Description

Applications will only be received via the City of Beverly Hills website. For more information or to apply, please click HERE.

The City of Beverly Hills is offering a signing bonus for this Principal Plan Review Engineer recruitment. The signing bonus is 10% of the annual base salary on the final offer letter. Internal candidates are not eligible for the signing bonus.

This recruitment is subject to close at any time without notice but not before March 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

Who We Are
The City of Beverly Hills has a long-standing reputation for providing superior customer service to residents, businesses, and visitors. This characteristic, combined with outstanding staff in all departments, has been a hallmark of success for this high-performance organization. The municipal government (approximately 1,000+ full-time and part-time employees) provides the highest quality safety services, recreational, municipal services, and physical environment.

What We Do
The Community Development Department guides the planning, development, and preservation of the City of Beverly Hills. The department is composed of six divisions (Administration, Code Enforcement, Special Events and Filming, Building and Safety, Planning, and Rent Stabilization and Housing) and provides staff support to three commissions (Architectural and Design Review, Cultural Heritage, and Planning). Community Development is responsible for the review and processing of all private development projects to ensure compliance with the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Building Code including planning entitlements, zoning and plan review, permits, and inspections. The department preserves the community's character and high quality of life through code enforcement and historic preservation programs and administration of the Rent Stabilization Ordinance and the City's housing program. 
 
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Plan Review Engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and possesses a deep understanding of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. The ideal candidate will bring a strong technical background in building code compliance, with the ability to oversee and coordinate complex plan review processes for both public and private developments. This individual will lead a team of professional and technical staff, manage large-scale and multifaceted construction projects, and ensure that plans and construction documents meet all applicable local, state, and federal requirements, including California Building Codes, the City’s Technical and Zoning Codes, and related ordinances.

Our ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator and natural leader who demonstrates sound judgment, diplomacy, and a strong customer service orientation while upholding safety and compliance. They will be responsible for assigning and reviewing work, coaching and mentoring staff, standardizing procedures, and collaborating with various City departments, outside agencies, and the public. Additionally, they should have strong project management experience, excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to conduct and coordinate detailed investigations and research to support code interpretations and operational improvements. This role is a key partner to the City’s Deputy Building Official and Building Official, contributing to high-level decision-making and ensuring efficient and effective plan review operations.

Please note that this position requires the use of a personal vehicle as well as City established car insurance policy minimums to be met (City's Administrative Regulation No 3A.4). Incumbents in this position may be eligible to receive auto allowance.

Detailed Job Description

Principal Plan Review Engineer

Selection Process

Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the job bulletin at the time of submission unless specified otherwise. 
When an application is being reviewed, only information included in the Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills sections of the application will be considered to determine whether an applicant meets the minimum qualifications. 
Résumés and cover letters are not reviewed or considered when screening for minimum qualifications.  
Résumés and cover letters are not accepted in lieu of a complete job application. 
Required supplemental attachments (i.e. diplomas, degrees, certifications or transcripts, etc.) must be included as part of the original application and may not be emailed separately unless explicitly stated otherwise or approved to be submitted separately. 
Applications must have clear, concise, and complete information regarding their qualifications for the position, including detailed responses to all supplemental questions, if applicable.
Incomplete applications will not be considered or reviewed.
If you have problems creating a user account or submitting your online application, please review the online applicant guide or contact NEOGOV applicant support directly at 855.524.5627 (Please note: Applicant Support hours are Monday through Friday, 8am - 5pm Pacific Time and, depending on call volume, may be an automated voicemail system or live support).
The utilization of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) during any step in the selection process will be grounds for disqualification.
The selection process may include any combination of the following:

Supplemental Questionnaire - First review of applications will take place during the week of March 9, 2026.
Practical Examination/Writing Project
Oral Interview(s) - Departmental interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of March 23, 2026.
Proof of Education

If educational units, a degree, transcripts, or certificate is required, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your Government Jobs account at the time of application and before the closing date unless specified otherwise by Human Resources. 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 (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).

NOTE: Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification or disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

 
Major Duties
To plan, organize, supervise, and direct the plan review program and activities; to ensure that plan review services are thorough, effective, and timely; interpret technical codes, zoning code, and related ordinances and regulations; and to provide highly responsible technical support to the senior management.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the supervisory professional journey-level class in the professional plan review series which includes Senior Plan Review Engineer, and Principal Plan Review Engineer. The Principal Plan Review Engineer class is the highest level in the series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from the other class in the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, by the amount of time spent performing the duties, and by the nature of the public contact made. Employees assigned to the Principal Plan Review Engineer class performs the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series, including directing the activities of a major program area, establishing performance standards and methods for assigned program and staff, evaluating operations and activities of the assigned unit. The Principal Plan Review Engineer class is distinguished from the Senior Plan Review Engineer class in that the former performs the most complex plan review activities, coordinates plan review activities, and supervises technical and professional plan review staff as necessary.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Deputy Building Official.
Exercises direct supervision over assigned professional and technical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Plan, direct, and oversee the work of staff involved in plan review activities; prioritize work assignments, review work, assist with complex work.
Review plans, specifications, and construction documents for complex projects to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations; Prescreen submitted plans and documents for completeness.
Participate in the development and assist in the implementation of division goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for plan review activities; implement policies and procedures.
Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; monitor and control expenditure.
Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
Attend meetings with building owners, architects, engineers, developers, and contractors concerning code interpretations, complex technical issues, and permit requirements.
Receive and respond to complaints, questions, and inquiries; review problems and take corrective action.
Conduct and/or coordinate research and detailed investigations of unusual or problematic situations or conditions; recommend solutions. 
Conduct research and detailed investigations of complex code issues, prepare and/or review written interpretations for inclusion in the department's Code Interpretation Manual.
Review and approve requests for modification of applicable codes and construction regulations.
Assist with the preparation of new editions of the Technical Codes, the Administrative Code, and related ordinances.
Coordinates plan review activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies.
Prepare or coordinate the preparation and presentation, as needed, of any necessary reports or studies for the City Council.
Represent the division and department to City Council, City commissions, outside agencies, and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical expertise and interpretations as necessary.
Assist new or existing staff in learning departmental practices and protocols, methods, and procedures.
Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
Perform related duties assigned.
 
Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
Three years of responsible journey experience similar to a Senior Plan Review Engineer with the City of Beverly Hills. Public sector experience is desirable.

Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, from an accredited college or university, in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. 

A Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is desirable.

License and Certificate:
Registration as a Civil or Structural Engineer with the State of California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists OR Registration as an Architect with the California Architects Board.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

Building Plans Examiner certification from the International Code Council (ICC).