Senior Plan Check Engineer

City of West Hollywood; West Hollywood (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

City of West Hollywood seeks a Senior Plan Check Engineer to lead comprehensive reviews, ensuring projects meet California Building Codes and city standards. You will guide developers, architects, and engineers through permitting, coordinating with city departments and utilities to optimize approvals.

The role requires a Civil/Structural Engineering or Architecture background with 3–5 years in plan checking and project management, plus certifications to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in reviewing plans, plan checking, and project management.
• ICBO/ICC Certified Plans Examiner must obtain within 6 months of hire.
• ICC CalGreen Plans Examiner certification must obtain within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive reviews of complex architectural, structural, and building plans to ensure compliance with California Building Codes and city standards.
• Guide developers, architects, engineers, and contractors through permitting processes.
• Collaborate with city departments, utilities, and external agencies to optimize approvals and maintain safety standards.
• Manage multiple high-priority projects and meet deadlines while maintaining professional partnerships.

Skills

Plan review

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or Architecture

Job description

Job Summary

This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Why WeHo

The City of West Hollywood is like no other city in the world. Located in the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles and only 1.9 square miles, the City of West Hollywood was incorporated in 1984 by a unique collaboration of people, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender activists, seniors, and advocates for affordable housing. West Hollywood is an international tourism destination with a diverse population and is also the location of many entertainment, design, technology, and hospitality‑based businesses. The City is a robust economic and cultural center instilled with idealism, creativity, and innovation. A spirit of community activism and civic pride thrives in West Hollywood for many of its approximately 36,500 residents. The City of West Hollywood has a strong progressive voice, is a leader among communities, and is filled with a rich history. The City prides itself on strong core values: Respect and Support for People; Responsiveness to the Public; Idealism, Creativity, and Innovation; Quality of Residential Life; Promotion of Economic Development; Public Safety; and Responsibility for the Environment – as well as being proactive in responding to the needs of its diverse community.

How We Serve

The Building & Safety Division's primary goal is to ensure the safety, health, and general welfare of the people who live, work, and visit our city. The Division accomplishes this through the enforcement of the design standards found in the West Hollywood Building Code. The Code includes building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and certain municipal codes as adopted by the City Council. The Division is also responsible for the enforcement of the California State accessibility regulations, energy conservation, and CalGreen regulations. The Division provides services to our community, including permitting, plan check, and inspection services. These services are provided directly to the community using various methods, including a public and virtual counter, informational webpages, conference calls, and field site visits.

What You'll Contribute

As the Senior Plan Check Engineer, you'll serve as the technical expert leading comprehensive reviews of complex architectural, structural, and building plans, ensuring every project meets California Building Codes and our city's high standards. Your expertise will guide developers, architects, engineers, and contractors through seamless permitting processes that result in safe, compliant developments. You will also support a variety of exciting Community Service programs that provide services to our stakeholders.

Through collaboration with city departments, LAC Fire and Health Departments, utility providers, and community partners, you'll optimize approval workflows while maintaining rigorous safety standards. Your project management skills and proactive communication will be essential for managing multiple high‑priority projects, meeting deadlines, and building the professional partnerships that drive West Hollywood's continued growth and success.

The Ideal Candidate Will

• Have expert knowledge of California Building Codes, development laws, and City policies, with demonstrated experience in plan review.
• Build strong working relationships with developers, design professionals, and community stakeholders through excellent interpersonal skills.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with a variety of City divisions and County agencies.
• Coordinate effectively with City departments, external agencies, utility companies, and community members to ensure smooth project approvals.
• Manage multiple complex projects while remaining responsive and meeting critical deadlines.
• Demonstrate self‑leadership in both maintaining code knowledge and working with minimal supervision.
• Have strong communication skills.

Reports to

Building and Safety Manager

Minimum Qualifications Required

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Civil or Structural Engineering, Architecture, or a related field; and,
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in reviewing plans, plan checking, and project management; or,
• Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses And Certifications

• ICBO/ICC Certified Plans Examiner – must obtain within 6 months of hire
• International Code Council (ICC) certification as a CalGreen Plans Examiner – must obtain within 6 months of hire
• Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer or Licensed Architect in the State of California (preferred)
• California Access Specialist (CASp) certification (desirable)