Permit Technician/Building Inspector

Fountain Valley School; Fountain Valley (CA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4/10 schedule (Fridays off)

CalPERS retirement

CalPERS medical, dental, life, vision

Matching deferred compensation up to $

City-paid long-term disability

Generous leave accruals

11 paid holidays

Job summary

The City of Fountain Valley is seeking a motivated Permit Technician/Building Inspector to join the Community Development Department. This hybrid role involves working with homeowners, contractors, architects, engineers, and the public while also conducting field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and building codes.

Requirements include a high school diploma with related college coursework, at least two years of relevant experience, a California driver license, and ICC

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with college coursework in planning, drafting, engineering, or related.
• At least two years of experience in customer service, admin support, or building trades.
• Valid California Driver License required.
• ICC B1 certification or ability to obtain within 12 months; ICC Permit Technician desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist homeowners, contractors, architects, engineers and the public with permitting.
• Review applications and plans, issue routine permits, and schedule inspections.
• Perform basic inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and codes.
• Inspect residential foundations, framing, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, roofing, solar installations.

Skills

Customer service

Administrative support

Construction trades

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College coursework in related field

ICC Residential Building Inspector Certification (B1)

ICC Permit Technician Certification

Job description

Description

BUILDING A BETTER FOUNTAIN VALLEY TOGETHER

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.

DescriptionBUILDING A BETTER FOUNTAIN VALLEY TOGETHERClick Here to Learn About the City of Fountain ValleyTHE 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 RoleAre 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.

If you're ready for a position that combines the permit counter, the building code, and the construction site, we encourage you to apply.

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

Job Overview 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.

Qualification Guidelines

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.

Recruitment Information To be considered for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire. To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete your application and consider having your profile created and/or updated before applying for the position. Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. If you require technical assistance, please review the Government Jobs Online Employment Application Guide, or contact their toll‑free Applicant Support line at [phone]. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer, or browser used to submit the application. Questions G regarding this recruitment should be sent to [e-mail].

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.

Fountain Valley General Employees Association (FVGEA) Representation: This classification is represented by the Fountain Valley General Employees Association click here for additional information.

Flexible Work Schedules: Most General employees are offered the option to work a flexible work schedule, including either a 4/10 or 9/80 work schedule.

Compensation

• Base Salary Adjustments: None scheduled.
• Merit Increase

General employees shall be eligible for merit increases annually on the first day of the pay period closest to their anniversary date, until they reach the fifth step.

• Deferred Compensation Matching Contribution

Employees in regular positions may voluntarily participate in the City’s deferred compensation plan. This plan is provided by Empower. The City will match up to a total amount of $225 per month into each employee's deferred compensation account for each General employee who contributes to the City's deferred compensation plan.

• Other Specialty Pays Employees under certain classifications or assignments, or who possess specialized skills, training and/or certifications, may be eligible for other specialty pays. Please refer to the FVGEA for further details.

Retirement All full-time employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) – a defined benefit program. Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire.

• New Members / PEPRA: As defined by the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), “New Members” have never been a member of any California public retirement system, were hired by a CalPERS agency after January 1, 2013, moved between public retirement systems lacking reciprocity, or moved between employers in the same public retirement system with a break in service of more than six months. New Members are enrolled in the 2% at age 62 retirement formula and pay a contribution rate of 50% of the total normal cost of the PEPRA member benefits for their retirement pension. This rate is determined annually based on the actuarial valuation of the retirement benefits provided to active PEPRA employees. For Fiscal Year 25/26, employees pay a mandatory 7.75% pre‑tax contribution for this retirement benefit. Note: In 2026, the pensionable compensation limit for PEPRA is $191,679 (pursuant to GC 7522.10). This limit is adjusted on an annual basis.
• Classic Members: New employees who joined CalPERS or a reciprocal public retirement system before January 1, 2013, without a break in service longer than six months, are considered “Classic” members and will be enrolled in the 2% at age 60 retirement formula. Employees pay a mandatory 7% pre‑tax contribution for this retirement benefit. To determine if you are eligible for reciprocity, please click on the following link: CalPERS Reciprocity. Note: In 2026, the pensionable compensation limit for Classic Members is $360,000 (pursuant to IRC section 401(a)(17)). This limit is adjusted on an annual basis.

For both Classic and PEPRA Members, the City contracts for the three-year average for final compensation, a 2% Cost‑of‑Living adjustment in retirement, and service credit for unused sick leave. The City also contracts for the Fourth Level Survivor Benefit ($2 per member per month). Please refer to the FVGEA Memorandum of Understanding for additional CalPERS contract provisions.

