Building Code Engineer

Vancouver Economic Commission; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 118,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Vancouver is seeking a Building Code Engineer to provide complex advisory work on the Vancouver Building By-law and Fire By-law. The role oversees the sprinkler permit process and directs project coordinators engaged in fire protection plans examination and permit issuance.

Responsibilities include interpreting codes, coordinating with design professionals, mentoring staff, and advising on policy.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil, Fire Protection or Mechanical Engineering with registration or eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer in BC.
• Experience in plans examination and interpretation of Building By-law, Fire By-law, BC Building Code, NFPA standards and other relevant codes.
• Preference for EGBC/AIBC certification.

Responsibilities

• Authorizes Sprinkler and Building Permit Issuance per By-laws and NFPA standards.
• Interprets Building By-law and NFPA standards for projects.
• Manages sprinkler permit applications and conducts technical reviews.
• Resolves questions from engineers, fire protection designers and the public.
• Leads Project Coordinators with technical guidance and training.
• Advises the CBO on policy and code issues and proposals for amendments.
• Performs occasional building and site inspections.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Project coordination

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)

Job description

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Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.

With a strong commitment to being a City of Reconciliation, we invite you to join our dedicated team and become part of an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. A career with the City of Vancouver and within the broader public service, offers meaningful work where you play a key role in ensuring equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose and Function

The Building Code Engineer is responsible for complex advisory work which involves making independent and technical interpretations and decisions on behalf of the Chief Building Official with regard to the Vancouver Building By-law and Vancouver Fire By-law (code) as they relate to permitting. This position oversees the sprinkler permit process in the Building Review Branch and ensures that all required information is provided by the Professional Engineer or fire protection applicant for Sprinkler Permit Applications submitted through this technical stream. This position also plans, coordinates and directs the activities of the Project Coordinators engaged in fire protection plans examination and sprinkler permit issuance.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Authorizes Sprinkler and Building Permit Issuance (compliance with the Building By-law and related NFPA standards).
• Comments, interprets and applies the intent and purpose of the Building By-law and related NFPA standards to projects as required.
• Manages sprinkler permit applications and completes direct technical review of complex projects.
• Resolves questions and problems from Professional Engineers and fire protection designers/contractors and from novice general public.
• Works with CBO staff to provide detailed technical analysis of Alternative Solutions.
• Facilitates discussions with design professionals, consultants, contractors and developers regarding the interpretation of various by-laws, codes, standards and guidelines and assisting applicants in understanding the regulations that affect construction and plans approval.
• Provides specialized advice and answers technical questions from the City’s Inspection, Fire Services and Engineering staff.
• Supervises and mentors several specialized technical staff (Project Coordinators), providing technical guidance and training; authorizes issuance of their permits.
• Advises the CBO’s office on policy and code issues and proposes amendments.
• Completes occasional building inspection and site inspection.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualification

Education and Experience:

• Degree in Civil, Fire Protection or Mechanical Engineering with registration or eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer in the province of BC.
• Considerable experience in plans examination and interpretation of the Building By-law, Fire By-law, BC Building Code, NFPA standards, and other relevant codes and standards.
• Preference given to those completing the Certified Professionals Program through Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (EGBC) and Architectural Institute of BC (AIBC).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Complete understanding of intent and purpose of the Building By-law and Fire By-law and associated by- laws, codes and standards and their appropriate interpretation.
• Familiarity with building design and materials.
• Experience in fire protection measures for high buildings.
• Leadership, mentoring and supervisory experience.
• Superior verbal and written communications skills to deal effectively with the public and design professionals.
• Understanding and familiarity of the City of Vancouver Building and Development process.

Business Unit/Department: Development, Buildings & Licensing (1250)

Affiliation: Exempt

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: December 2026

Salary Information: Salary Range 91: $117,909to $147,377 per annum

Application Close: November 12, 2026

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all gendersand persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more aboutour commitment to diversity and inclusion .

The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). More about unceded traditional territories