Technical Advisors

The NRC Advantage

Great Minds. One Goal. Canada's Success.
 
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is the Government of Canada's largest research organization supporting industrial innovation, the advancement of knowledge and technology development. We collaborate with over 70 colleges, universities and hospitals annually, work with 800 companies on their projects, and provide advice or funding to over 8000 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) each year.
 
We bring together the brightest minds to deliver tangible impacts on the lives of Canadians and people around the world. And now, we want to partner with you.  Let your expertise and inspirations make an impact by joining the NRC.
 

At the NRC, we know that diversity enables excellence in research and innovation. We are committed to a diverse and representative workforce, a safe and respectful work environment, and contributing to a more inclusive Canadian innovation system.  We welcome all qualified applicants and encourage you to complete the employment equity self-declaration questions during the job application process.
Please let us know of any accommodation measures required to help you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Please note that the information you provide will be treated confidentially. 
 

Your Challenge

Help bring research to life and drive your career forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada's largest research and technology organization.
 
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.
 

NRC Construction is implementing the “Platform to Decarbonize the Construction Sector at Scale” to accelerate and scale up new technologies to help transition the Canadian construction sector towards decarbonization and contribute to the emerging low-carbon economy. It will also establish new codes, standards, specifications, and guidelines to position the sector to achieve its 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) carbon reduction targets. These investments will help spur the growth of Canada’s clean technology sector and help achieve Canada’s international commitments to reduce GHG emissions.

The incumbent provides technical advice and administrative support to the standing committees of the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) in the development of the Canadian National Model Codes at Codes Canada. He/she provides information and replies to inquiries on codes and related issues to code users; he/she promotes Codes Canada with stakeholders through participation in seminars, workshops, trade shows, conferences, etc., across Canada. He/she sets up meetings, prepares and compiles agenda material, takes proper minutes and meeting notes, follow up on outstanding issues, draft progress and final reports as required, author paper on specific topics to support the discussion and decision by the CCBFC. He/she participates in meeting discussions helping standing committees and task groups reaching consensus on a decision.
 

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 on the Canadian National Model Codes in order to advise the standing committees and the CCBFC, 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 design
5. Building operations
6. Plumbing design
7. HVAC design
8. Occupant safety in use
9. Risk assessment
    

Your Challenge (con't)

Maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of the Canadian 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 design
5.    Building operations
6.    Plumbing design
7.    HVAC design
8.    Occupant safety in use
9.    Risk assessment
 

Identifying areas requiring study and undertaking research in those areas, assisting in technical discussion and writing papers on the findings for consideration by the standing committees and task groups as required.
 

Providing response to technical inquiries concerning the meaning of requirements in Codes Canada documents and, where appropriate, researching additional information from historic records to determine the intent of the requirement under consideration.
 

Writing papers analyzing current code requirements and identifying options for improvements, including background history and justification (technical and economical where applicable), through reference to research papers and economic studies.

 
Processing code change requests submitted by the construction industry and general code-using community, and by the Research Laboratories of NRC. More specifically:
 

• Advising the relevant standing committee(s) regarding the implications of such code changes requests; 
• Providing guidance on and assisting with any necessary impact analysis (identifying potential costs and associated benefits); 
• Reviewing and revising the proposed language where necessary; and 
• Ensuring that changes meet the criteria set out by the CCBFC for their approval.
   

Your Challenge (con't)

Providing administrative support to the standing committees and their task groups by planning meetings, preparing meeting material, taking accurate meeting minutes and notes, and following up on actions arising from meetings.
 

Preparing or managing contracts in support of management or CCBFC’s priority tasks.

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

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; and 
• Organizations representing the concerns of the construction industry (i.e. construction materials associations, contractors and installers’ associations, engineering and architectural associations).
   

Making and giving presentations to stakeholders and code user 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.    Energy efficiency
4.    Accessibility
5.    Building envelope design
6.    Building operations
7.    Plumbing
8.    HVAC design
9.    Occupant safety in use
10.    Risk assessment

 

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

Experience

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

1.    Fire protection
2.    Housing
3.    Energy efficiency
4.    Accessibility
5.    Building envelope design
6.    Building operations
7.    Plumbing
8.    HVAC design
9.    Occupant safety in use
10.  Risk assessment
 

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

English 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

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

Technical Competencies

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 Codes Canada documents, and their relationship to provincial codes and material/design standards:  
 

• The Canadian National Model Codes; 
• The cost of construction and the impact of regulations on construction economics; and  
• Construction research and development performed at NRC and its application to the construction industry is an asset. 

 
Ability to write in English is required.
 
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Behavioural Competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Technology Extension

View all competency profiles

Relocation

Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Council Officer (RCO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $57,220 to $161,754 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.
 

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including comprehensive health and dental plans, pension and insurance plans, vacation and other leave entitlements.

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Notes

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• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
• A flexible schedule and overtime may be required. 
• Some travelling is required.