BUILDING ENGINEER (Structural)

City of Toronto•Toronto, ON

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Manager Plan Review, this role examines architectural, structural, excavation shoring, fire protection and electrical plans and specifications for projects submitted by applicants for building and demolition permits. The examination is for compliance with Ontario Building Code (OBC) requirements, other By-Laws and standards, and structural adequacy. The role also ensures duties are carried out in accordance with the Professional Engineers Ontario Code of Ethics and the Professional Engineers Act.

Requirements

Must be a qualified Engineer as defined by Professional Engineers of Ontario.
Considerable experience as a Building Engineer/Plan Examiner or in structural design.
Considerable experience applying Ontario Building Code requirements pertaining to one or more of the following disciplines: architectural, structural, or fire protection.
Considerable design experience with OBC referenced material design standards such as, but not limited to: A23.3 Design of Concrete Structures, S16 Design of Steel Structures, S304.1 Design of Masonry Structures, O86 Engineering Design in Wood, and S-136 North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members.
Experience using structural programs in at least one of the following or similar programs: SpSlab, SpColumn, S-Concrete, S-Line (formery B-Line), S-Frame, SAP 2000, ETABS, SAFE, and WoodWorksSizer.
Must possess and be able to maintain a valid Ontario Class "G" Driver's Licence and access to a properly insured vehicle.
Must possess or be able to obtain the following Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing Ontario Building Code qualification requirements for an inspector: Powers and Duties of a Chief Building Official (Legal) or General Legal, Building Structural, Complex Buildings, House, Large Buildings, and Small Buildings.
Proficiency using computer applications such as MS Office, Amanda and other engineering or architectural software.
Knowledge and understanding of all aspects of structural analysis and design, building construction, building sciences and related legislation.
Knowledge of, and ability to apply the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations relevant to building construction.
Proficiency with electronic markup and review software such as Adobe Acrobat Pro/Standard, or Bluebeam Revu.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Good interpersonal, problem solving and conflict management skills.
Effective teamwork, high standards of work quality and organizational performance, and a commitment to continuous learning and mentorship.
Ability to plan, organize and manage work with minimal supervision and complete assigned duties accurately and within timelines.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
Ability to support the Toronto Public Service values to ensure a culture that champions equity, diversity and respectful workplaces.

Responsibilities

Examines architectural and structural drawings including excavation shoring, electrical, fire alarms, detection and suppression systems to determine compliance with Ontario Building Code requirements, and evaluate alternative proposals, including consultant's reports
Interprets the requirements of the Ontario Building Code in the area of expertise using good engineering practice and judgements.
Provides technical assistance on Building Code interpretations, and degree of compliance indicated by documents and provide solutions to problems
Manages and prioritizes large projects and assignments to ensure effective delivery of services
Provides supervision to project staff, as required
Conducts regular meetings with all internal and external stakeholders to provide technical advice on Building Code interpretation to building plans, resolve conflict and provide solutions to ensure compliance
Liaises with Fire Services Division, Plan Examiners and Building Inspectors to interpret requirements of the Ontario Building Code and decide on the degree of compliance indicated by plans and specifications, and provide guidance, and expertise
Evaluates reports on alternative solutions to present building regulations submitted by architects, engineers or fire protection consultants in order to determine whether the proposal provides the level of performance required by the Ontario Building Code, based on merit and engineering principles
Responds verbally and/or in writing to all inquiries from internal and external stakeholders regarding building requirements of the Ontario Building Code
Conducts site inspections with Building, Heating, Plumbing and Toronto Fire Inspectors to evaluate, investigate and resolve problems of complex technical nature including structural failures on site
Provides technical advice and prepares expert witness reports to City Lawyers
Appears and gives evidence in court on Building Code and other building regulatory matters and give presentations at the Building Code Commission in matters of disputes over Building Code interpretation
Prepares written reports as necessary
Participates on interview panels as required
Develops and implements detailed plans and recommends policies regarding program specific requirements
Manages assigned projects, ensuring effective teamwork and communication, high standards of work quality and organizational performance and continuous learning
Evaluates, makes recommendations, and prepares reports on unusual site conditions affecting building structure and design
Conducts research into specific topics ensuring that such research takes into account developments within the field, corporate policies and practices, legislation and initiatives by other levels of government
Provides advice to district and divisional management team as requested
Assists the Plan Review Manager, provide cover-off, act as Case Manager for large and complex projects, and assist in preparation of Conditional Permits