5207 Associate Civil Engineer - Department of Building Inspection (Permanent Exempt)

Specific information regarding this recruitment process are listed below:

• Application Opening: October 21, 2026.

• Application Deadline: Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time, but no earlier than Wednesday, November 4, 2026 .

• Annual Salary Range: $154,726 - $188,110.

Appointment Type:  Permanent Exempt ( PEX ), Category 18. This position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive Civil Service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the Appointing Officer.

About us:  The Department of Building Inspection ( DBI ) oversees the effective, efficient, fair and safe enforcement of City building, housing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and disability access codes for San Francisco’s more than 200,000 buildings.  This position is located at 49 South Van Ness, San Francisco, CA 94103.

Job Description

Under direction, the Associate Civil Engineer performs structural and architectural review of building permit applications for the construction, alteration, and repair of buildings and structures, both public and private. Work includes evaluating construction plans, calculations, specifications, and supporting documents for compliance with the San Francisco Building Code, relevant structural standards, and applicable laws and ordinances. The position requires explaining, interpreting, and enforcing code requirements; coordinating with property owners, contractors, design professionals, and other City agencies; and preparing technical correspondence and reports related to plan review activities.

Major, Important, and Essential Duties

• Reviews structural and architectural plans, calculations, and specifications for proposed construction or alterations to ensure compliance with the building code, structural design standards, and applicable regulations; identifies deficiencies and resolves routine plan review issues, referring complex matters when needed.

• Prepares clear and detailed written review comments, technical reports, and status updates; documents compliance findings; works with applicants, engineers, and other City agencies to facilitate timely permit processing and resolve plan review issues.

• Evaluates building permit applications and plans for accuracy and completeness; provides code interpretation and guidance to applicants; estimates project scope for fee determination; assists owners and design professionals in understanding applicable code requirements; approves plans and applications when they meet all relevant codes and standards.

• Reviews structural documents submitted in response to enforcement actions, including unpermitted work or violations; determines adequacy of corrective measures; prepares violation notices when necessary; may coordinate with inspection staff to ensure compliance after plan approval.

• Other duties as assigned.

Important and Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of engineering principles; familiar with wood, concrete, and steel design; seismic design requirements; and applicable building codes and standards.

• Knowledge of ASCE 41 and seismic evaluation/retrofit methodologies is desirable.

• Skill in reviewing and interpreting structural drawings, calculations, and construction documents.

• Ability to analyze structural systems for code compliance; communicate effectively with property owners, contractors, design professionals, and agency representatives; enforce codes and regulations; and prepare clear, concise technical reports and correspondence.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

• Three (3) years verifiable professional engineering (civil) work experience, which includes two (2) years experience equivalent to or higher than a 5203 Assistant Civil Engineer; AND

• Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California.

License or Certificate:

• Requires possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California.

• Possession of a valid driver's license.

Verification of Education and Experience

Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Please review our articles on  Employment Application and Minimum Qualifications  and  Verification of Experience and/or Education  for considerations taken when reviewing applications

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. More information can be found at:  sfdhr.org ↗

All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Selection Process:   Applications will be screened for relevant qualifying experience. Additional screening mechanisms may be used to determine candidates' qualifications.  Only those applicants who most closely meet the needs of the Agency will be invited to move forward in the selection process.