Policy Advisor on Construction Codes

The role

We are looking for an early-to-mid-career Technical and Policy Advisor on Construction Codes to support our Construction Research Centre. The Technical and Policy Advisor on Construction Codes would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Successful candidates will work in the directorate for Codes Canada, a group that is responsible for supporting Canada's Construction Code Development system. The development system is governed by an intergovernmental federal-provincial-territorial partnership. The team manages relationships with other federal departments, provincial and territorial governments and industry, standards, and other organizations within the construction sector.

Technical and Policy Advisors on Construction Codes support the deputy-minister-level Canadian Table for Harmonized Construction Codes Policy, the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes and the Advisory Council for Harmonized Construction Codes. Technical and Policy Advisors will support these groups in the development of policy considerations and advice on topics related to building design, construction and operation through regulation.

Codes Canada is in need of advisors with technical and policy backgrounds who are strong consensus-builders and who can:

• support executive-level code system committees with high quality advice
• develop high quality executive-level briefing materials
• work directly and liaise with technical content experts
• develop and present strategic and regulatory policy options
• work collaboratively with federal, provincial and territorial colleagues
• maintain strong relationships with industry organizations, and
• contribute to multi-jurisdictional, multi-stakeholder, and multidisciplinary initiatives in support of the development of model codes including initiatives involving NRC research.

Construction Codes are the interface between policy, regulation, and research. Successful candidates will develop and maintain an understanding of building construction, regulation, and economics involved in the application of technology to design and construction.

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.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• 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.

Language requirements

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• 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.

Behavioural competencies

• 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

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-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…

Other information

City: Ottawa

Organizational Unit: Construction

Classification: RCO

Tenure: Term

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.

Employment equity

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.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

About the NRC

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.

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.