Open Work Permit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $4,778.80 - $6,101.33 Monthly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 26043527
Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Opening Date: 04/02/2026
DESCRIPTION
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.
The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Permit Technician I to be part of the Community Development team!
The Department
The Community Development Department delivers a wide variety of programs and services related to planning, building and safety, code enforcement, affordable housing, neighborhood improvement, and historic preservation to help create and maintain more safe, sustainable, and livable neighborhoods.
The Division
The main purpose of the Building & Safety Division is to protect and promote public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. The Building & Safety Divisionprovides inspections for new construction, buildings and remodeling of structures for compliance with the local, state and federal laws.
The Position
The Community Development Department is seeking a dedicated, results-oriented Permit Technician I to join their team in its fast-paced environment! As part of the team, the Permit Technician I performs responsible technical work in the review, processing, and issuance of a variety of permits such as building permits, development review permits, and zoning and business license information. This position calculates permit, plan check, development and business license related fees; receives money paid over the counter; collects fees, issues receipts for money received, and balances cash drawer. The Permit Technician I develops or modifies forms for reporting data, ensures accuracy of data, performs administrative support duties and a variety of specialized tasks of a technical nature, and does related work as required.
For more information about the duties of the position, click here.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and skills required is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate; and one year of experience with a municipal building department's permit processing function or similar experience at a public counter with an emphasis on customer service.
In addition to the experience requirement, completion of courses from a vocational school or college related to this field such as Public Works Inspection, Computer-aided Architectural Drafting, Principles of Engineering Technology, Blueprint Reading, the Uniform Building Code, and Bookkeeping and Accounting is highly desirable.
License and/or Certificates
Must possess a valid State of California driver's license of the appropriate class.
Ideal Candidate
Successful candidates will possess the following:

• Exceptional customer service skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• A high degree of initiative and adaptability;
• Strong ability to be resourceful and reliable;
• The ability to interpret and explain codes, regulations, and laws;
• Strong aptitude to work independently and shift priorities as appropriate;
• High level of proficiency in utilizing computers and software; and
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Experience with a permitting software such as Accela is highly desirable.
HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. Application submissions will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Firstreview of applications will be those received by Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.
Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:
Oral Exam: Weighted 100% (Tentatively scheduled on Thursday, April 30, 2026)
Department Interview: (Tentatively scheduled for the week ofMay 18, 2026)
The tentative test date will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. Ifa sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date.
SPECIAL NOTES
Visit to find out information about our community.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
In addition, the City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits for Engineers and Torrance Fiscal Employees bargaining unit, visit::
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit:
RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01
The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?

• Yes
• No

02
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history. I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job. I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application. I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application. I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.

• Yes
• No

03
What is your highest level of education completed?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College Coursework
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or above

04
Indicate your years of experience with a municipal building department's permit processing function, such as a permit center.

• None
• Less than one year
• More than one year, but less than three years
• More than three years, but less than five years
• More than five years

05
Indicate the number of years of experience that you have in providing customer service at a public counter or similar setting.

• None
• Less than one year
• More than one year, but less than three years
• More than three years, but less than five years
• More than five years

06
Indicate your experience in explaining and/or interpreting rules, policies, codes, regulations or similar information.

• None
• Less than one year
• More than one year, but less than three years
• More than three years, but less than five years
• More than five years

07
Describe your experience in providing customer service at a public counter or similar setting. Be specific about the type of interactions you were engaged in and if this was a primary job duty. (If none, type N/A.)
08
Do you have experience utilizing permitting software, such as Accela?

• Yes
• No

09
If yes, describe your experience. (If none, type N/A.)
10
Do you have experience reading blueprints?

• Yes
• No

11
If yes, describe your experience. (If none, type N/A.)