Permit Technician

Permit Technician

Application Deadline: Monday, May 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM Tentative Interviews: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

The City of Paso Robles is excited to recruit a dynamic, customer-focused professional to join our team as a Permit Technician. This recruitment will play a key role in supporting our Engineering Division, while also offering the opportunity to build broad expertise through cross-training in Building and Planning services.

This role is central to the City's development process and front-line customer experience. As a Permit Technician, you will serve as a vital connection between the public, developers, and City staff, helping guide projects from application to completion. You will work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills are essential.

If you enjoy working with people, navigating technical processes, and being part of a team that supports meaningful projects in the community, this is an excellent opportunity to grow your career in public service.

About Paso Robles

Nestled in the heart of California's scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks"—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.

Paso Robles' central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers' markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.

Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm.

The Organization

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and employs 314.44 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager's Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

The Department

The Community Development Department includes the Planning, Engineering, and Building Divisions and is involved in all phases of development, from initial project review through construction and final improvements. Staff work collaboratively to guide projects through the City's review and permitting process, helping shape development within the community while ensuring compliance with applicable codes, standards, and policies. Through this coordinated effort, the department plays a key role in supporting safe, functional, and well-planned growth throughout the City.

Typical Duties

The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties set forth below and/or may be required to perform additional related duties to address City needs and changing business practices.

• Advises contractors, developers, engineers, architects, and the public on permit process requirements; assists customers with completing applications for permits; explains reasons for routine denial of applications, identifies additional requirements, and explains the process for reapplying.
• Reviews submitted plans and permit applications for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with requirements; verifies appropriate signatures, required calculations, reports, and proper types of plans are included; monitors performance of stated processing time goals; appropriately routes other types of submitted plans to various departments and staff for plan review; issues permits after approval is secured.
• Provides exemplary customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, responsive, fair, courteous, respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment.
• Interprets and applies relevant codes, regulations, policies, and procedures as they relate to the processing of permit applications.
• Applies valuations and permit costs for new projects based on codes, regulations, and policies; accurately collects and processes various fees and issues receipts.
• Assists in the maintenance of data in the permit tracking system, website, and other information systems; analyzes, develops, recommends, tests, and implements approved permit system changes to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of processes.
• Assists in coordinating the permitting process with department managers, inspectors, planners, engineers, fire inspectors, and other City staff.
• Collects and compiles data and prepares reports, including related statistical information, fees collected, and credits used.
• Conducts a preliminary basic plan review to ensure compliance with building and zoning code regulations.
• Researches, collects, compiles, records, and summarizes technical data; assists with documentation for projects and presentations; maintains statistical, photographic, and historical records.
• Serves as a liaison between permit applicants and the referral division, department, and outside agency; assists in resolving problems related to the permit review and issuance process.
• Performs general administrative and technical duties in support of the department; prepares a variety of written correspondence, reports, and other written materials; distributes to departmental staff and various governmental offices.
• Provides training, guidance, interpretation of policies and procedures, and backup to support staff as needed.
• Provides and interprets information from maps, easements, and recorded information.
• Oversees and participates in a variety of customer service activities such as responding to questions regarding permits, fee schedules, and code and ordinance questions.
• Acts as a resource to counter staff regarding customer service issues and difficult or complex inquiries.
• Troubleshoots problems, complaints, and inquiries regarding a variety of permitting and application processes.
• Tracks records, verifies timeliness, performs follow-up to resolve problems, and refers complex issues to appropriate staff as necessary.
• Processes invoices, billing and account reconciliation, final project close outs, and refunds.
• Observes, identifies, and resolves problems related to counter operations and procedures; interprets and explains operations and department policies and procedures.

Specific duties related to the Engineering Division:

• Processes map recordation and