English Technical Editor

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 83,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

The National Research Council Canada seeks an English Technical Editor to support the Construction Research Centre in Ottawa. The role focuses on English technical editing, copyediting, proofreading and XML/Word/Acrobat inputs for national and provincial construction codes, user guides, and promotional material.

Candidates will join a team of editors, translators and IT specialists; a degree in English/Communications/Journalism and at least five years' experience are required, with reliability

Qualifications

• Editing and proofreading English technical/legal documents for 5+ years.
• Experience with content management systems, XML preferred, Word and Acrobat.
• Editing communications materials, promotional content and social messaging in English.
• Ability to plan editorial tasks and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide English editing, copyediting, proofreading and XML/Word/Acrobat input for codes and documents.
• Ensure English publications are clear, logical and follow style guidelines.
• Work on site with editors, translators and IT specialists.

Skills

Technical editing

proofreading

Grammar & style

XML/HTML

Attention to detail

Communication

Organization

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in English/Communications/Journalism

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

XML

Microsoft Word

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

• The Employment Equity Act , which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

City

Ottawa

Organizational Unit

Construction

Classification

IS-3

Tenure

Term

Duration

3 year

Language Requirements

English

Work arrangements

Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position may be eligible for a limited hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework).

At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world‑renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground‑breaking discoveries to a life‑changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The role

We are looking for a conscientious, solutions‑oriented English Technical Editor who strives for excellence to support our Construction Research Centre. The English Technical Editor would be someone who shares our core values of impact, accountability, leadership, integrity and collaboration.

The national model construction codes—collectively referred to as "Codes Canada"—are developed through a collaborative process involving the best expertise from across Canada and around the world to provide effective building and safety regulations that are harmonized across Canada.

These highly legalistic and technically complex documents are accessed by thousands of practitioners in the construction industry, so the standards of quality are very high.

The incumbent provides English technical editing, copyediting, proofreading and electronic (XML, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat) input services for the production and publication of the national and provincial construction codes (quasi‑judicial, technical documents), user’s guides, intent statements, information documents, specifications, and promotional material.

The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that English publications and documents are clear, logical and accurate, and conform to accepted standards of style, grammar and usage.

The incumbent works on site within a team of editors, translators and IT specialists.

Screening criteria

Education

Degree from a recognized Canadian university in English, Communications, or Journalism, or in a field related to technical writing and editing.

An equivalent combination of education and direct experience may be considered.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency.

Experience

• Significant* and recent** (at least five years in the last ten years) experience in editing and proofreading technical/legal documents in English.
• Experience in publishing documents using a content management system, markup language (XML preferred), Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience in editing and proofreading communications materials, promotional brochures, factsheets, ads, and social media messaging in English.
• Experience in planning and scheduling editorial and document production tasks and carrying them out within tight deadlines.

Definition:

• Significant is defined as experience associated with having performed a broad range of related activities considering the complexity, depth and scope of the work handled, as well as the level of responsibility and autonomy demonstrated which would normally be acquired over a period of six (6) years.
• Recent is defined as experience acquired within the last two (2) years.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self‑assessment tests.

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Substantial knowledge of the fundamentals of technical editing, layout of documents and graphics as well as production processes associated with the publication of technical/legal documents.
• Expert knowledge of the rules of the English language (grammar, usage and style).
• Knowledge of the use of HTML/XML for hypertext markup of source text.
• Knowledge of the Canadian construction industry, particularly as related to the needs and preferences of regulatory code users, would be an asset.
• Attention to detail, judgment, initiative, self‑motivation, and excellent organizational skills. Ability to carry out instructions and communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

Behavioural competencies

• Management services - Client focus (Level 2)
• Management services - Communication (Level 2)
• Management services - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 2)
• Management services - Initiative (Level 2)
• Management services - Teamwork (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Management Services.

View all competency profiles.

Compensation

From $83,020 to $89,260 per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well‑being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2026, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre‑qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one‑year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (25763) to:

E‑mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.CNRC@nrc‑cnrc.gc.ca

Telephone: 438‑451‑7673

Closing Date

9 October 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time

For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources.

• If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careersmodule from your NRC computer.