Senior Development Review Engineer

Application Deadline: Monday, November 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM

The City of Paso Robles is seeking an experienced and motivated professional to serve as its senior development review engineer. This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the City by reviewing development projects, looking at city wide infrastructure, coordinating construction resolutions, and helping ensure that new development and public improvements meet City standards and support the safety, functionality, and long-term growth of our community.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and solutions-oriented professional who brings strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and a commitment to responsive public service. This position offers the opportunity to lead and mentor staff, work closely with developers and City departments, resolve complex engineering issues, and make a lasting impact on the infrastructure and development that shape Paso Robles.

If you're ready to bring your engineering expertise and leadership skills to a role that helps shape the future of Paso Robles, we invite you to apply today!

About Paso Robles

Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.

Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life. 

Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm. 

The Organization

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $148.5 million for fiscal year 2026-27 and employs 311.97 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

The Department

The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties set forth below and/or may be required to perform additional related duties to address City needs and evolving business practices.

• Performs advanced professional engineering work related to the review of private development projects and the planning, design, and implementation of public improvements, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, City codes, ordinances, policies, and engineering standards.
• Coordinates and conducts the technical review of private development applications, entitlements, and improvement plans, including subdivision and parcel maps, grading and drainage plans, stormwater management plans, public improvement plans, encroachment permits, and related engineering documents.
• Reviews and evaluates traffic impact studies, transportation improvement plans, traffic engineering projects, pedestrian and bicycle circulation improvements, and other transportation-related proposals; identifies deficiencies and recommends appropriate revisions or mitigation measures.
• Reviews proposed development conditions of approval, improvement agreements, easements, dedications, and other requirements related to the provision of public infrastructure and improvements.
• Evaluates engineering calculations, technical reports, construction plans, specifications, cost estimates, and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, constructability, and conformance with applicable requirements.
• Coordinates engineering review activities with planning, building, public works, utilities, and other City divisions and departments to promote consistent application of City requirements and timely processing of development applications.
• Meets with developers, engineers, architects, contractors, property owners, consultants, and representatives of other agencies to explain engineering requirements, discuss project issues, identify alternatives, and facilitate resolution of technical and procedural concerns.
• Provides technical guidance and recommendations regarding engineering requirements, conditions of approval, subdivision requirements, drainage and stormwater design, traffic circulation, and public infrastructure improvements.
• Performs civil engineering design and prepares or reviews plans, specifications, calculations, and cost estimates for City facilities and infrastructure, including streets, intersections, traffic signals, drainage systems, and other public improvements.
• Coordinates and monitors the work of on-call engineering consultants and other technical service providers involved in development review, traffic engineering, surveying, and related engineering disciplines; reviews deliverables for technical quality, completeness, and compliance with established requirements.
• Assists with the review and implementation of Capital Improvement Plan projects and other public infrastructure projects, including coordination of design, permitting, technical review, and construction-related activities.
• Reviews subdivision maps, improvement plans, and supporting documents for compliance with the Subdivision Map Act, applicable City standards, and other governing requirements; coordinates the resolution of technical issues and recommends approval, revision, or additional conditions as appropriate.
• Supports the administration and implementation of stormwater management requirements, including post-construction stormwater management planning and design, applicable permit requirements, and related regulatory standards.
• Provides technical support for the development, review, and implementation of engineering standards, specifications, procedures, and development impact fee programs, including supporting documentation and technical analyses.
• Identifies recurring development review issues, evaluates existing procedures, and recommends improvements to codes, standards, workflows, and review practices to improve efficiency, consistency, customer service, and risk management.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents technical reports, recommendations, correspondence, and other documentation, including staff reports and agenda materials for the City Council, Planning Commission, and other public meetings, as assigned.
• Provides day-to-day supervision and direction to assigned staff, including planning and prioritizing workloads, assigning and reviewing work, establishing work priorities, monitoring progress, and providing feedback to support timely and accurate completion of assignments.
• Trains, mentors, and develops assigned staff by providing technical guidance, explaining engineering standards and procedures, sharing professional knowledge, and supporting the development of independent judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Oversees the performance, mentoring, training, and professional development of assigned staff, including establishing work expectations, providing ongoing feedback and coaching, conducting performance evaluations, identifying development needs, and supporting employee growth and effectiveness.
• Promotes a collaborative, respectful, and customer-service-oriented work environment and helps staff address technical questions, competing priorities, and customer interactions.
• Exercises independent professional judgment in resolving engineering and development review issues within established policies, standards, and delegated authority; elevates significant policy questions, exceptions, or matters requiring broader departmental direction to the city engineer.
• Represents the City in meetings with developers, consultants, governmental agencies, community groups, professional organizations, and the public regarding development review and engineering matters.
• Responds to inquiries and complaints concerning development review and engineering requirements; explains applicable standards, documents findings, and coordinates appropriate follow-up.
• Researches and evaluates changes in engineering practices, applicable laws and regulations, stormwater requirements, and other relevant developments in the field of civil engineering; recommends appropriate changes to City procedures and practices.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of civil engineering, including the planning, design, review, and construction of public infrastructure and private development improvements.
• Engineering principles and practices related to land development, subdivision design, grading, drainage, stormwater management, transportation planning, traffic engineering, and public improvement design.
• The Subdivision Map Act and applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, policies, and standards governing land development, engineering design, and public improvements.
• Principles and practices related to the review of subdivision and parcel maps, grading plans, drainage calculations, improvement plans, construction drawings, specifications, engineering reports, traffic studies, and cost estimates.
• Principles and practices of stormwater management, including post-construction stormwater requirements, applicable water quality regulations, and related permitting requirements.
• Principles and practices of traffic engineering, roadway design, transportation planning, pedestrian and bicycle circulation, and traffic impact analysis.
• Principles and practices of engineering design, construction methods, construction inspection, project coordination, and quality assurance as applied to public infrastructure and private development.
• Engineering standards, specifications, easements, dedications, improvement agreements, development conditions of approval, and other requirements associated with land development and public improvements.
• Principles and practices of project coordination, consultant oversight, technical review, and coordination with governmental agencies, utilities, developers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, performance feedback, training, mentoring, coaching, and employee development.
• Techniques for resolving technical problems, evaluating alternatives, exercising sound professional judgment, and recommending effective and practical solutions.
• Principles and techniques of customer service, conflict resolution, negotiation, and communicating complex technical information to audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Principles and practices of technical report preparation, recordkeeping, plan review documentation, and written and oral presentations.
• Applicable computer applications and engineering tools used for plan review, design, technical analysis, project coordination, and preparation of engineering documents.

