THE POSITION
Passionate about urban planning and development? Love working with people? Join our dynamic Community & Economic Development team! If you have 2 years of administrative or technical experience (bonus points for land use development knowledge!) and the equivalent to an associate’s degree in urban planning, engineering, or a related field, we want you! Help shape the future of our community—apply today!
Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:
3% COLAeffective July 1, 2025
3% COLA effective July 1, 2026
2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree)
5% Education Incentive (master's degree)
The Development Services Technician I/II is responsible to provide customer service, including but not limited to in-person consultation at the planning front counter, responding to internal and external customer questions via email, telephone, or meetings both digital and in person; 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 and building staff; to receive, review, route, process and perform minor plan checking of minor applications and permits; and to perform responsible technical and administrative work for the planning and building divisions.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Applications will be screened to the most qualified. Please do not substitute any part of the application with the words "see resume".
The following information is provided for use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. 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
March 18, 2025 through March 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire.
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.
Development Services Technician II
In addition to the qualifications for the Development Services Technician I:
Knowledge of:
Depending on Assignment:
City permit and plan check procedures, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
Maps, construction plans, and specifications.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules and regulations, including building, zoning, engineering, and planning codes and regulations related to the permit process.
Basic accounting principles.
Principles and practices of cashiering and money handling.
Principles, practices, and techniques of drafting and graphic design.
Ability to:
Depending on Assignment:
Interpret, explain, and apply federal, state, local, department, and program policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.
Understand complex construction plans, engineering drawings, and specifications.
Respond to and assist in the resolution of difficult and complex land use related inquiries and complaints.
Process various forms of payment; reconcile deposits and research and reconcile discrepancies; match payments invoices.
Produce a variety of maps and graphics using modern software applications.
Perform minor plan checks.
Properly handle money and make change.
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 experience equivalent to Development Services Technician I with the City of Modesto.
Training:
Equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college with major course work in urban planning, engineering, or a 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.
