Building Code Specialist

City of Vancouver; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 118,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Vancouver is seeking a complex advisory professional to interpret and apply the Building By-law and BC Building Code, overseeing the Certified Professional process, and guiding plans examination and permit issuance under the Chief Building Official. This regular full-time role requires strong technical leadership and collaboration with engineers, architects, and inspectors.

You will supervise dedicated staff, provide policy input, and ensure compliance while supporting equitable access

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture or Civil or Mechanical Engineering with registration or eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect in BC.
• Strong knowledge of the Building By-law and BC Building Code.
• Preference given to those completing the Certified Professionals Program through APEG/ABIBC.

Responsibilities

• Authorizes Building Permit Issuance (by-law compliance).
• Interprets and applies Building By-law intent to projects.
• Manages Certified Professional projects and conducts code reviews for complex projects.
• Resolves questions from Professional Engineers, Architects and the public.
• Provides technical analysis of Alternative Solutions with CBO staff.
• Leads discussions with design professionals and developers on codes and guidelines.
• Advises on policy, issues, and amendments and mentors staff.
• Occasionally conducts building and site inspections.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Verbal communication

Written communication

Building code knowledge

Education

Architecture/Civil/Mechanical Engineering degree with P.Eng/AIBC eligibility

Job description

Organization 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.

Requisition ID: 46652

Organization 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.

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: $117,909 to $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 genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our 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