Job Description

Requisition ID: 47145

Organization

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.

With a strong commitment to being a City of Reconciliation, we invite you to join our dedicated team and become part of an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. A career with the City of Vancouver and within the broader public service, offers meaningful work where you play a key role in ensuring equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose and Function

Working in a fast-paced, public-oriented department, this position performs technical work of some complexity involving the review and acceptance of applications for Development and Building Permits, primarily the checking of plans for single detached houses, duplexes, secondary suites and laneway houses for compliance with the Zoning and Development, Building and Parking By-laws.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Research records and data from multiple sources such as property files, a variety of electronic databases and microfilm.
• Application of relevant City by-laws, building by-laws, guidelines and Council reports;
• Answers enquiries by phone and over the counter from the public and design professionals related to Building and Zoning By-laws and related City Procedures.
• Conducts application intake meetings with homeowners and design professionals to ensure incoming applications are complete.
• Receives and processes application documents and examines plans for compliance with all applicable by-laws.
• Performs technical calculations such as floor space ratio, site coverage, building height, and spatial separations.
• Coordinates the processing of applications through various City departments such as Law, Engineering, Addressing, Heritage, Urban Design, Arboricultural, and Sustainability.
• Prepares correspondence and finalized permit documents and plans to issue permits.
• Updates City software / databases.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualification
Education and Experience:

• Completion of Grade 12, supplemented by related courses from a recognized technical institute, preferably a Diploma in Building Technology.
• Considerable related technical experience in zoning administration, building by-law and the ability to assess and interpret plans accurately.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Time and project management skills to meet deadlines and manage a large volume of work in a flexible manner, with changing priorities, often under pressure.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public and handle a high stress environment.
• Excellent communication skills are required to convey information to the public and explain technical matters in lay terms.
• Good writing skills.
• Previous work experience in the construction industry or experience in a design office is desirable.
• Ability to demonstrate accurate keyboard skills and speed.
• Preference will be given to candidates with a relevant experience and a working knowledge of City Building and Zoning By-laws.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams is preferred.
• Ability to meet transportation requirements.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work a hybrid work 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.

Business Unit/Department: Development, Buildings & Licensing

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: October 2026

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-021: $39.66 to $46.67 per hour
Positions Available: 4

Application Close: September 6, 2026

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion

The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). More about unceded traditional territories

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.