Licensing & Permitting Officer

WorkSafeBC; Nanaimo; Hybrid; CAD 66,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension plan

3 weeks vacation in first year

Health care and dental benefits

Tuition reimbursement and leadership/​

development opportunities

Job summary

WorkSafeBC is seeking a Licensing and Permitting Officer who will serve as an OHS licensing subject matter expert, manage licensing and permitting files, and enforce regulatory requirements across BC. The role involves risk assessment, complex file management, and mentoring colleagues in a dynamic enforcement environment.

The position supports worker safety with hybrid work options, and is based in Richmond, Kelowna, or Nanaimo offices while aligning with union guidelines.

Qualifications

• A university degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline.
• A minimum of 6 years of real-time experience related to OHS compliance auditing.
• Experience working in asbestos abatement is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Make decisions that protect lives using evidence-based licensing and enforcement authority to address risk.
• Independently manage complex files, interpret law and policy, and make fair, transparent, defensible decisions about who can operate—and under what conditions.
• Plan risk-based inspections, conduct audits, investigate complaints, and contribute technical expertise.
• Help shape stronger regulatory programs by turning emerging risks, program data, industry developments, and stakeholder feedback into improvements to criteria, procedures, service standards, and policy.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to promote licensing and permitting programs; develop and deliver presentations, tools, and resources that strengthen understanding of program requirements; mentor new licensing and permitting officers.

Skills

Auditing

Regulatory interpretation

Risk assessment

Stakeholder communication

Data analysis

Education

University degree in a related discipline

6 years OHS compliance auditing experience

Experience in asbestos abatement (preferred)

Job description

Reporting to the Manager, Licensing Services, the Licensing and Permitting Officer supports the strategic priorities of Prevention Programs & Services by serving as an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) technical, licensing and permitting subject matter expert on compliance with the Workers Compensation Act, Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and program specific requirements.

The Licensing and Permitting Officer manages licensing and permitting files, integrates evidence, manages issues, assesses risk, and makes sound and defensible decisions that support worker safety, regulatory compliance, and program objectives in a dynamic enforcement environment.

This position initiates inspections, investigations, or audits that support quality assurance, program integrity, and defensible decisions. The Licensing and Permitting Officer works in accordance with ethical and legal regulations, departmental procedures, organizational policies, practices, and guidelines, and principles of procedural fairness.

This role requires a seasoned professional with advanced technical expertise, strong analytical skills, and the judgment to navigate complex regulatory matters independently.

How you’ll make a difference

You’ll help ensure B.C. workers go home safely at the end of their workday.

Where you’ll work

We serve the workers and employers across B.C., and we do that best when we're together. It's how we collaborate, learn from one another, and develop our people.

This role is currently designated as having a hybrid work arrangement and is based in our Richmond, Kelowna or Nanaimo office.

This is a unionized role and is subject to the provisions of the Collective Agreement between the Workers’ Compensation Board of BC and the Compensation Employees’ Union.

This role is based in your assigned office

Like everything we do, our work model continues to evolve to support those we serve. We remain committed to a primarily in-office model that strengthens our culture and helps us deliver our best work, while balancing flexibility and a positive employee experience.

Role

• Make decisions that protect lives. Use evidence-based licensing and permitting decisions and enforcement authority to address risk. Help employers understand and meet requirements so workers go home safely at the end of the day.
• Put your expertise and judgment to work. Independently manage complex files, interpret law and policy, and make fair, transparent, defensible decisions about who can operate—and under what conditions.
• Take on varied, challenging work. Plan risk-based inspections, conduct audits, investigate complaints, and contribute technical expertise.
• Help shape stronger regulatory programs. Turn emerging risks, program data, industry developments, and stakeholder feedback into improvements to criteria, procedures, service standards, and policy.
• Collaborate, influence, and share your expertise. Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote licensing and permitting programs. Develop and deliver presentations, tools, and resources that strengthen understanding of program requirements. Use your communication skills to navigate challenging conversations and mentor new licensing and permitting officers.
• Our behaviours. Consistently model the appropriate level of organizational behaviours expected of all WorkSafeBC employees: responsive, respectful, fair, collaborative, accountable, and forward thinking.

You’ll thrive in this role if you want to make a real difference to worker safety in high-risk industries and you enjoy:

• Solving complex problems. Bring analytical discretion to weighing evidence, interpreting requirements, and reaching well-reasoned conclusions.
• Making consequential decisions. Use sound judgement, integrity, and impartiality to balance risk, fairness, and accountability—even when decisions are difficult or challenged.
• Taking ownership of varied work. Stay organized, adapt to shifting priorities, and work independently to effectively manage complex caseloads. Enjoy hands-on inspections, audits, and investigations, with occasional travel required.
• Navigating challenging conversations. Listen actively, remain calm under pressure, and resolve conflict while recognizing when safety precautions or escalation are needed.
• Helping others understand and succeed. Explain technical information clearly in writing and conversation, build trust across diverse perspectives, and enjoy sharing knowledge and mentoring colleagues.
• Learning and making things better. Stay curious about industry developments, recognize patterns in data and feedback, and turn insights into practical improvements that strengthen worker protection.

Your background and experience

• A university degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline plus
• A minimum of 6 years of real-time experience related to OHS compliance auditing
• Experience working in asbestos abatement is strongly preferred

We’ll consider equivalent combination of experience and education

Who We Are

At WorkSafeBC, we promote safe and healthy workplaces across British Columbia. We partner with workers and employers to save lives and prevent injury, disease, and disability. When work-related injuries or diseases occur, we provide compensation and support injured workers in their recovery, rehabilitation, and safe return to work. We’re honoured to serve the 2.49 million workers and 263,000 registered employers in our province.

What’s it like to work at WorkSafeBC?

It’s challenging, stimulating, and rewarding. Our positions offer diversity and opportunities for professional growth. Every day, the work we do impacts people and changes lives. What we do is important, and so are the people we do it for.

Our ability to make a difference relies on building a team with a rich variety of skills, knowledge, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences that reflects the diversity of the people we serve. We are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive work culture where everyone can contribute as their best, authentic self.

Learn more:

Discover who we are.

Our benefits

As a member of our team, you’ll have access to services and benefits that help you get the most out of work — and life.

Along with a competitive salary of $47.67 - $60.00/ hourly, your total compensation package includes:

• Defined benefit pension plan that provides you with a lifetime monthly pension when you retire
• 3 weeks of vacation in your first year, with regular increases based on years of service
• Extensive health care and dental benefits
• Optional leave and earned-time-off arrangements
• Development opportunities (tuition reimbursement, leadership development, and more)

Learn more:

Find out what we offer.