Plan Checking Technician IV

Requisition ID: 44101 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and engaging workplace.  Working at the City of Vancouver and within the public service can be a rewarding career where you play a key role in ensuring impartial and equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and addressing the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose and Function

This position performs  advisory work to support the streamlining of the permitting process. The position also provides information  regarding permitting processes to staff, developers, contractors, design professionals and the public on permit processing and interpretation of by-laws, guidelines and  bulletins, including information and advice on other City procedures.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Coordinates and supports the streamline of development and building permit applications process.
• Provides input in DTP meetings to map the permitting process workflow to maintain alignment with the new system, including identifying challenges of the DTP process.
• Screens development / building permit applications for compliance with Zoning and Development By-law, Vancouver Building By-law and applicable regulations and authorizes or rejects applications.
• Manages the Service Level Agreement to ensure milestones are met.
• Reviews plans for multiplex dwellings and other housing options in lower density areas to ensure compliance with relevant development and building by-laws.
• Provides full and comprehensive Zoning & Building By-law reviews; makes discretionary decisions and relaxations for projects such as Section 5 exemptions, and others.
• Provides direction to junior staff on the best course of action for permit applications.
• Reviews business license applications.
• Provides advice on related permit and processing requirements, liaises with staff in Permitting Services and other City departments to provide a response or seek advice on behalf of clients for process, technical and design issues or to determine appropriate referral.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education and Experience:

Completion of grade twelve supplemented by technical courses in Building Technology and considerable related experience in permitting processes in a municipal environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Extensive experience in interpreting and checking plans and administration of By-laws and Building/Development Permit work.
• Extensive working experience in the end-to-end City of Vancouver Development/Building application permit process

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the Zoning and Development By-laws, and other by-laws and related guidelines, policies and procedures related to the work performed.
• Thorough knowledge of departmental policies and procedures involving the processing of building, development and related permit applications.
• Working knowledge of computer programs including Posse, PRISM systems, EMPRO, Microsoft office and Vandocs.
• Demonstrated time and project management skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage a large volume of work with changing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and communication skills to convey information and explain technical matters.
• Ability to achieve and maintain effective working relationships, and to exercise fair and sound judgement.
• Exceptional conflict resolution skills and experience dealing tactfully, patiently and effectively with irate/stressed clients;
• Ability to quickly adapt to changes in the work place; have superior customer service skills.
• Ability to function as part of a team and to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to write memos, procedures and manuals; and also train, instruct, advise and supervise employees.
• 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 (1250) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: July 2025 

Position End Date:  May 2026

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-025: $43.78 to $51.7 per hour

Number of positions: 2 

Application Close: June 22, 2025

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. 

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Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date.

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.