Permit Specialist

About the Position

The City of Berkeley invites applications for the position of Permit Specialist! In this role, you will have the opportunity to provide a one-stop service to the public for permit applications. You will collect fees, process and issue building permits, and review and issue permits for the Fire, Planning, and Public Works Departments.

Equivalent to graduation from high school and three years of technical or office support experience with extensive public interaction providing information and processing documents; or in the building construction trades working with building codes and document processing.

Completion of college-level coursework in building construction or directly related areas is highly desirable.

In addition to the qualifications mentioned above, the ideal candidate will possess strong customer service skills and the ability to interact professionally with members of the public.

Applications must be received by 5:00 PM Pacific on February 23, 2026 and must include a completed application and answers to the supplemental questions. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.

The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:

• Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents
• Review of Supplemental Questionnaire
• Written Exam (tentatively scheduled for late March 2026)

Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate.

Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews.

Reasonable Accommodations:
The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to hr at the time of application.