Senior Plans Examiner

Position Details

• Job ID: 32270
• Union: CUPE Local 5167
• Employment Type: Temporary Full-Time
• Contract Duration: 18 months
• Hours of Work: 35 per week
• Department: Building Engineering
• Deadline: Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities—home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership, and being engaged, empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully.

Summary Of Duties

Reporting to the Supervisor, Building Engineering, the Senior Plans Examiner is responsible for reviewing, examining, and approving plans and specifications to determine compliance with the Ontario Building Code and other relevant legislation for the issuance of building permits.

General Duties

• Issue Part 9 building permits under the Ontario Building Code for residential, commercial, and industrial projects, sewage and septic systems, and miscellaneous permits such as agricultural buildings and structures, signs, tents, and change-of-use permits.
• Examine, amend, and approve architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection and suppression system drawings and specifications for conformance with the Ontario Building Code, National Farm Building Code, Zoning By-laws, and other applicable legislation or standards.
• Determine that construction materials and methods meet approved standards.
• Liaise with the Inspection Team and act as a technical expert for Part 9 buildings with fire protection and life safety measures.
• Assist Building Inspectors in investigating and determining unsafe buildings and septic site conditions.
• Administer the Ontario Building Code and other applicable laws.
• Train and act as a technical resource for staff.
• Research maps, surveys, and property files to verify compliance with applicable laws.
• Analyze and calculate structural design loads for Part 9 buildings.
• Determine acceptance or refusal of building permit applications based on conformity with applicable legislation.
• Coordinate with other regulatory bodies, staff, and agencies, including the Fire Prevention Bureau, Niagara Escarpment Commission, and Conservation Authorities, on matters relating to permit issuance.
• Receive and answer inquiries from the public, staff, contractors, architects, engineers, lawyers, and realtors.
• Advise, communicate, and liaise with staff, other departments, and industry professionals on interpreting the Ontario Building Code, Zoning By-laws, accepted construction practices, regulations, and procedures.
• Provide input and participate in developing and improving technical guidelines, policies, procedures, and Sign By-law amendments.
• Investigate and follow up on approvals relevant to permit issuance.
• Advise owners, building inspectors, and plans examiners on procedures and regulations where deviations or revisions occur after building permits are issued.
• Input and retrieve data.
• Assist with administering and interpreting Development Charge By-laws, including answering inquiries, performing calculations, and collecting fees.
• Prepare and provide reports and evidence for the Building Code Commission.
• Compose correspondence.
• Attend training courses as required.
• Perform duties responsibly, address risk management issues, and minimize exposure to personal and municipal liability.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, construction practices, structural design, and engineering principles, normally acquired through completion of a Community College Diploma in an Architectural or Civil Engineering Technology Program.
• Must be eligible for appointment as an inspector under the Ontario Building Code Act and successfully meet the following required qualifications within six months of gaining employment: General Legal/Process, On-site Sewage Systems, and Small Buildings.
• Must successfully meet the following required qualifications within 12 months of gaining employment: Large Buildings, Plumbing All Buildings, Building Structural, and Building Services.
• Ability to investigate and analyze reports and determine infractions of the Building Code Act/Regulation, applicable municipal By-laws, and Codes. Ability to review and verify various types of drawings, specifications, engineering reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to act independently, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to make judgment calls and recommend alternative measures when making decisions regarding Building Code and by-law acceptability, interpretation, and equivalencies.
• Ability to act as a technical expert for Part 9 buildings in fire protection and life safety measures.
• Eligible for OBOA certification.
• Experience in a municipal building department.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and coach.
• Numerical aptitude and computer literacy skills.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.

How To Apply

Submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city. Internal applicants should apply using their work email address. External applicants will be considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.