Plan Checking Technician IV

City of Vancouver; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking city committed to sustainability and reconciliation. This role involves technical and advisory work in the Services Centre, focusing on permit applications and providing essential information to staff and the public. You'll engage with various stakeholders, ensuring compliance with zoning and building by-laws while delivering exceptional customer service. This position offers a chance to be part of an innovative team dedicated to improving the quality of life for all residents. With opportunities for flexible work arrangements, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a vibrant community and make a real impact.

Benefits

Flexible Work Program

Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

Accommodations for applicants

Qualifications

• Diploma in Building Technology or equivalent experience required.
• Extensive experience in interpreting plans and By-law administration.

Responsibilities

• Review plans for residential and commercial projects.
• Provide advice on permit processing and zoning requirements.

Skills

Project Management

Customer Service

Conflict Resolution

Interpersonal Communication

Technical Writing

Education

Diploma in Building Technology

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

POSSE

PRISM

Job description

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose & Function:

This position performs technical and advisory work in the Services Centre including the examination of plans and submissions for permit applications. Provides information to staff, developers, contractors, design professionals and the public on permit processing and interpretation of by-laws, guidelines and bulletins, including information and advice on other City procedures.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Reviews plans for 1 & 2 family dwellings, secondary suites and other commercial projects of various sizes;
• Provides full and comprehensive Zoning & Building By-law reviews; makes discretionary decisions and relaxations for projects such as change of use, Section 4 and 5 exemptions, and others;
• Reviews and clears permit intakes for various permit streams;
• Reviews business license applications for potential zoning and building requirements;
• Provides advice on related permit and processing requirements, liaises with staff in Permitting Services and other City departments to provide a response or seek advice on behalf of clients for process, technical and design issues or to determine appropriate referral;
• Review and respond to enquiries; direct contact with the public requires consistent and accurate advice and resolving difficult and sometimes confrontational situations.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Diploma in Building Technology or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Extensive experience in interpreting and checking plans and administration of By-laws and Building/Development Permit work or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated time and project management skills;
• Meeting deadlines and managing a large volume of work with changing priorities;
• Exceptional customer service skills to deal effectively and tactfully with the public and staff;
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and communication skills to convey information and explain technical matters;
• Demonstrated ability to achieve and maintain effective working relationships, and to exercise fair and sound judgement;
• Must have demonstrated exceptional conflict resolution skills and experience dealing tactfully, patiently and effectively with irate/stressed clients;
• The ability to quickly adapt to changes in the workplace;
• The ability to function as part of a team and to work independently with minimal supervision;
• Knowledge of computers including POSSE & PRISM systems;
• The ability to write memos, procedures and manuals; and also instruct, advise and mentor employees;
• A current and valid BC Driver’s License is a requirement of this position. The license must not include any restrictions that would affect the ability to legally and safely carry out job responsibilities.
• Transportation arrangements must meet operational requirements of the Department.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

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

Affiliation:CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type:Temporary Full Time

Number of Positions Available:2

Position Start Date:February 2025

Position End Date:Position 1:July 2026 / Position 2: December 2025

Salary Information:Pay Grade GR-025: $43.78 to $51.70 per hour

Application Close:February 14, 2025

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.