Building Code Engineer - City of Vancouver, Vancouver

Role overview

The City of Vancouver is seeking applicants for City of Vancouver jobs within the Development, Buildings & Licensing department. Recognized among BC's Top Employers and Canada's Greenest Employers, the organization offers meaningful work in an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. Among current engineering jobs Vancouver professionals can pursue, this Building Code Engineer position is responsible for complex advisory work involving independent and technical interpretations and decisions on behalf of the Chief Building Official regarding the Vancouver Building By-law and Vancouver Fire By-law as they relate to permitting.

This position oversees the sprinkler permit process in the Building Review Branch, ensures required information is provided by applicants for sprinkler permit applications submitted through this technical stream, and plans, coordinates, and directs the activities of Project Coordinators engaged in fire protection plans examination and sprinkler permit issuance.

Key duties

• Authorizes Sprinkler and Building Permit Issuance in compliance with the Building By-law and related NFPA standards.
• Comments, interprets, and applies the intent and purpose of the Building By-law and related NFPA standards to projects as required.
• Manages sprinkler permit applications and completes direct technical review of complex projects.
• Resolves questions and problems from Professional Engineers, fire protection designers/contractors, and the general public.
• Works with CBO staff to provide detailed technical analysis of Alternative Solutions.
• Facilitates discussions with design professionals, consultants, contractors, and developers regarding the interpretation of various by-laws, codes, standards, and guidelines.
• Provides specialized advice and answers technical questions from the City's Inspection, Fire Services, and Engineering staff.
• Supervises and mentors several specialized technical staff, providing technical guidance and training while authorizing the issuance of their permits.
• Advises the CBO's office on policy and code issues and proposes amendments.
• Completes occasional building inspection and site inspection alongside other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring

Candidates looking to advance their City of Vancouver careers in this technical capacity must meet specific educational, professional, and practical criteria:

• Degree in Civil, Fire Protection, or Mechanical Engineering with registration or eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer in the province of BC.
• Considerable experience in plans examination and interpretation of the Building By-law, Fire By-law, BC Building Code, NFPA standards, and other relevant codes and standards.
• Preference given to those completing the Certified Professionals Program through Engineers and Geoscientists of BC and Architectural Institute of BC.
• Complete understanding of the intent and purpose of the Building By-law and Fire By-law and associated codes and standards.
• Familiarity with building design, materials, and fire protection measures for high buildings.
• Leadership, mentoring, and supervisory experience.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with the public and design professionals.
• Understanding and familiarity of the City of Vancouver Building and Development process.

Compensation and perks

The City of Vancouver provides competitive compensation and a supportive work environment as part of its commitment to its employees:

• Salary Range 91 offering $117,909 to $147,377 per annum.
• Regular full-time employment status starting in December 2026.
• Inclusion in an organization recognized as one of BC's Top Employers and Canada's Greenest Employers.
• Commitment to a diverse workforce with accommodations provided upon request during the selection process.