Planning and Building Technician

City of Ojai; Ojai (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan (CalPERS)

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

City of Ojai is seeking a detail-oriented Planning and Building Technician to be the first contact at the service counter, supporting the planning and building permit process from application through issuance.

The role emphasizes accurate records, public service excellence, and coordination with the Community Development team, including GIS data updates and monthly/state reporting. Benefits include CalPERS health plans and generous holidays.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of administrative support experience; municipal planning/building dept. experience desirable.
• High school diploma with training in planning/building permit processes.
• Proficiency in modern office software/databases; familiarity with basic construction terminology or blueprint reading; strong public relations skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist visitors at the service counter; process permit applications; compute fees.
• Attend Planning Commission meetings; prepare agenda packets; transcribe minutes; maintain calendars/files.
• Maintain building/land use databases; update GIS mapping; prepare monthly/state reports.
• Provide administrative support to code enforcement functions and related activities.

Skills

Administrative support

Public interactions

Planning knowledge

Building permit processes

GIS basics

Education

High school diploma

Tools

MS Office

Databases

Job description

The City of Ojai is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Planning and Building Technician to join our Community Development team. In this role, you will be the first point of contact for the public at our service counter, supporting the planning and building permit process from application through issuance.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer Service & Public Assistance: Assist visitors at the service counter, respond to inquiries regarding building and planning policies, process permit applications, and compute required fees.
• Administrative & Commission Support: Attend Planning Commission meetings, prepare and distribute agenda packets, transcribe minutes, and maintain department calendars and files.
• Records & Data Management: Maintain building and land use tracking databases, update GIS mapping information, and prepare monthly and mandated reports for county and state agencies.
• Code Enforcement Support: Provide administrative support to municipal code enforcement functions, including maintaining records, processing documentation, coordinating communications, and assisting with related departmental activities.

Ideal Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of administrative support experience; prior experience in a municipal planning or building department is highly desirable.
• Education & Training: High school diploma (or equivalent), supplemented by training in planning and building permit processes.
• Key Skills: Proficiency in modern office software/databases, familiarity with basic construction terminology or blueprint reading, and excellent public relations skills.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $34.22 to $41.60 per hour

Deferred Compensation: City matches the greater of 3% of salary or $200/month.

Retirement: Participation in CalPERS and Social Security.

Health Insurance: Access to CalPERS health plans. City pays 100% of employee and 80% of dependent premiums (up to PERS Platinum rate).

Dental & Vision Insurance: City pays 100% of employee premium.

Disability Insurance: City paid short- and long-term disability.

Life/AD&D Insurance: $30,000 City paid policy.

Holidays: 13 paid holidays annually.

Vacation: Starts at 88 hours per year, with increases based on service.

Sick Leave: 96 hours per year.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Ojai is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Ojai will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the city.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference/background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which may include a drug/alcohol screening depending upon job classification). New employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.