Salary : $61,172.72 - $90,175.54 Annually
Location : Palm Desert
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 26-37859-01
Department: Fire
Division: Fire Protection - Forest
Opening Date: 03/27/2026
Closing Date: 4/10/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section. ABOUT THE POSITION The Riverside County Fire Department is currently seeking to fill Fire Permit Technician vacancy located in Palm Desert. The Incumbent will perform a variety of administrative support duties and provides customer assistance and services for Riverside County Fire; responds to questions regarding Fire's permit application, procedures and fire code requirements as they relate to permit application and processes; receives and routes applicable documents to staff; performs other related duties as required.
The Fire Permit Technician is a journey level classification and reports to an appropriate supervisory or manager level position. The Fire Permit Technician is primarily engaged in issuing County Fire construction and fire code permits, processing fire protection and construction plans for residential, commercial, and industrial projects, performing code compliance reviews of minor fire protection projects, and scheduling appointments.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES • Provide quality customer service to the public at a public counter; process construction plans, forms, and permit applications for issuance of development and construction permits for commercial, industrial, and residential projects; perform the more complex functions related to County Fire's development and permitting processes; resolve or assist in resolving difficult or complex permitting issues.
• Coordinate fire permit process; receive and review fire applications for completeness and compliance with related laws, codes, ordinances, and legislation; process plan check submittals, applications and other related documents; answer code related questions and supply information regarding permit processing policies and procedures.
• Receive and review applications for Fire Permits; approve and issue permits; calculate and collect fees and perform plan reviews for minor projects.
• Review, confirm and research invoices, verify encumbrances, and research discrepancies as they relate to County Fire vendors.
• Receive requests for inspection and schedule appropriately using specialized records management and permit software to create and maintain project files and check project status.
• Enter and update information in the computerized permit system to prepare a variety of forms, letters, reports, and other materials to include permit issuance database; maintain accurate and detailed records and files; verify accuracy of information; provide status reports, research discrepancies and records information; calculate and maintain statistical data and records and prepare a variety of reports as required.
• Recommend and participate in implementation and improvement of policies and procedures.
• Research, review and compile data for special projects and various reports.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OPTION IEducation: Graduation from high school or attainment of a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. test.
Experience: Two (2) years of performing clerical office duties and in reviewing, reading and understanding simple blueprints or interpreting and explaining simple planning or building regulations.
OPTION IIEducation: Graduation from high school or attainment of a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. test.
Experience: One (1) year in municipal planning, building or a related field comparable to that of a Building or Planning Permit Technician.
ALL OPTIONSKnowledge of: Principles and procedures of recordkeeping and reporting; modern office equipment and procedures including use of a variety of software applications related to fire prevention and plan review; California Fire Code and other applicable federal, state and local laws; principles and practices of customer service and public relations; English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Ability to: Learn, interpret, apply, and explain policies and procedures; intermittently review documents related to County Fire operations; observe, identify and problem solve procedural issues; receive, research and resolve questions from the public, outside agencies and other County departments; learn to review construction drawings and plans; learn to process fire inspections, new construction and life safety permits.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION For questions regarding this recruitment, Please contact Ulysses Gerardo, at 951-955-5772 or email Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.
APPLICATION INFORMATIONVeteran's Preference The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, upload a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service, and a copy of your spouse's letter of disability (if applicable) with your application. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. The Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 is available here:
Reasonable Accommodations The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at:
Proof of Education If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ().
Work Authorization Requirement Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the '
Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site,
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.
BENEFIT PROGRAM: UPE..
MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable LIUNA Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.
Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
- Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
- Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
- Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.
A new member is defined as any of the following:
- A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
- A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
- A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.
CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".
Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.
Note: This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
Option 2.
If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.
VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):
0 < 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)
4 < 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)
10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)
Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.
SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.
HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance)
BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.
DISABILITY:
Employees contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI), which provides wage replacement benefits for those unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. SDI also includes Paid Family Leave benefits. The wage replacement rate, as defined by current law, is between 60-70% of wages earned during the SDI eligibility period. Benefits can be coordinated with other available leave balances to provide up to 100% of regular pay.
POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable Memorandum of Understanding.
OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.
01
Select the answer that best describes your current driver's license status:
- I have a valid California driver's license.
- I am able to obtain a valid California driver's license.
- I currently have a valid out-of-state driver's license, and I am able to obtain a valid California driver's license.
- I do not have and/or I am not able to obtain a California driver's license.
02
Do you possess a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or high school proficiency certificate?
03
How many years do you possess performing clerical office duties and in reviewing, reading and understanding simple blueprints or interpreting and explaining simple planning or building regulations.
- No Experience
- Less than 12 months
- 1 year or more, but less than 2
- 2 years or more, but less than 3
- 3 years or more, but less than 4
- 4 years or more, but less than 5
- 5 years or more, but less than 6
- 6 years or more
04
How many years of experience in municipal planning, building or a related field comparable to that of a Building or Planning Permit Technician do you possess?
- No Experience
- Less than 12 months
- 1 year or more, but less than 2
- 2 years or more, but less than 3
- 3 years or more, but less than 4
- 4 years or more, but less than 5
- 5 years or more, but less than 6
- 6 years or more
05
How many years of experience do you possess reviewing applications for Permits; approving and issuing permits; calculating and collecting fees and/or performing plan reviews for minor projects?
- No Experience
- Less than 12 months
- 1 year or more, but less than 2
- 2 years or more, but less than 3
- 3 years or more, but less than 4
- 4 years or more, but less than 5
- 5 years or more, but less than 6
- 6 years or more
06
How many years of experience do you have using PLUS (Public and Land use System) or ENERGOV/Tyler EPL or similar software?
(Must be reflected on your application/resume.) - No Experience
- Less than 12 months
- 1 year or more, but less than 2
- 2 years or more, but less than 3
- 3 years or more, but less than 4
- 4 years or more, but less than 5
- 5 years or more, but less than 6
- 6 years or more
07
Please Which of the following areas best describes your work experience? Check all that apply.
(Must be reflected on your application/resume.) - None of these
- Public Works/community Development
- Fire Prevention/Inspections
- Building/Planning
- Construction/Engineer
- Code Enforcement
- Other
08
If you selected "Other," please briefly describe your experience.
Required Question
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