Principal Plan Review Engineer

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.

Please note: The filing period for this recruitment was changed to accept applications on a continuous basis.

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 Engineerwho 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 informationregardingtheir qualifications for the position, including detailed responses to all supplemental questions, if applicable.
• Incomplete applicationswill not be considered or reviewed.
• If you have problems creating a user account or submitting your online application, please review the onlineapplicantguide 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
• Practical Examination/Writing Project
• Oral Interview(s)

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.

Conviction History

As a finalist for a job, you will be contacted to schedule a fingerprinting appointment and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice(DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction (or arrest, in limited circumstances) conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you are a finalist. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City.

The City of Beverly Hills will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the City of Beverly Hills is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov.

EEO Statement

The City of Beverly Hills is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible work environment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, driver’s license status or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to assist with the application, examination or interview process, please contact our Human Resources department at humanresources@beverlyhills.org. Please note that this request must be made at least three business days prior to any test or interview in the selection process.

The City of Beverly Hills is compliant with SB1100 which amends California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibiting employers from requiring a driver's license in certain job postings.

Disaster Service Workers
All City of Beverly Hills employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

NOTE: The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

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 CHARACTERISTICSThis 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 EXERCISEDReceives 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.

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).

Knowledge of:

• Applicable Technical Codes and California Code of Regulations e.g. building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy, Green Building Standards Code, swimming pool, municipal zoning/land use regulations, and Federal, State, and County regulations pertaining to building construction, including disabled access, asbestos abatement, energy conservation, air quality, and the licensing of design professionals and contractors.
• Principles, practices, and methods of structural engineering, soil mechanics, grading, shoring, and related disciplines.
• Current construction practices, means and methods, and materials.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluations.

Ability to:

• Organize, implement, and direct plan review operations and activities.
• Perform the most complex duties related to plan review check and engineering.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
• Provide direct supervision over assigned staff; effectively train and evaluate staff.
• Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
• Operate and use standard office equipment including computers and applicable software.
• Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.
• Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.