Building Approvals Code Engineer

Regular Full-Time
As a central hub in the Metro Vancouver area, the City of New Westminster delivers a broad spectrum of urban services to over 85,000 residents. New Westminster is rich in history with a viable and thriving economy and has a population representative of the diversity of the region. Reporting to the Manager, Building, the Code Engineer is the subject matter expert and technical lead for the department and provides expert knowledge in support of technical review of designs and specifications for complex buildings in order to determine compliance with the BC Building Code, applicable standards, and the City’s Building Regulation Bylaw, Fire By-law and other related City by-laws and guidelines. This complex advisory work involves making independent and technical interpretations and decisions related to permitting. The position will function independently, liaising effectively with the applicant design team, jurisdictional authorities and other city staff to complete technical reviews of the most complex building applications. Duties will focus on providing expert evaluation of building systems as presented through applications for permit and making compliance decisions related to technical issues and evaluation of alternate solutions. The successful candidate will work with Building and Plumbing Official staff, partners in Engineering and Public Works, and professional consultants to develop consistent decisions with respect to interpretations of development related regulations.
Provides advanced technical building code knowledge and proficiency to serve as the technical lead for the department
Applies expert knowledge to strengthen the department's technical capability for reviewing the most complex construction while supervising the overall code engineering process and staff performance within the section
Develops within the department consistent technical standards and approaches for evaluating performance-based Alternative Solutions to prescriptive code.
Reviews applications, comments, interprets and applies the intent and purpose for codes and standards compliance with an emphasis on structural and fire/life safety matters
Manages sprinkler permit applications and completes direct technical review of complex projects




Facilitates discussions with design professionals, consultants, contractors and developers regarding the interpretation of various by-laws, codes and guidelines and assists applicants in understanding the regulations that affect construction and plans approval
Works with Certified Building Official (CBO) staff to provide detailed technical analysis of Alternative Solutions
Provides specialized advice and answers technical questions from the City’s CBO, Fire and Engineering teams
Mentors several specialized technical staff (CBOs), providing technical guidance and training
Conducts occasional reviews and examination of buildings in the field
Supports the Deputy Director, Building Approvals with research, report writing, and technical bulletins
Serves as the technical resource for the management team on specific issues as well as overall policy, process and procedures
Prepare policy on technical findings and business cases for departmental activities
Performing research on technical and code matters keeping the department current on expert knowledge and providing written communication in reports and bulletins
Authorizes Building Permit Issuance (compliance with applicable codes)
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a focus in structural, civil, and/or mechanical OR an Architecture degree is required.
EGBC) OR the Architectural Institute of B.Considerable experience in plans examination and interpretation of the BC Building Code, Fire Protection Codes, NFPA standards, and other relevant codes and standards
Preference will be given to candidates with fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, sprinkler engineering, structural engineering, field review of life safety systems and/or building technology experience
A minimum of 5 years of progressive work experience in a Code Engineer capacity,



showing development in technical capability and responsibility for increasingly complex construction
Municipal experience is considered an asset
An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered

Superior verbal and written communications skills to deal effectively with the public and design professionals in person and via phone and e-communications.
Excellent technical report writing skills
Building and Fire Codes and industry standards (NFPA, CSA, ASTM)
Considerable experience and knowledge of building design, building materials and construction
Project management of multi-disciplinary projects
Experience in fire protection measures for high buildings
A valid Class 5 Driver's Licence for the Province of British Columbia is an asset

This is a regular, full-time exempt position. Duties are primarily performed in an office environment. Since this is a position that reviews applications for permit, engagement with the public is required. Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of New Westminster has a Adaptable Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 5 days every 2 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.
We offer our employees great work-life balance, including competitive salaries, comprehensive health and wellness benefits and retirement plans (a percentage in lieu of benefits for auxiliary positions). We also offer a hybrid remote work schedule in accordance with our Remote Work Policy, opportunities for education and training, and engaging, rewarding work.
Join a team of enthusiastic and innovative employees, and help us build a vibrant, compassionate, resilient city where everyone can thrive.
To support a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community; women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized individuals, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversity of our workforce, are encouraged to express their interest.
We are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.

📌 Building Structural Engineer / Ingénieur (e) en structure du bâtiment (New Westminster)
🏢 City of New Westminster
📍 New Westminster