Permit Technician​/Building Inspector

to Learn About the City of Fountain Valley

The City of Fountain Valley is nestled in the heart of Orange County. With approximately 57,000 residents, the City is only 7 miles from the beach with countless restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping centers, and Disneyland within a 15-mile radius of the City, providing many options for a rich work-life balance.

Are you a building professional who wants to bring your experience into local government? Or a permit technician ready to take the next step into building inspection?

The City of Fountain Valley is looking for a motivated, customer-focused professional to join our Community Development Department as a Permit Technician / Building Inspector—a unique opportunity that brings together two sides of the development process in one position.

This is not your typical permit counter position.

In this hybrid role, you will work directly with homeowners, contractors, architects, engineers, and the public while also getting out into the field to inspect construction. You will help customers navigate the permitting process, review applications and plans, issue routine permits, schedule inspections, and perform basic inspections to verify that construction complies with approved plans and applicable building codes.

Your days won't all look the same.

One day, you may be helping a homeowner understand permit requirements or reviewing a plan submittal at the public counter. The next, you could be in the field inspecting foundations, framing, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, roofing, solar installations, or other residential construction. You'll document your findings, communicate correction requirements, and help property owners and contractors understand what is needed to move their projects forward.

The position offers an opportunity to develop expertise across the building permit process—from application to inspection—while building valuable knowledge of the California Building Standards Codes, local regulations, construction practices, and municipal operations.

We're especially interested in candidates who can bring practical experience and a willingness to learn.

Your background might include:

• Building inspection
• Construction or building trades
• Permit processing or permit technician work
• Building department experience
• Construction administration
• Planning, engineering, or related municipal work
• Customer service or administrative support in a technical environment

A college degree is not required. The minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by college-level coursework in a related field, along with at least two years of relevant experience. A California Driver License is required, and candidates must possess an ICC Residential Building Inspector Certification (B1) or be able to obtain it within 12 months, subject to the conditions outlined in the job specification.

Located in the heart of Orange County, the City of Fountain Valley offers the opportunity to build a career in a community known for its high quality of life while working in a professional, service-oriented organization.

As a member of the Community Development Department, you'll play a direct role in helping residents and businesses navigate the City's development process and ensuring that construction meets applicable safety and building standards.

If you enjoy solving problems, working with people, understanding how buildings are constructed, and making a tangible difference in your community, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

BRING YOUR EXPERIENCE. EXPAND YOUR…