Technical Specialist, Codes and Standards – Sustainability

Forest Products Association of Canada / Canadian Wood Council; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Canadian Wood Council seeks a Technical Specialist, Codes and Standards - Sustainability, to provide expert analysis on sustainability-related codes, standards, and environmental programs affecting wood construction in Canada. The role monitors LCA/EPD developments, represents the council on CSA, ISO, and ASTM activities, and helps shape industry positions and guidance documents.

The position is open to candidates across Canada, with Ottawa as the preferred location, and offers remote work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, engineering, sustainability, natural resources, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical and technical writing skills.
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to travel as needed within Canada, the US, and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Monitor sustainability-related codes, standards, regulations, and procurement initiatives affecting wood use in Canada.
• Provide technical input on LCA, EPDs, embodied carbon, biogenic carbon, and whole-building LCA.
• Represent CWC on CSA, ISO, ASTM and other sustainability committees and forums.
• Support development of industry positions and comments on embodied carbon and environmental assessment methods.
• Contribute to Embodied Carbon Frameworks and related technical guidance documents.
• Identify emerging technical issues and advise on strategic priorities for the industry.
• Develop and maintain technical tools, databases, and sustainability resources.
• Build relationships with industry stakeholders and participate in conferences and workshops.
• Deliver presentations, webinars, and educational sessions on sustainability topics.

Skills

Analytical skills

Technical writing

Verbal communication

Presentation skills

Independent work

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, engineering, sustainability, natural resources, or related field

Job description

About Us

The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) is the national association representing Canada's wood products industry in the construction sector. As a leading voice for technical innovation and sustainability, CWC works to advance the use of wood as a safe, efficient, and climate-resilient material in the built environment.

Established in 1959, CWC supports a network of manufacturers, engineers, architects, and policymakers across the country. Through research, advocacy, and expert guidance, the organization helps shape building codes and design standards while expanding opportunities for wood use in residential, commercial, and institutional construction. CWC plays a critical role in connecting industry expertise with decision-makers and design professionals. Its team of engineers and technical specialists contributes directly to the development of national building codes and product standards. The organization also leads Canada’s CSA O86 wood design standard and plays an active role in advancing wood-based solutions for fire safety, seismic performance, and low-carbon construction.

Position Overview

The Technical Specialist, Codes and Standards - Sustainability supports the Canadian Wood Council's strategic objectives by providing technical expertise, analysis, and coordination on sustainability-related codes, standards, regulations, environmental performance programs, and green building initiatives affecting wood products and wood construction in Canada.

The Technical Specialist, Codes and Standards - Sustainability monitors emerging sustainability issues, identifies opportunities and risks for the Canadian wood industry, and helps advance industry positions through participation in Canadian, North American, and international standards development activities.

This position is open to candidates across Canada. While Ottawa is the preferred work location, remote work arrangements are available.

Specific Accountabilities

• Monitor sustainability-related codes, standards, regulations, policies, and procurement initiatives that may affect the use of wood products and wood construction in Canada.
• Track and provide technical input on standards and frameworks related to life cycle assessment (LCA), environmental product declarations (EPDs), embodied carbon, biogenic carbon, whole-building life cycle assessment, climate change mitigation, circular economy, and environmental claims.
• Represent the Canadian Wood Council on relevant committees, working groups, technical advisory groups, and stakeholder forums, including activities associated with CSA, ISO, ASTM, and other sustainability organizations.
• Support the development of industry positions and technical comments on codes, standards, guidance documents, and consultation processes related to embodied carbon and environmental assessment methodologies.
• Support development of the Embodied Carbon Framework for Canadian Wood Construction and related technical guidance documents.
• Identify emerging technical issues and recommend strategic priorities for the Canadian Wood Council and the industry.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of technical tools, databases, and sustainability resources.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with industry members, procurement agencies, consultants, researchers, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the Canadian Wood Council at conferences, technical meetings, workshops, and industry events.
• Deliver presentations, webinars, workshops, and educational sessions on sustainability-related topics.
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, engineering, sustainability, natural resources, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical and technical writing skills.
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to travel as needed within Canada, the US, and internationally.
• Must meet at least one of the preferred qualifications.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in forestry, sustainability, standards development, green building, environmental performance assessment, codes and standards, or a related field.
• Experience participating in standards development processes such as CSA, ISO, ASTM, or similar organizations.
• Knowledge of life cycle assessment (LCA), environmental product declarations (EPDs), product category rules (PCRs), embodied carbon, biogenic carbon emissions and removals, Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) accounting, and whole-building life cycle assessment.
• Familiarity with Canadian building codes, sustainability regulations, green building programs, and public procurement initiatives.
• Experience working with the forest products, construction, building materials, or sustainability and environmental consulting sectors.

Success Factors

Success in this role requires:

• Strong technical credibility and sound judgment.
  
• Ability to translate complex technical issues into practical guidance.
  
• Relationship-building and consensus-development skills.
  
• Strategic thinking combined with attention to detail.
  
• Effective collaboration with industry members, government representatives, researchers, and standards development organizations.
  
• Commitment to advancing the sustainable use of wood products in the built environment.

Our hiring process is fair, thoughtful, and people-led. We may use AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, but they do not replace human review or make hiring decisions. Final decisions are made by our hiring team and are based on job-related qualifications, experience, and fit.

This posting is for an existing vacancy for a newly created role