Building Plan Checker I

The Position

Why join the Contra Costa Department of Conservation and Development?
The Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) offers an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in building a career in building permit services and development review.

DCD is responsible for facilitating land use and development in alignment with the County General Plan. The department also administers and enforces the Building and Zoning Codes and coordinates a range of programs that support safe, sustainable development across the County. Staff are committed to improving communities, serving vulnerable populations, and delivering high-quality public services with professionalism and pride.

DCD is currently seeking to fill four (4) vacancies in the Building Plan Checker I classification.

This role is ideal for individuals with experience in construction or permit processing who are ready to apply their technical knowledge in a supportive and growth-oriented public agency. Under close supervision, the Building Plan Checker I processes permit and plan check applications, utilizes an automated permit system to issue permits, and performs related duties as required.

All interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Team-oriented. Collaborates effectively with colleagues and contributes to a positive, team-oriented work environment.
• Adaptable. Embraces changing priorities and willingly takes on a variety of responsibilities in a dynamic setting.
• Personable. Maintains a positive, professional attitude and delivers excellent customer service to applicants, contractors, and the public.
• Responsive. Remains focused in a fast-paced environment and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries and tasks.
• Detail-oriented. Carefully reviews permit applications and supporting documents to ensure completeness and compliance with procedural requirements.
• Organized. Demonstrates strong attention to detail and effectively prioritizes work to meet deadlines and ensure accuracy.
• A problem-solver. Identifies issues, asks clarifying questions, and applies sound judgment to resolve challenges and support successful outcomes.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Responding to questions from applicants in person, over the phone, and through virtual channels
• Conducting video, phone, and in-person appointments to assist applicants with the permitting process
• Reviewing permit applications for completeness and ensuring necessary approvals are in place
• Processing and reviewing minor permit applications, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and residential alterations such as kitchen and bathroom remodels
• Reviewing and issuing permits for power-related systems, such as solar installations, generators, and energy storage systems
• Assessing , Invoicing and collecting applicable permit fees
• Issuing building permits through the County’s electronic permit processing system

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will be part of an inclusive, team-based environment that encourages learning and development
• You will have opportunities to build your technical knowledge and grow your career
• You will work alongside a group of supportive, dedicated professionals
• You will contribute to meaningful work that supports safe and sustainable development in the community
• You may be eligible for hybrid telework up to two days per week
• You may be able to request a 9/80 work schedule, allowing every other Friday off

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and shifting priorities.
• You will be expected to manage a wide variety of tasks while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• You will be required to process all permits using a fully electronic permitting system.
• You will need to navigate and apply complex regulatory requirements, including California Building Codes and related ordinances.

Competencies Required:

• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products

• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

To read the complete job description, please visit the website, www.cccounty.us/hr

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency, or high school proficiency certificate.

Experience: One (1) year of full-time (or the equivalent of full-time) experience in the processing and issuance of building permits or experience in construction which provided knowledge of construction plans and the California Building Code, California Residential Code, and/or California Fire Code.

Substitution for Experience: Nine (9) semester or twelve (12) quarter units from an accredited college in construction technology or closely related field may be substituted for six (6) months of the required experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Educational background in architecture, construction or a closely related field
• Experience providing service to the public in a fast-paced or technical environment
• Familiarity with building codes, development standards, or regulatory requirements
• Ability to review and interpret building plans
• Strong communication and organizational skills when handling multiple tasks or responding to inquiries
• AutoCAD or drafting-related certifications
• International Code Council (ICC) Permit Technician certification

Selection Process

Application Filing and Evaluation: All applicants must apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta and supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.

Assessment Type: The assessment type and process will depend on the number of qualified candidates. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and advance to the assessment phase may be invited to participate in an Oral Board Assessment designed to evaluate key competencies relevant to the Building Plan Checker I classification. These may include but are not limited to: Delivering Results, Using Technology, Attention to Detail, Self-Management, and Oral Communication. Candidates must achieve overall average score of 70% or higher to continue in the process. (Weighted 100%).

Departmental Hiring Interview: TBD
Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the selection process.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Norma Martinez at Norma.Martinez@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources Department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 8/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• Contra Costa County Human Resources Department

• 925-655-2100

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