Technical and Policy Advisor on Construction Codes

The role

We are looking for a 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.

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

Key Activities

• Developing and maintaining a knowledge and understanding of the initiatives, policies and programs at NRC and in the construction industry in general, and an awareness of the technology events and trends that impact Canada's National Model Codes to advise the code development committees and aid them in consensus-based decision making.
• Maintaining a knowledge and understanding of the building sciences, engineering and economics involved in the application of technology to design and construction, and maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of Canada's National Model Codes, referenced standards and the technical developments in these documents applicable but not limited to:
  • Housing and small buildings
  • Modular construction
  • Fire protection, safety and prevention
  • Accessibility
  • Building envelope
  • Alterations to existing buildings
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC
  • Occupant safety in use
  • Energy efficiency
  • Greenhouse gas emissions
  • Building structures
• Identifying areas requiring study, undertaking literature reviews and scoping and supporting research in those areas, assisting in technical discussions, and summarizing and presenting the findings to the code development committees.
• Advising technical committees on alignment with CBHCC policies and work plans.
• Responding to technical inquiries from the Provinces and Territories concerning the 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.
• 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 Canada's National Model Codes;
  • Building officials;
  • Researchers in the area pertinent to committee work; and
  • Industry associations.
• Making and giving presentations to various external groups on code-related matters such as education and training initiatives, CBHCC identified code priorities 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

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

• Housing and small buildings
• Modular construction
• Fire protection, safety and prevention
• Accessibility
• Building envelope
• Alterations to existing buildings
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Occupant safety in use
• Energy efficiency
• Greenhouse gas emissions
• Building structures

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

Experience

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

• Housing and small buildings
• Modular construction
• Fire protection, safety and/or prevention
• Accessibility
• Building envelope
• Alterations to existing buildings
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Occupant safety in use
• Energy efficiency
• Greenhouse gas emissions
• Building structures

Extensive experience in the use of computer programs for word processing, spreadsheet calculations, virtual meetings 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 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.

Assessment criteria

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

• Technical competencies
• Knowledge of the contemporary construction industry or modular construction industry, including the cost of construction and the impact of regulations on construction economics.
• Knowledge of contemporary, modular or emerging technologies in the building construction…

Additional Information

City: Ottawa

Organizational Unit: Construction

Classification: RCO

Tenure: Term

Duration: Between 1 and 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.

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.

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.