Building Co-op Student

City of St. Thomas; St. Thomas; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government is seeking a Building Co-op Student for an 8-month term, starting in January 2026. Responsibilities include assisting in building inspections, conducting site inspections, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate is currently enrolled in a co-op program related to Building Science or a related field. This position offers a pay rate of $26.76 per hour and emphasizes teamwork, organizational skills, and customer service.

Benefits

4% vacation pay

Union position with CUPE Local 841

Qualifications

• Currently attending a co-op program in a relevant field.
• Skills in record management and Microsoft Office 365.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the administration and enforcement of building related statutes.
• Conduct site inspections and plan examinations.
• Respond to complaints and inspect properties for compliance.

Skills

Occupational Health & Safety Act

Record management skills

Microsoft Office 365

Effective organizational skills

Time management skills

Attention to detail

Customer service skills

Education

Co-op program in Building Science (Engineering, Architecture, Construction)

Job description

Overview

THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF ST. THOMAS

Building Co-op Student

8 Month Term approx. January 2026 - August 28, 2026

Planning & Building Services

(pending budget approval)

Applications will be received until Sunday November 2, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Under the general supervision of the Chief Building Official or designate, assist Building Services, as required, in the administration and enforcement of provincial statutes and regulations applying to properties, including buildings, structures and their occupancy under their areas of responsibility, including but not limited to the Building Code Act, Building Code and Fire Code.
• Conduct site inspections in relation to issued permits to ensure the construction, use and condition is in conformity with approved drawings, applicable statutes, regulations and by-laws for all types of construction (residential) under their areas of responsibility.
• Conduct plan examination of applications for permits to ensure the proposed construction and use is in conformity with applicable statutes, regulations and by-laws for residential, as qualifications allow.
• Inform the Building Inspectors, as necessary, of any discrepancies discovered during plan examination or site inspection. If directed, request all necessary changes to plans, submissions and any other additional information as may be necessary while maintaining accurate records and database management.
• Consult with permit applicants and the public with respect to the requirements of the Building Code (both technical and general) and departmental requirements as an aid in design, construction, and permit application processes.
• Respond to complaints and inspect properties to ensure their use and condition is in conformity with applicable statutes, regulations and by-laws. Inform the Building Inspectors if there is a need to write and issue orders when a contravention is found and follow up as may be necessary.
• Interpret and explain procedures of inspections and give verbal and written approvals for various stages of construction as completed.
• Perform and record all necessary calculations and verifications as required for permit review, including verification of all applicable approvals from and in cooperation with various Ontario government ministries and in full compliance with applicable law.
• Review approved plans for on-site inspection purposes.
• Refer approved applications to the Chief Building Official for issuance.
• Respond to written and verbal inquiries with respect to construction under areas of responsibility and issue certificates of compliance or non-compliance, if authorized.
• Prepare and submit reports to the Chief Building Official in the manner and form prescribed.
• Prepare and maintain data and records, both written and electronic, concerning all investigations, inspections, plan examinations and enforcement activities in a clear and concise manner consistent with the requirements of pertinent legislation, regulations and by-laws of the Corporation.
• Attend seminars, workshops and training courses as required and/or approved.
• This position must be compliant with all provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, related to “Duties of a Worker.”
• Perform such other related duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently attending in a co-op program in a Building Science (Engineering, Architecture, Building, and/or Construction) field together. Related experience would be considered an asset.
• Skills within the following are considered an asset: Occupational Health & Safety Act, record management skills, Microsoft Office 365, effective organizational, time management and research skills, attention to detail.
• Must be capable of issuing clearly understandable written instructions, work as part of a team and develop cooperative and collaborative working relationships, customer service skills, as well as the ability to deal authoritatively, but politely with difficult customers.
• Must have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must have physical capability to carry out duties with the position classification (i.e. climb ladders, walk over rough terrain, enter confined spaces).
• Must hold, or be able to acquire, valid First Aid and CPR certificates.

Rate of Pay: $26.76 per hour (2026 rate), plus 4% vacation pay, working a 40-hour workweek. This is a CUPE Local 841 union position.

How to Apply

Go to www.stthomas.ca – Employment, Employment Opportunities. Go to Posting Title and click the ‘Apply Now’ button. You may need to register/create a Login.

Please import/upload your COVER LETTER AND RESUME individually (i.e. pdf, word) and ensure you have attached all documents prior to submitting your application.

Note: You may be required to answer Qualification questions during the application process.

The City of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, you must provide your accommodation needs in advance. Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 519-631-1680 ext. 4146.

Although we appreciate all applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Personal Information on this application is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act., R.S.O. 2001, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility and suitability for employment with the City of St. Thomas.