Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector, Building Inspector, Construction Inspector, Electrical Safety Inspector, Inspector, Investigator, Plumbing and Gas Inspector, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Interest in handling equipment and materials to inspect steel framework, concrete forms, reinforcing steel mesh and rods, concrete and pre-stressed concrete to ensure quality standards; and in inspecting construction sites to ensure safe working conditions are maintained
Interest in analyzing data from inspection of sites to verify that they conform to specifications and building codes, and from inspections and tests of electrical and plumbing installations to ensure that they comply with municipal, provincial and federal regulations
Interest in speaking with purchasers to inspect, assess and provide reports on new and resale homes; and in inspecting existing buildings to identify and report on structural defects, fire hazards and other threats to safety
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Building safety codes officers inspect projects currently under construction for compliance with the Alberta Building Code. Their duties vary depending on their level of certification but, in general, they:
Electrical safety codes officers inspect a wide range of installations where electrical work is being done. In general, they ensure that electrical wiring and appliances, exterior wiring and industrial electrical equipment are installed safely and in accordance with electrical regulations.
Plumbing and gas safety codes officers ensure that private sewage systems, plumbing and gas appliances, fixtures, installations and equipment comply with applicable plumbing and gas regulations.
Boiler and pressure vessel safety codes officers:
Fire safety codes officers perform fire inspections and take measures to reduce danger to life and property, report fires and investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of fires within their jurisdiction.
Amusement rides, elevators and passenger ropeways (ski lifts) safety codes officers:
Safety codes officers work in a variety of settings such as offices, construction sites, utility stations, farmsteads, fire or accident scenes, ski areas and amusement parks. Some overtime work may be required when construction or recreation activities are at their height.
Safety codes officers must observe safety precautions such as wearing hard hats and safety shoes to avoid injury while working on construction sites.
Safety codes officers need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods for their work, analyzing information and dealing with people.
Safety codes officers need a combination of related training and work experience. For example, they may require journeyperson certification or related post-secondary education plus years of experience related to the type of inspection involved. For example, some boiler and pressure vessel safety codes officers must have a high school diploma and a First Class Power Engineering Certificate or a university degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent, plus at least five years of experience in the design, fabrication, operation and maintenance or inspection of high pressure steam plants and equipment. Computer skills are an asset and a driver's license often is required.
All safety codes officers must be certified by the Safety Codes Council. Different levels of certification require successful completion of approved courses. For information about correspondence, classroom and online training courses, see the Safety Codes Council website.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Safety codes officers inspect the construction, installation and maintenance of structures, equipment and systems to ensure compliance with relevant codes, standards and regulations. For more information, see the Safety Codes Officer occupational profile in OCCinfo.
Under Alberta's Safety Codes Act and regulations, you must be certified by the Safety Codes Council to carry out inspections of plumbing, gas, electrical or fire prevention systems, buildings, passenger ropeways (for example, chair lifts), boilers and pressure vessels, or amusement rides. You also must be employed by a municipality, regional services commission, corporation or agency that has been delegated the responsibility to provide services under the Safety Codes Act.
Each discipline (plumbing, gas, electrical, etc.) has different education, work experience, competency and technical requirements. Further, there are levels of certification within each discipline. For official, detailed information about certification requirements, visit the Safety Codes Council website or contact the Safety Codes Council.
Safety codes officers who are certified by and in good standing with a regulatory body elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for certification in Alberta if certified safety codes officers in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. Applicants will be required to write exams to demonstrate knowledge of Alberta legislation.
Safety Codes Council
Suite 1000, 10665 Jasper Ave NW
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T5J 3S9
Phone number: 780-413-0099
Toll-free phone number (within Alberta): 1-888-413-0099
Fax number: 780-424-5134
Website: www.safetycodes.ab.ca
Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.
Safety codes officers are employed by municipal governments, accredited agencies and corporations that provide compliance monitoring services.
Experienced safety codes officers may advance to senior positions and, depending on their qualifications, to management positions.
Safety codes officers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2264: Construction Inspectors. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 4,900 Albertans are employed in the Construction inspectors occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0.8% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 39 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As safety codes officer sform only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for safety codes officers.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salary ranges for safety codes officers vary depending on the employer and type of inspection involved.
According to the Safety Codes Council in 2009, the salary for safety codes officers ranged from $38,000 to $86,000 a year.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.43 | $55.38 | $35.47 | $35.00 |
| Overall | $23.50 | $60.58 | $41.98 | $45.00 |
| Top | $25.00 | $73.85 | $47.25 | $50.00 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Safety Codes Council website: www.safetycodes.ab.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Oct 01, 2009. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.