Permit Processing Specialist

Are you looking to be part of a dynamic and fast paced environment, tackling engaging challenges that require your expertise? The City of Costa Mesa has an exciting opportunity to join our talented Economic and Development Services Department as a Permit Processing Specialist. You’ll work alongside dedicated professionals who are passionate about serving the public and making a positive impact in shaping our community’s future.

The City of Costa Mesa, with the motto City of the Arts, is one of California's most eclectic and vibrant cities. Located just one mile from the Pacific Ocean and in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa is a great place to live, work and play. The City offers exceptional employee benefits, opportunities for training and development, and prides itself on its Core Values of Integrity, Sustainability, Compassion, Innovation, Inclusion and Collaboration.

$25.85 - $34.64 per hour

Effective January 2026: 2% salary increase
Effective April 2026: 2% salary increase

Note:

The vacancy may be filled depending on the qualifications of the candidate. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill future part-time or full-time vacancies in the current assignment as well as other available assignments. Candidates are encouraged to submit applications for assignments that may not be available at this time.

There is currently one (1) part‑time vacancy in the Economic and Development Services Department (Code Enforcement Division)

Under general supervision, assists the public at the service counter and processes permit applications, business licenses and animal licenses; and performs related duties as required.

The Permit Processing Specialist class is responsible for processing permits and business and animal licence applications and issuing permits in accordance with established requirements.

Applications must be completed and submitted online. This recruitment will remain open until filled and may close without prior notice, therefore prompt application is encouraged.

First application review date:
Friday, December 5, 2025.

Candidates are requested to provide specific information regarding their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Additional documents will not be reviewed during the application evaluation process. If selected to proceed further in the recruitment process, an opportunity to provide work samples, letters of recommendation, etc.

will be appropriate during the interview process.

Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include but is not limited to the following components: application review and evaluation, written examination or exercise, physical examination, practical exercise and interview evaluation. Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of the test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process.

The eligibility list will be in effect for one (1) year, unless exhausted sooner. The eligibility list from this recruitment may be utilized to fill lower‑level vacancies which occur during the life of the list.

It is recommended you use a personal email address on your application instead of a work email address. Notifications during this recruitment will be sent by email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the on‑line application process). Notifications will be sent to the email address that is listed on your online application.

All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre‑employment process which may include but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprint check), polygraph examination,…