Accessible Buildings Planner

Job Summary

The Accessible Buildings Planner will develop a process and guidelines for incorporation of accessibility priorities in the design of new buildings and existing building renovations that are essential, consistent, desirable, and reasonable.

The position will evaluate the impact of adopting Rick Hanson Foundation (RHF) certification and determine whether this system delivers the most effective results in the UBC context, or whether an aligned standard that is more specific to UBC and / or improvement to the RHF system will deliver more effective results.

This position will train and disseminate knowledge to the Infrastructure Development team and others involved in project development and will also develop a communication plan and materials to make the campus community aware of all the accessibility work being done.

The work of this position will provide recommendations for planning to align with the upcoming provincial legislation (Accessible B.C. Act).

Organizational Status

Reports directly to the Director, Capital Planning + Development and meets regularly with the Centre for Accessibility for guidance and input on decision-making.

This position will be embedded in ID and will work collaboratively with all groups involved in project implementation, including units within ID (Capital Planning, Facilities Planners, Project Managers, Asset Improvement & Replacement), Building Operations, Facilities Managers, and UBC Properties Trust (UBCPT).

Liaises with the Accessibility Working Group and with multiple campus community stakeholders at the direction of the Director, Capital Planning + Development and the Centre for Accessibility.

Work Performed

The Accessible Buildings Planner will roll out an initial one-year workplan that leads to a full analysis of context and options, guideline / framework recommendations, and a plan for implementation.

The subsequent two years are currently viewed as an implementation period.

Over the proposed term, this position will lead and support a range of activities and initiatives, including those listed below.

Background investigation :

Consults with UBC stakeholders to understand the current accessibility situation : challenges, successes, perceived barriers, perceived opportunities, known issues, and process for identifying new issues.

Understand the campus context, and the range of accessibility issues with existing buildings versus new buildings.

Reviews other post-secondary institutions’ accessibility standards.

Participates on steering and / or working committees to discuss progress, address challenges and recommend solutions or take corrective action as needed.

Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) Certification Evaluation :

Evaluate the RHF certification system in the UBC context, including impact on projects, cost, aspects of the RHF system that may or may not make sense at UBC.

Review proposed guidelines with respect to the UBC Technical Guidelines and Learning Space Guidelines.

Conduct analysis and provide recommendation on adoption of RHF certification as a standard or an alternative proposal.

Planning and Projects :

Produce and deliver a plan that outlines information collected to date and next steps for the development of UBC accessibility guidelines and frameworks.

This includes recommendations to UBC to align with upcoming provincial legislation, as required.

Plan for next steps, including confirmation of resources and team required for effective delivery and achieving goals.

Lead ongoing and iterative review of guideline effectiveness and refinement of process based on experience gained through project development and design.

Act as ambassador for the project and for the work already done to improve accessibility on campus.

Act as the primary contact for accessibility projects and / or items for ongoing projects and new projects to provide recommendations, guidance, and test ideas.

Support project delivery and use of guidelines on projects.

Conduct stakeholder engagement sessions and speak with Faculties to understand critical, desirable, and reasonable projects and communicate how the projects will be prioritized and delivered within the guidelines.

Communications :

Develop and deliver a high-level training workshop for groups involved in project implementation to understand the objectives of the proposed guidelines and framework and practical use.

Develop materials and conduct ongoing training for personnel to independently lead accessibility items within projects and as independent projects.

Consequence of Error / Judgement

This position's work is essential to guiding the development of the UBC-built environment to better serve its diverse community and meet UBC and Provincial policies and standards.

Errors in judgement regarding appropriate building accessibility guidelines for UBC can damage the reputation of the university and financial impacts to renovate / redress to meet accessibility standards and objectives.

Careless implementation of initiatives would result in failure to meet the needs of the disabled community and risk their further alienation.

Other potential consequences include loss of business, and significant potential for legal liabilities.

Supervision Received

Subject to general direction from the Director, Capital Planning + Development , the Accessible Buildings Planner is responsible within Department and University guidelines to undertake a plan of action that will achieve the goals of this position.

Supervision Given

As the work progresses, this position may identify the need for additional term hires to undertake specific tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Eligibility for membership in a professional Institute or Association. Minimum of seven years of related experience including experience in related technical fields, project coordination and cost control, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

University degree in Architecture and eligibility for membership in a professional Institute or Association.

Minimum of 7 years’ work experience in project design, preferably institutional and Canadian-based.

Design, architectural, and / or engineering experience with a research background is considered an asset.

Must include robust experience in the design of accessible environments, a full working understanding of current accessibility codes and standards, and the BC Building Code and BC Fire Code.

Demonstrated skills in analysis, oral and written communication, including report writing and leading presentations.

Ability to work in a team environment and to exercise a high level of tact, diplomacy, and discretion in developing and maintaining collaborations with academic, administrative and agency representatives.

Ability to work highly organized and independently, following policy guidelines, and without supervision.