Development Administrative Assistant Jobs in Modesto, CA

Salary: $30.39 - $41.77 Hourly
Location : Modesto, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 04699
Department: Community and Economic Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: MCEA
The Position
City of Modesto is excited to announce an in-person opportunity for a dynamic and customer-focused Development Services Technician. In this essential role, you'll be at the forefront of our land use, planning, building, and community development services-guiding the public, supporting professional staff, and helping streamline key permit and development processes. If you're energized by problem-solving, public service, and making a tangible impact in your community, this role offers an exciting place to grow.
Salary Incentives:
2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree)
5% Education Incentive (master's degree)
The Development Services Technician is responsible to perform technical and administrative work in one or more specialized land use areas; to provide information and direction to the public on processes and requirements associated with construction, community development, planning, and building; to provide assistance and support to professional planning, engineering, and building staff; and to receive, review, route, process, and perform minor plan checking of minor applications and permits.
*This position requires on-site work; remote work Is not an option. All interviews associated with this recruitment will be held in person.
**Current vacancies in Building Safety (1) and Planning Division (1).
Application Process
Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the words "SEE RESUME."
Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.
Tentative Testing Schedule
Online Exam
September 1, 2026 - September 7, 2026
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate's experience.
Essential and Marginal Function Statements
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
All Assignments:
Serve as first line of contact to internal and external customers on land use, planning, building, and community development related issues.
Provide information and direction to the public related to land use, planning, building and community development and associated permit processes via phone, e-mail and counter work.
Review and provide information and direction to the public regarding applicable, local, State and Federal regulations, planning and engineering codes, ordinances, documents, standards and guidelines.
Perform minor plan checks; review, log-in and coordinate routing of various plans and permits; ensure insurance is on file.
Calculate land use related fees and provide fee estimates as requested; issue routine permits.
Research, compile and analyze a variety of data for special projects and various reports.
Maintain manuals and update resource materials; develop and maintain a variety of databases.
Recommend and participate in the implementation and improvement of policies and procedures related to assignment with the goal of improving customer service.
Assist in the preparation of a variety of agenda reports and resolutions.
Update and maintain a variety of files and records.
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
When assigned to Development Services:
Process requests for Outdoor Dining permits; conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans; coordinate annual renewal process.
Receive and process requests for residential clearance; conduct field inspections for public improvements; identify existing utilities, connections and improvements.
Receive requests for outside service; explain Outside Service Agreement requirements and process to the public, complete required agreement, and verify ownership and calculate fees.
Provide infrastructure information to the public utilizing GIS, various sources to provide accurate information both in person and via phone; meet with citizens about development requirements, investigate and resolve complaints.
When assigned to Planning:
Assist with the processing of parcel and subdivision maps; check for completeness, code violations, environmental assessment requirements and other pertinent data.
Assist with reviewing applications for zoning changes; compile zoning history, size and development features; research lot history, zoning, and entitlements.
Assist with the processing of annexations; research background information on tax assessments, registered voters, availability of utilities and public services, property owner sentiment, and logical boundaries.
Conduct field surveys regarding property owner sentiment and land use.
Work with the City's GIS system to integrate data into a variety of systems; create and work with maps and drawings using AutoCAD and ArcMap.
Design and prepare graphic artwork such as brochures, illustration and covers for reports, posters, lettering charts and signs for wall displays; develop initial design and layout of sketches; meet with other City personnel to discuss and evaluate graphic needs; maintain an inventory of graphics supplies and materials.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Depending on Assignment:
Principles, practices and trends in land use.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Basic research techniques, resources and sources of information related to land use functions.
Principles, practices and techniques of drafting and graphic design.
Basic statistical and engineering practices as applied to land use.
Principles and practices of customer service.
Computer programs such as AutoCAD, GIS, Excel, and Word.
Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
Ability to:
Depending on Assignment:
Learn to interpret, apply and explain basic local, State and Federal regulations and standards.
Read and understand general construction plans and specifications.
Research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of statistical and administration reports.
Prepare correspondence and memorandums.
Conduct routine analytical studies; problem solve.
Make accurate mathematical calculations.
Prepare maps, graphs, charts, site plans, and other descriptive material using difficult lettering, tracing, drafting and layouts.
Provide information to the public, developers and realtors regarding land use.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years of increasingly responsible administrative or technical experience that involved extensive public contact, preferably related to land use development.
Training:
Equivalent to an Associate's degree from an accredited college with major course work in urban planning, engineering or related field.
Physical and Mental Requirements
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical temperature controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.
Modesto City Employee Association (MCEA)
Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).
HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of holiday credit.
VACATION: Accrual normally begins at a rate of two weeks per year, with incremental increases to five weeks at 21 years of service. Employees may accumulate up to twice their annual accrual.
SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,100 hours.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows:
$ 2,110.00 Employee + Family
$ 1,494.00 Employee + 1 Dependent
$ 748.00 Employee Only
$ 450.00 Opt Out
The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.
LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage in the amount of $20,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.
DISABILITY INSURANCE: coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1% of salary, (increasing to 2% after 15 years of service) to a voluntary 457 Plan.
RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): $2,880 initial deposit provided upon completion of a two (2) year vesting period. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute $130 per month.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Available to employees and dependents. Plan provides up to 3 counseling visits per incident, at City expense.
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Bachelor's degree pays in the amount of 2.5% of salary and Master's degree pays in the amount of 5% of salary.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE:Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive 3 hours of Bilingual Leave Time per pay period into their Compensatory Time Off (CTO) balance.
UNIFORM AND UNIFORM ALLOWANCE PROGRAM: is provided for some positions.
ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM is provided for some positions.
LONGEVITY PAY: 2.5% of salary at 10 years of service.
SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs.
01
I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions. I understand these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.

• Yes

02
This classification is eligible for Veteran's Preference. Do you wish to claim Veteran's Preference? To qualify you must submit the and DD214 by 5:00 pm on the final filing date. These documents can be submitted to the Human Resources Department by e-mail to hr@modestogov.com, by fax to (209) 571-5813, or by mail to P.O. Box 642, Modesto, CA 95353 (must be received by final filing date.)

• Yes
• No

03
Please select the highest level of education you have COMPLETED:

• High school diploma or GED
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctorate/PhD
• None of the above

04
How many years of administrative or technical experience do you have involving extensive public contact?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year