Health Insurance The City will contribute towards the cost of health premiums for full‑time employees as follows:

Enrollment Tier

Flex Dollar Allowance

Employee Only Coverage
$675.00

Employee +1 Dependent Coverage
$1,175.00

Employee + Family Coverage
$1,450.00

The Flex Dollar Allowance may be used for medical (optional), dental (mandatory), life insurance (mandatory), vision insurance (optional), and AFLAC (optional) premiums. All health benefits are effective on the first of the month following date of hire.

Note: The Flex Dollar Allowance may vary for employees who are assigned to a job share position.

• Medical

Employees have a choice to select a medical plan under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. Please visit CalPERS for more information regarding the various plans offered under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program, as well as the current premium rates.

• Dental

Enrollment in a City dental plan is mandatory for all eligible employees. Coverage is managed under the cafeteria plan, and premiums are paid by the employee (Flex Dollars may be used).

• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (ADD)

Enrollment in a City life and ADD plan is mandatory for all eligible employees. The policy amount is $50,000. Coverage is managed under the cafeteria plan, and premiums are paid by the employee (Flex Dollars may be used).

• Vision

Enrollment in a City vision plan is voluntary for all eligible employees. Coverage is managed under the cafeteria plan, and premiums are paid by the employee.

• AFLAC

Employees have the option to enroll in a variety of voluntary insurance plans including accident, short‑term disability, hospital confinement indemnity, cancer/specified‑disease, lump sum critical illness, and whole or term life insurance. Employee is responsible for the entire cost of the premium if they elect coverage.

Note: City employees do not participate in California’s Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL) programs through the Employment Development Department (EDD). While this saves employees 1.3% in payroll tax, it’s important to keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to enroll in the AFLAC short‑term disability benefit.

• Flexible Spending Account

Employees may contribute pre‑tax earnings into a flexible spending account for health ($3,400 maximum in 2026) and dependent care expenses ($7,500 maximum in 2026).

• Long‑Term Disability

The City provides long‑term disability insurance for all General employees at no cost. The City pays 100% of the policy premiums.

• Medical Opt‑Out

Employees who submit sufficient proof of alternate group health insurance may waive coverage and receive the following in monthly taxable cash through the Cafeteria Plan: $350 per month. Dental and life insurance are not optional benefits and such premiums will be deducted from the opt‑out cash.

• Retiree Medical

Employees who retire from the City of Fountain Valley may be entitled to a monthly employer contribution towards health insurance if they meet certain criteria. In 2026, this monthly employer contribution is $162 (the PEMHCA minimum).

Time Off From Work: The City offers a generous leave package!

• Holidays

General employees shall be entitled to 11 paid holidays per calendar year (including a “floating holiday” that can be used at the employee’s discretion).

• Vacation

Employees accrue 80 hours of paid vacation leave per year. Accruals increase based on time in service with the City of Fountain Valley, beginning after completion of 1 year of service (increases to 120 hours per year). General employees may elect to receive a cash payment for up to 80 hours of accrued vacation at the end of the calendar year if certain criteria are met.

• Sick

Work Schedule

Bi‑Weekly Accrual

Monthly Equivalent

5/8 or 9/80 3.69 One 8‑Hour Day 4/10 4.62 Hours One 10‑Hour Day

Tuition Reimbursement: Eligible employees may receive up to $3,000 per fiscal year for actual tuition expenses.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The City provides a confidential, no-cost Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help you and your household members navigate personal challenges. This third‑party service offers support for personal counseling, financial guidance, legal advice, and more.

Social Security: City employees are not covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI); therefore, they are not required to contribute 6.2% of salary towards Social Security.

Medicare: Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare.

• This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Compensation Plan, Memoranda of Understanding, Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, Retirement Contract, Insurance Policy Contract, or any other official document of the City of Fountain Valley. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the City of Fountain Valley’s insurance contracts with individual insurance providers.

• Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Division at [phone].

01 Do you currently posses a High School Diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02 Please list any college-level coursework in planning, drafting, engineering, mathematics, construction, building inspection you have completed or are currently enrolled. If none, type "N/A".

• International Code Council (ICC) Residential Building Inspector Certification (B1)
• International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician Certification
• Not Applicable

03 Please briefly describe your experience and years of working as a Permit Technician and/or Building Inspector. If you have not worked as Permit Technician and or/Building Inspector, please describe your experience providing customer service, administrative support, or building/construction trades.

04 I certify that all of the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that I understand purposely providing false information may be grounds for disqualification from the process. I have supplied all the applicable information in my application. Examples of incomplete/inaccurate information leading to disqualification include, but are not limited to: noting incorrect department, leaving dates of employment blank, leaving reason for leaving employment blank, leaving duties blank or noting "see resume", etc.

• Agree
• Disagree
• Required Question