Technical Advisors

Organizational Unit: Construction

Classification: RCO

Tenure: These are 2 Continuing positions, 2 3-year term positions, and anticipatory staffing for positions of various tenures

Language Requirements: Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC and English

Work Arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the identified work site at least three times per week at their own expense.

We recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities. If you are an Indigenous candidate, you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. To learn more, please contact the hiring team, using the contact information below.

Discover the possible

The Role

We are looking for Technical Advisors to support our Construction Research Centre. The Technical Advisor would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The incumbents provide technical advice and administrative support to the code development committees of the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) in the development of Canada's National Model Codes. They directly support technical committees in developing recommendations on proposed changes which includes technical and administrative support for the committees and requires liaising with policy advisor and research colleagues as well as colleagues from other federal departments and provincial and territorial governments.

KEY ACTIVITIES

Developing and maintaining a knowledge and understanding of the initiatives, policies and programs at the NRC and in the construction industry in general, and an awareness of the technology events and trends that impact the Canadian National Model Codes in order to advise the code development committees, and aid them in sound decision making.

Researching and maintaining a knowledge and understanding of building sciences, engineering and economics involved in the application of technology to design and construction, more specifically but not limited to:

1. Fire protection
2. Housing
3. Accessibility
4. Building envelope
5. Building operations
6. Plumbing
7. HVAC
8. Occupant safety in use
9. Energy efficiency
10. Climate change
11. Building structures

Maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of Canada's National Model Codes, referenced standards and of the technical developments in these documents applicable but not limited to:

1. Fire protection
2. Housing
3. Accessibility
4. Building envelope
5. Building operations
6. Plumbing
7. HVAC
8. Occupant safety in use
9. Energy efficiency
10. Climate change
11. Building structures

Identifying areas requiring study and undertaking literature reviews in those areas, summarizing and presenting the findings to the code development committees.

Responding to technical inquiries concerning the meaning of requirements in the National Model Codes and, where appropriate, researching historic records to determine the intent of the requirement under consideration.

Writing summaries, analyzing current code requirements and identifying considerations when developing code changes, including background, history and justification (technical and economical where applicable), through reference to research papers and economic studies.

Providing administrative support to the code development committees by planning meetings, preparing meeting material, preparing meeting summaries, and following up on actions arising from meetings.

The Role (cont'd)

Preparing or managing contracts in support of codes related research and development.

Administering the code development system in accordance with the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes' Operating Procedures.

Representing Codes Canada on external technical and standards committees related to subject matter of the supported committee(s) as required.

Maintaining close, effective and harmonious relations with:

• Provincial and territorial departments responsible for adoption and enforcement of the Canadian National Model Codes;
• Building officials;
• Researchers in the area pertinent to committee work;
• Industry associations.

Making and giving presentations to various external groups on code-related matters such as education and training initiatives, and introduction of changes to the codes.

Screening Criteria

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

A Master's degree in engineering, architecture or building science.

Candidates who possess a Bachelor's degree with extensive relevant experience in one or more of the following disciplines will also be considered:

1. Fire protection
2. Housing
3. Accessibility
4. Building envelope
5. Building operations
6. Plumbing
7. HVAC
8. Occupant safety in use
9. Energy efficiency
10. Climate change
11. Building structures

Experience in the use of specifications, codes and standards in one or more of the following disciplines:

1. Fire protection
2. Housing
3. Accessibility
4. Building envelope
5. Building operations
6. Plumbing
7. HVAC
8. Occupant safety in use
9. Energy efficiency
10. Climate change
11. Building structures

Extensive experience in the use of computer programs for word processing, spreadsheet calculations and communication tools such as email and the internet, familiarity with simple databases and project management programs.

Experience contributing to the analysis or development of policy initiatives and documents, and delivering briefings and presentations to internal and external stakeholders may be considered an asset.

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

Language Requirements

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC and English

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

Knowledge of the contemporary construction industry and the impact of regulations on construction economics.
Knowledge of contemporary and emerging technologies in the building construction industry.
Knowledge of building design and construction technologies.

Knowledge of hazards in the building construction industry and risks to the building property and people.

Knowledge of the regulatory framework in Canada including:

• The role of the National Model Codes, and their relationship to provincial codes and material/design standards.
• The cost of construction and the impact of regulations on construction economics;
• Construction research and development performed at NRC, and other research institutions, and its application to the construction industry is an asset.

Ability to write in English is required.

Ability to communicate effectiv.