Building Code Specialist

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

Job summary

The City of Vancouver is seeking a highly skilled professional to interpret the Building By-law for permit applications and to oversee the Certified Professional process across plans examination and issuance. This complex advisory role reports to the Chief Building Official.

You will coordinate plans review, mentor coordinators, and provide expert advice to inspectors, engineers, architects, and developers, ensuring compliance with codes and guidelines.

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture or Civil or Mechanical Engineering with registration or eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect in BC.
• Experience in plans examination and interpretation of the Building By-law and related codes.
• Preference for Certified Professionals Program (APEG/ABC).

Responsibilities

• Authorizes Building Permit issuance in compliance with the Building By-law.
• Interprets and applies the Building By-law to projects as required.
• Manages Certified Professional projects and direct code review of complex projects.
• Resolves questions from engineers, architects and the public.
• Leads discussions with design professionals on by-laws and guidelines.
• Provides technical guidance to Inspection, Health, Fire and Engineering staff.
• Supervises Project Coordinators and authorizes their permits.
• Advises on policy and code issues and proposes amendments.
• May perform building and site inspections as needed.

Skills

Building By-law interpretation

Project leadership

Verbal and written communication

Public service delivery

Education

Degree in Architecture or Civil or Mechanical Engineering with registration or eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect in BC

Job description

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

This is complex advisory work which involves making independent and technical interpretations and decisions on behalf of the Chief Building Official with regard to the Building By-law (code) as it relates to permitting. This position oversees the Certified Professional (CP) process and ensures that all required information is provided by the Professional Engineer/Architect applicant for Building Permit Applications submitted through this technical stream. This position also plans, coordinates and directs the activities of the Project Coordinators engaged in plans examination and permit issuance.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Authorizes Building Permit Issuance (compliance with the Building By-law).
• Comments, interprets and applies the intent and purpose of the Building By-law to projects as required.
• Manages Certified Professional projects and completes direct code review of complex projects.
• Resolves questions and problems from Professional Engineers and Architects 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 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 staff, Health Inspectors, Fire staff 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 Architecture or Civil or Mechanical Engineering with registration or eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect in the province of BC.
• Considerable experience in plans examination and interpretation of the Building By-law, BC Building Code, Fire Protection Codes and other relevant codes and standards.
• Preference given to those completing the Certified Professionals Program through Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEG) and Architectural Institute of BC (AIBC).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Complete understanding of intent and purpose of the Building 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, Building & Licensing

Affiliation: Exempt

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: December 2026

Salary Information: Salay 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