Ability to:

• Perform difficult-level professional civil engineering work with a high degree of independence and sound professional judgment within established policies, standards, and delegated authority.
• Review, interpret, and evaluate complex development applications, engineering plans, subdivision maps, grading and drainage plans, stormwater management plans, traffic studies, specifications, calculations, and technical reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Identify engineering deficiencies, assess potential impacts, develop alternatives, and recommend appropriate technical solutions and conditions of approval.
• Apply and explain applicable laws, regulations, City codes, ordinances, engineering standards, and development requirements consistently and effectively.
• Coordinate development review activities across departments and with outside agencies, consultants, developers, contractors, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and facilitate timely project processing.
• Provide technical leadership and direction to assigned staff; plan, organize, prioritize, assign, review, and evaluate work to support quality, consistency, and timely completion of assignments.
• Effectively train, mentor, coach, and develop staff; communicate technical concepts and expectations clearly; provide constructive feedback; conduct performance evaluations; and support staff in building technical expertise, sound judgment, and professional independence.
• Establish priorities, manage competing deadlines, monitor progress, and adjust work plans in response to changing assignments and operational needs.
• Exercise tact, diplomacy, accountability, and sound judgment when addressing complex or sensitive technical issues, differing professional opinions, and challenging customer interactions.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and prepare clear, accurate, and well-supported technical reports, recommendations, correspondence, and presentations.
• Explain complex engineering requirements and technical issues in understandable terms to City staff, public officials, developers, consultants, and members of the public.
• Represent the City professionally in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, developers, consultants, contractors, and the public.
• Review consultant work products, monitor progress, identify deficiencies, and communicate required revisions to ensure compliance with project requirements and professional standards.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other City departments, public agencies, professional organizations, and the public.
• Identify opportunities to improve engineering review procedures, customer service, operational efficiency, consistency, and risk management, and recommend appropriate changes to the City Engineer.
• Adapt to changing priorities, evolving regulations, new technologies, and emerging engineering practices.

Human Relations and Communications Skills

Frequent internal and external contact to carry out organizational programs, explain specialized matters, or enforce laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures. May include occasional contact with higher-level officials requiring cooperation, explanation, and persuasion.

Analytical Skills and Complexity

Exercises considerable analytical ability to select, evaluate, and interpret data from multiple sources. Requires interpretation and application of guidelines, policies, and procedures to determine appropriate actions.

Education and Experience

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Possession of a bachelor's degree with coursework in civil engineering or a related field; and
• Five years of progressively responsible professional civil engineering experience, including substantial development review, land development engineering, construction management or a related field.

License and Certifications

Requires possession of the following:

• A valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record
• Must obtain a California Civil Engineer license within four years of appointment.

Certification as an engineer-in-training or registration as a land surveyor is desirable.

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must submit a completed employment application, resume, and cover letter by the application deadline. Applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job-related qualifications. A limited number of candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include written, oral, and/or performance examinations.

This is a confidential recruitment. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. All information provided in application materials is subject to verification. False statements may result in disqualification or discharge.

Appointment is contingent upon successfully completing a background investigation and criminal history check. Before beginning employment, applicants must provide documentation of identity and authorization to work in the United States, as well as a current DMV driving record.

Following appointment, employees must successfully complete a 12-month probationary period as the final phase of the appointment process. 

The email address provided on the City application will be the primary means of communication regarding this recruitment. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify. More information is available at www.PRCity.com/HR. For questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources at (805) 237-3962 or [email protected].

All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.