Principal Plan Check Engineer

Job Summary

DEFINTION
Performs professional engineering, project and construction management work. Plans and coordinates the work activities of assigned sta?.

SUPERVISION
Works under the general supervision of the Assistant Building Official, or designee who outlines work assignments, occasionally reviews work in progress and periodically reviews completed work. Provides technical supervision over assigned sta? by providing detailed work assignments, frequently reviewing work in progress and periodically reviewing completed work.

Representative Duties

Coordinatesandoverseestheworkofprofessionalandparaprofessionalsta? engagedinthereviewandapprovalofavarietyofBuilding&SafetyDivision.

projects.

Provides training and mentoring for division staff.

Reviews architectural and structural plans, structural calculations and engineering reports for compliance with construction building codes, local ordinances and state laws. Provides written responses to permit applicants and meets with applicants for clari?cation of review comments and veri?cation of corrections. Approves corrected architectural and structural drawings and related reports for permit issuance.

Performs project and construction management work, including but not limited to permitting processes and construction phases.

Attends pre-submittal design review meetings on behalf of the Building & Safety division. Assesses feasibility of proposed designs.

Interacts with representatives of other City Departments and Divisions, outside agencies, the general public and local community groups.

Advises assigned sta? on plan submittal, routing and record requirements, proper fee determination and approval status for permit issuance.

Assists the Assistant Building Official in the preparation, review and evaluation of requests for quali?cations/proposals for professional services for plan review, inspection and review of specialized reports.

Assists the Assistant Building Official in assigning and reviewing work assignments performed by assigned sta?.

Provides information to the public about division policies and procedures related to permit issuance and plan reviews.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices and methods of structural engineering and related

disciplines

State of California Building Standards Code, including Fire Codes,

as they relate to moderate and highly complex buildings and structures

Federal, state and local regulations pertaining to building construction including

but not limited to: Building Accessibility, asbestos removal,

energy conservation, Green building regulations, air quality, lead hazards,

housing and property maintenance, nuisance abatement, Building

Standards Code adoption and the licensing of design

professionals and contractors

Current construction practices, methods and materials

Basic municipal zoning and land use principles

Project management techniques

Principles and techniques of providing work direction to others

Principles of training

Principles of customer service

Ability to:

Plan, lead and coordinate the work activities of assigned staff

Read and interpret architectural and structural drawings and specifications and

determine applicable building code violations for moderate to highly complex projects

Make engineering computations and analyses to check structural designs for

conformance to the building code and acceptable standards of practice for

moderate to highly complex projects

Utilize digital plan review software to conduct project review

Utilize land management system software to track and manage plan review

workflow

Prepare clear and concise written and oral reports and recommendations Interpret and apply policies and regulations

Communicate City policies in a courteous and effective manner Resolve conflicts and effects solutions to problems

Provide effective customer service

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City

employees, private businesses and the general public.

Work with persons from diverse social, and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities and approaches

Skill in:

Supervising staff

Design and management of large and complex projects

Engineering and construction techniques and terminology

Using a personal computer and applicable software applications

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements:

Education : Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or a related field.

Experience : Four years of recent, paid progressively responsible civil or structural engineering experience. At least two yearsoftherequiredexperiencemustincludeprojectmanagementexperience. At least one year of the required experience must include leading and coordinating the work of others. Municipal experience is desirable.

Licenses and Certification:
Possession of a valid Class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions. Registration as a Civil or Structural Engineer in the State of California. Certification as a Building Plans Examiner - UBC or as a Certified Building Official from the International Code Council (ICC).

Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLY : Applicants must file a clear, concise, completed online City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

NOTE : You must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma and copies of your PE license and certificates from the International Code Council with your on-line application to qualify for the position. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the position filing deadline. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified. You must attach a scanned copy of your college diploma or transcripts to your on-line application.

SELECTION PROCESS : All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding their work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of the following:

• Oral Interview: 100%

WORKING CONDITIONS :

Work is generally performed indoors in an office environment and occasionally in the field around noisy construction zones and other outdoor work sites. Work may include such factors as noise, dust, or slippery surfaces. Physical demands include standing, walking, climbing, sitting, lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds and working at a computer workstation or public desk workstation. Work involves tight deadlines with multiple assignments.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS : Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

NOTE : If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.
The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our employees are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces and diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for person with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 12/11/2025 5:30 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• City of Santa Monica

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