About Us

The Department of Growth and Development drives economic growth and productivity by creating the conditions for communities, businesses and households to thrive. The Department works with key partners to foster a dynamic environment that supports housing innovation and sector development, providing the necessary solutions to grow our population and economy.

The Housing Acceleration and Performance team’s mission is to address the urgent need to increase the housing supply across the province while ensuring that new constructions meet high standards of affordability, safety, accessibility, and efficiency. They achieve this by leading strategic policy initiatives aimed at expediting housing development and by overseeing the implementation of building codes and standards.

About Our Opportunity

We’re hiring a Senior Advisor, Building Codes and Standards, to lead the development and administration of Provincial building codes. In this role, you will serve as the Provincial subject matter expert for building standards that govern the construction, alteration, and demolition of buildings across Nova Scotia. These codes establish minimum requirements for safety, health, accessibility, structural integrity, energy and water efficiency throughout the province.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Housing Acceleration and Performance, you will provide authoritative technical interpretation and expert analysis on matters related to the Provincial Building Codes. You will evaluate issues and proposals across the full scope of the codes and provide advice that ensures standards remain sound, practical, and responsive to Provincial priorities.  This role involves serving as Executive Secretary to the Nova Scotia Building Advisory Committee (NSBAC) and coordinating with stakeholders at Provincial and national levels to ensure effective and sustainable building standards. 

Primary Accountabilities

You will manage complex policy initiatives that require significant leadership and a deep understanding of construction, building codes, and government priorities. This includes developing policy analyses and statements, preparing policy options for review and decision-making, and providing direction and information to interdepartmental and intergovernmental committees for the development of new building code policies. You’ll also:

• Represent Nova Scotia at provincial and national levels, and advocate for balanced and affordable building standards while protecting life and property. You will ensure Nova Scotia’s interests are reflected in national building code development.
• Advise on the Nova Scotia Building Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, and Farm Code, and oversee the approval of new construction materials and systems proposed as alternatives to building code requirements.
• Offer technical and policy advice to municipal officials, construction professionals, and the public on building code applications and interpretations, ensuring consistent decisions across the Province.
• Collaborate with other departments—such as the Nova Scotia Office of the Fire Marshal and various Provincial departments—you will define outcomes, key performance indicators, and government actions to ensure alignment and consistency in building code matters.
• Support appeal hearings conducted by the NSBAC that are held in conformance with the Nova Scotia Building Code Act and rules of procedure. This involves conducting thorough research on technical matters under appeal, providing timely information to assist the NSBAC in decision-making, and preparing and administering decisions rendered by the committee. You will also establish and maintain a current system of interpretations and appeals on complex issues.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will be an Architect, Engineer, or Qualified Building Official (eligible for registration in Nova Scotia) with a specialization in building science. Other accepted qualifications include a completed Diploma in Engineering Technology (Construction) or Architectural Technician (Construction).

The candidate should have several years of related experience and demonstrate a strong ability to provide expert advice on emerging issues like code harmonization, digital code adoption, and prefabricated/modular housing. This role requires skills in analyzing the trade-offs between regulatory impacts and costs to ensure balanced, effective standards.

Key competencies include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a proactive and self-directed approach, and a talent for solving complex challenges. The successful candidate will have a proven ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams, deliver strategic recommendations, and engage effectively with stakeholders across municipal, provincial, and national levels. 

Red Seal certification in related trades, such as plumbing or electrical, is considered an asset.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

You’ll be located in Halifax, Head Office in a comfortable, office environment. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day. A high level of concentration and accuracy is essential, with frequent computer use, detailed reading, and task-switching. The role involves drafting technical documents, leading meetings, and facilitating training, requiring calm and impartiality under pressure to meet deadlines and respond accurately to client needs.

Additional Information

A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation are required for this role, as well as the ability to travel nationally when necessary to represent Nova Scotia in building code discussions and collaborative initiatives.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths