above. All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully completing all components of the pre-employment process, which may include but is not limited to: reference checks, California Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprinting), post-offer drug test, and pre-employment medical examination.

The City of Fountain Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Candidates with a disability who may need accommodations during the selection process must notify the Human Resources Department at least 72 hours in advance of the exam date.