Permit Technician/Building Inspector

Salary : $82,134.62 - $99,835.01 Annually
Location : Fountain Valley, CA
Job Type: Non-exempt FLSA
Job Number: 2026-41
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 09/30/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

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.

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:
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 requiretechnical assistance, please review the Government Jobs Online Employment Application Guide, or contact their toll-free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. 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

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.
Fountain Valley General Employees Association (FVGEA) Representation: This classification is represented by the Fountain Valley General Employees Association 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 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: 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 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