Entry Level Property Development Jobs in California

Salary : $94,033.79 - $120,013.59 Annually
Location : City Hall/DSC, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 20116 - 2026
Department: Development Services Department
Opening Date: 05/05/2026
Closing Date: 5/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Development Services Technician
$7,836 - $10,001 monthly
$94,032 - $120,012 annually
Choose Morgan Hill: The City of Morgan Hill is the best community for people to live, work, visit, and operate their businesses.
Job Summary:
Under direct supervision of the Planning Manager, the Development Services Technician provides paraprofessional services in support of the Community Development Department. These duties may include accepting and reviewing discretionary zoning permit and building permit applications, calculating and collecting fees, maintaining databases and GIS, preparing reports of development activities, and providing procedural and policy information to the public at the counter, by email, and by telephone.
Class Characteristics:
This class is an entry level classification in the City's development review (planning) series requiring appropriate specialized training with little or no job-related experience. It differs from the next higher classification of Assistant Planner, Building Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer in that incumbents work under the close supervision of and in support of a professional or higher level administrative staff being delegated assignments with defined scope. Work assignments are subject to detailed and frequent review.
Successful performance in this class requires the ability to interpret, explain and apply complex zoning codes and regulations, calculate fees, use a variety of computer programs, and to deal successfully with developers, contractors, property owners, and the general public in face-to-face situations at the counter, by email, and over the phone.
Ideal Candidate:

• Has a clear understanding of current regulations related to the review of permit applications, issuance of permits and related documentation.
• Ability to follow detailed workflow procedures and protocols.
• Has direct experience with assisting customers at the counter, answering phones and emails related to building permit procedures and functions.
• Has outstanding communication, interpersonal, and planning skills.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills including entering detailed information into permitting software and archival systems.
• Ability to manage, organize and prioritize assignments.
• Embraces the use of technology to improve daily workflow.

Application and Selection Process:
To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please apply on-line at and submit the following items:

• A completed City of Morgan Hill employment application
• Responses to the supplemental questions
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Copy of Certificates (if applicable)

Please note only completed application packets will be reviewed. Closing date is Friday, May 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Candidates for this position may be required to complete a practical exam and oral interview.
Examples of Duties
The following duties are performed personally, in cooperation with the Planning Manager or Building Manager and/or in coordination with other City staff and community groups. Additional duties may be assigned.

1. Provide public assistance at the front counter and answer telephone and email inquires regarding planning, zoning and building permit related matters. Assist and direct the public to appropriate staff member or department; provide information regarding the application/permitting process, codes, requirements, costs, and other related matters.

1. Research and compile background data; perform routine administrative projects for department personnel; prepare independent reports; maintain records and files regarding department activities.

1. Work with professional staff members in analyzing and evaluating factual data; acquire familiarity with, and an understanding of, the basic principles and practices of municipal planning, zoning and building permit issuance; take lead in processing and issuance of various minor, over-the-counter, and less complex planning and building permits.

1. Use personal computers to create, maintain and use computer software related to word processing documents, data bases, Geographic Information System (GIS), and spreadsheets for use in analyzing and displaying information.

1. Update maps and prepare exhibits, using GIS and other systems.

1. Process a variety of zoning/building/construction permits and applications for permits in an efficient and timely manner; insure that all necessary approvals are obtained.

1. Review submitted plans and applications for completeness, accuracy and code compliance; verify that appropriate signatures, required calculations, and scales/dimensions are included.

1. Inform contractors and owner/builders of procedure for securing a building permit; outline submission requirements, necessary documentation, building codes, permit regulations, and zoning ordinances.

1. Calculate and receive fees. Issue and/or oversee issuance of zoning, building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits.

1. Maintain permit records and files and prepare detailed reports. Track permits and their status on computer software system.

1. Sort and file documents and records maintaining an alphabetical index and cross reference files; maintain office records related to building inspection and code enforcement.

Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education & Experience:

1. Possess an Associate degree or equivalent from an accredited college with emphasis in the field of city planning, environmental studies, building construction technology, geography, computer Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and database use and maintenance, architecture, public administration, or a closely related field.
2. Six months of municipal or closely related planning, zoning and/or building permit review/plan check experience. Additional planning or building experience may be substituted for up to one-half of the required education.
3. Experience in automated databases and GIS/AutoCAD is highly desirable

Licenses & Certificates:

1. Possess a valid California Class C driver's license in compliance with adopted City driving standards.

Knowledge of:

1. Basic principles of planning, zoning and building functions with regard to regulation of land use development in compliance with applicable codes.
2. Use of GIS analysis and mapping techniques.
3. Techniques of displaying and interpreting statistical data by charts, graphs and reports.
4. Fundamental mathematics.

Skill in:

1. Dealing tactfully and effectively with personnel from other agencies, public officials, other employees and the public.
2. Providing outstanding customer satisfaction (internally and externally).
3. Use of common office software including Microsoft Office and GIS/AutoCAD.

Ability to:

1. Prepare graphics such as those necessary for public review of land use proposals.
2. Review and analyze proposals submitted as to technical compliance and workability.
3. Write and communicate concisely and effectively.
4. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
5. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
6. Organize and prepare clear and concise reports in a non-bureaucratic style.
7. Exercise responsibility to work with limited direction.
8. Work in a team environment.

Supplemental Information
Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Employee frequently is required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch.
2. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception, the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Employee generally works 95% indoors and 5% outdoors.
2. The work environment indoors is usually in a temperature-controlled office; some travel is required.
3. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Retirement Plans
Benefit DescriptionEligibleEmployeesContribution & Notes
CalPers:
• 2.5% @ 55 Plan for Classic Employees
• 2% @ 62 Plan for New Employees Non-Public Safety Employees Employee paid: employee contribution pre-tax.
Optional: IRS 457 Tax Deferred Comp. plans with Empower Retirement (Mass Mutual) or Mission Square (ICMA) All regular employees Employee paid: pre-tax contributions to plan.
City will contribute 2% to 457 planat time of hire and up to 5% total after years of service to 457 plan.
Health Benefit Plans
Benefit DescriptionEligibleEmployeesContribution & Notes
CalPers Health Plans:
• PPO: PERS Choice, PERS Care, PERS Select
• HMO: Blue Shield, Anthem, United Healthcare, Kaiser
Medical and Dental The City will contribute between $1,124.80 to $2,947.97 per month depending on the level of coverage. Employee is responsible for costs that exceed City's contribution.
Vision Care
EyeMed or VSP. Employee Paid
Optional Flex Benefits
IRS 125 medical & dependent care reimbursement accounts. Employee Paid
Employee Assistance Program
Concern-EAP All employees City Paid: Includes confidential counseling for a variety of employee work/life issues.
Insurance Plans
Benefit Description EligibleEmployees Contribution & Notes
Disability Insurance
Long Term / Short Term All Non-Safety employees City Paid
Life Insurance
Life + AD&D policy:
$100,000 All AFSCME employees City Paid
Optional Flex Benefits
Whole life insurance All Employees Employee Paid
Time Off Work
Benefit Description EligibleEmployees Contribution & Notes
Holidays
13.5 defined holidays per year including 2 "floating" holidays All employees City Paid: Public Safety employees who normally work holidays receive 6.5% of base pay in lieu of time off
Vacation
80 ~ 160 hrs/yr All AFSCME employees City Paid: Employees begin with 80 hours accrual per year, increasing by 8 hours per year up to 160 hours per year during the 10th year of service.
Maximum bank of two years worth of accrual.
Sick Leave
8 hrs/month All employees City Paid: Employees may use up to 16 hours of sick leave for personal leave depending on bargaining unit.
No limit on accumulation.
Family Medical Leave & other leaves All employees City Paid: Bereavement leave 24 or 40 hrs.
Family Medical Leave and other paid or unpaid leaves provided as required by law.
01
Please describe your work experience processing and reviewing permit applications and working at a permit counter.
02
Please list the college courses you have taken that are closely related to or would be beneficial to performing the tasks related to reviewing and processing permit applications as a Development Services Technician.
Required Question