Policy Advisor on Construction Codes

National Research Council of Canada; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 84,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Bilingualism bonus

Job summary

National Research Council of Canada in Ottawa is seeking an experienced policy professional for an early mid-career RO/RCO-2-3 level position. The role involves shaping policy, applying building standards, and advising senior management.

You’ll collaborate with interdepartmental teams and external stakeholders to develop strategic recommendations. The incumbent will work with a diverse team, contributing to regulatory policy for the construction sector and supporting committees.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting policy development in a technical subject area.
• Experience supporting committees, working groups or forums to build consensus.
• Experience in the use of building codes or standards.
• Experience in providing strategic advice and recommendations to management on policy issues through reports, presentations and briefings.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector regulatory knowledge

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Oral communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, or building science

Degree in another field with relevant experience

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

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.

OrganizationalUnit: Construction

Classification: RCO

Duration: 3 years

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.

Screening criteria

Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter how they meet the education and experience factors listed on the poster. It is recommended that candidates use the education/experience criteria as a header and then write one or two paragraphs demonstrating how they meet them by providing concrete examples.

Failure to provide an appropriate cover letter will result in the rejection of your application. Candidates will not be solicited for incomplete or possible missing information

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, or building science.

Candidates who possess a degree in another field with relevant experience may also be considered.

• Experience supporting policy development in a technical subject area.


• Experience supporting committees, working groups or forums to build consensus.


• Experience in the use of building codes or standards.


• Experience in providing strategic advice and recommendations to management on policy issues through reports, presentations and briefings.
  

Assets:

Experience working in the federal, provincial or municipal public service on regulatory policy for the construction sector or as a building official would be an asset.

Experience supporting interdepartmental and/or intergovernmental committees, working groups or forums with internal and external stakeholders would be an asset.

Experience in programs or projects that integrate research outputs into codes, standards or guidelines, would be an asset.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

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

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

• Skills in and knowledge of processes for research, analysis and policy development.


• Knowledge of the National Model Codes or Provincial or Territorial Codes and their application in the regulatory framework.


• Knowledge of building design and construction.


• Knowledge of the construction industry and its stakeholders, related government policies.


• Ability to understand, synthesize and communicate technically complex materials, to develop strategic advice and recommendations, targeting the information to interdepartmental and/or intergovernmental committees.


• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing for the public service including via written materials.

Knowledge of construction research and development performed at NRC and its application to the construction industry would be an asset.

• Management services - Communication (Level 4)


• Management services - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 4)


• Management services - Client focus (Level 3)


• Management services - Teamwork (Level 2)


• Management services - Initiative (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

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

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at theRCO-2-3 level, which is an early mid-career level position with a salary range of $ 83,985 to $ 139,608.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As such, the initial salary could be within another level of theRO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

In addition, the incumbent who meets the language requirements will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800per year.

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.

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.

Notes

• 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 therequisition number (25562) to:

Closing Date: 8 October 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time

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