Building Trades Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $49,920.82 - $74,806.94 Annually
Location : Southfield, MI
Job Type: Career Full-Time
Job Number: 202400350
Department: Building
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 9/15/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
Equal Opportunity Language: AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/V/H, DRUG FREE WORKPLACE The City of Southfield does not discriminate in its employment or any other programs or activities on the basis, of sex, race, color, age, height, weight, marital status, national origin, religion, arrest record, physical or mental disability, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected category.
ADA: Individuals with special needs who may require assistance with the application process should contact the Human Resources Department at (248) 796-4700 (voice) or hrsupport@cityofsouthfield.com if auxiliary aids or services are needed. Reasonable advance notice is required.
Description
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Representative Job Duties

• Provide information to contractors and property owners concerning Zoning Ordinance, permitting, and inspection process. Assist in explaining City requirements, rules and regulations in response to inquiries at the Building Department counter and phone. Refer complex and/or non-standard inquiries as appropriate.
• Evaluate plans prior to submittal, for completeness and calculate appropriate fees. Process online applications. Issue building, zoning and trade permits and ensure accurate and current information on applications. Accepts and posts monetary payments from customers for building and other type permits, involving cash handling and ensuring balancing accuracy of a cash drawer.
• Educates residents and customers on Building, Trade Permits and Zoning Permit requirements.
• Review plans for minor improvements such as Signs, Height and Area Requirements, Lot Coverage, Front, Rear and Side Yard Setbacks, Shed and Fence Locations. Receive inspection requests and schedule as necessary.
• Provides general administrative support to the Building Department Staff as necessary.
• Communicates courteously and effectively with the public, City management, staff and co-workers
• Provide support for the Zoning Board of Appeals including generating case files in BS&A, adding fees, create and mail legal notices, facilitate WebEx meetings, create PowerPoints, manage files and related duties.
• Process FOIA requests.
• Bond refund management.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements - As Determined By the City Of Southfield

• Associates degree in Building Trades and/or Zoning Enforcement or a combination of education and one year of related full-time experience in procedures for permit issuance, inspection scheduling, and building recordkeeping.
• Knowledge of the BS&A Equalizer Permitting system is desirable.
• Familiar with terminology commonly used in the fields of construction and building and safety.
• Proficiency in computerized word processing, spreadsheet and other recordkeeping software. Must have knowledge of City government organization, functions, policies, rules and regulations. Modern office methods, procedures and equipment. English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Business letter writing.
• License/Certificate: Possession of or the ability to obtain an ICC certification as a Permit Technician within one year.
• Valid Michigan Drivers: License and a good driving record as determined by the City of Southfield's Driving Standards.
• Ability to become a Notary Public

Supplemental Information
The selection process will include a review of the applicant's experience for posted requirements, applicable skills test, and an oral board interview. Each step of the process must be passed before the applicant will be moved to the next step. Applicants will be invited to further participate in the selection process based on the nature and extent of their related experience.
Link to City of Southfield driving standards:
We offer a complete benefits package to career employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave and more!
City of Southfield Employee Benefits Summary
OVERVIEW
Mandatory Benefits: Medical, Dental and Vision Elections, or Opt Out
Supplemental Benefits: Term Life, Aflac, Met Law, Retirement Savings Account, Tuition Reimbursement, EAP, FMLA, Flexible Spending Account, Residency Bonus
Blended Pension Plan Employees
Defined Benefit SERS
1.5% Multiplier for all years of service
3 Years Final Average Compensation Upon Retirement
10 Years Vesting
5% Employee Contribution
Defined Contribution 401a MissionSquare
3% 401 a City Contribution
3% 401 a Employee Contribution (minimum)
5 Year Vesting Schedule
Retirement Health Savings
Effective July 1, 2020 Tier III and IV employees shall contribute 2% of pensionable wages and the City will contribute $100 per month.
https://www.healthcare.gov/
5 years of years of service: 50% vested
6 years of service: 75% vested
7 years of service: 100% vested
Participation in the RHS begins on the first day of employment and end on the day of separation.
Life Insurance MetLife
The city provides term life insurance benefits with accidental death and dismemberment for qualified employees as soon as possible, through the proper insurance carrier in accordance with the following schedule:
AFSCME 329: 0-30 months employment $30,000 life and ADD, after 30 months of employment $50,000 term life, accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
ACS TPOAM PST AFSCME 3636: $50,000 Term life and $50,000 ADD Insurance
Medical Elections
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (2025)
Community Blue PPO 10
Community Blue PPO 12
Community Blue PPO 15
HAP HMO
Dental - Blue Cross Blue Shield
Vision - Blue Cross Blue Shield
Health insurance 1st day of the next month of hire date.
Employee has 30 Days to select benefits, otherwise will wait until open enrollment.
COBRA coverage through TASC - in the event of separation- you are entitled to continuation medical coverage up to 18 months.
Retirement Savings Account
Supplemental
MissionSquare 457b
or T. Rowe Price 457b
Retirement savings account with no employer contribution. Funds, added to a 457 can be pre-tax or post-tax.
Pre Tax funds lower taxable income in bi-weekly paycheck; however, taxes may have to be paid upon the distribution of funds in retirement.
Post-tax deferrals are taken from already taxed funds in your paycheck, which means that little to no taxes will be taken upon distribution in retirement. Loans are available.
Supplemental
Tuition Reimbursement
75% reimbursement for tuition and fees (excluding late fees) for city-related classes or degree programs with a grade of "B" or better, up to $2,500 annually, plus 75% for required books.
Residency Bonus
Annual residency bonus of 1.5% of annual salary by Jan 1st with proof of residency. Elected officials and contractual employees ineligible.
Fire and Police Excluded
Supplemental
MetLife
Voluntary Term Life and ADD
Additional life Insurance can be purchased for employees and dependents at an additional cost for the employee.
AFLAC Short term disability, cancer, accident and hospitalization insurance. Dennis Patton dennis_patton@us.aflac.com.
Supplemental
EAP Ulliance
Employee Assistance Program through Ulliance- six free counseling sessions, legal, finance and life coaching programs. Supervisors are not notified if employee uses services.
FMLA
Family Medical Leave Act worked up to 1250 hours or one year. Can take off time to care for a medical emergency for themselves or immediate family members for up to 12 weeks unpaid. Absences approved by BASIC or FMLA vendor.
Supplemental
FSA & Dependent Care
Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent care through TASC are pre-tax funds that are used to cover certain out-of-pocket medical expenses and childcare costs. A total dollar amount is elected, and a debit card is sent to you to pay for incurred expenses.
Pre-tax funds are deducted bi-weekly to cover the cost of the total amount you have elected. There is an annual election limit of $3,300 for 2025.
Renew Annually, it's not automatic.
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