Accessibility Strategist

Full job description
If you are committed to public service, enjoy collaborating with others, share our values and have a desire to learn and grow, join The City of Calgary. City employees deliver the services, run the programs and operate the facilities which make a difference in our community. We support work-life balance, promote physical and psychological safety, and offer competitive wages, pensions, and benefits. Together we make Calgary a great place to make a living, a great place to make a life.
The City is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.

As the Accessibility Strategist, you will complement and support the accessibility technical review team in acting as a City subject matter expert on accessibility in the built environment. As part of a professional team, you will oversee City-owned and City-funded infrastructure projects that are designed and renovated by architectural and engineering consultants on behalf of the City of Calgary. This position rounds out the team of internal building engineers and architects to deliver expertise on City of Calgary projects to meet the requirements of the Corporate Accessibility Policy, the Social Well-being Policy and the Access Design Standards. People with lived experience with a disability are encouraged to apply. Primary duties include:

Provide accessibility design reviews, comments, and advice to business unit owners, project managers, and external consultants to ensure projects are on track for meeting the Access Design Standards requirements and the intent of the Policies.
Advise project managers on accessibility best practices throughout project lifecycles, from reviewing planned scope of work and initial design concepts to detailed contract documents.
Conduct site assessments and report on existing infrastructure to assess any barriers for access.
Assist in establishing corporate policies and guidelines on accessibility and technical work which reflect current best practices, codes and policies, technologies, operating cost effectiveness, occupant safety, functional use, and design requirements for service delivery.
Maintain and provide enhancements to the Access Design Standards for City-owned infrastructure.
Identify process gaps and assist in developing tools and processes to support quality accessibility practices.
Provide accessibility advocacy expertise and internal support through education, awareness, and communication across the Corporation for encouraging the advancement of an accessibility culture.
Stay informed of and collect information on emerging accessibility trends and best practices with barrier-free design and serve as a point of contact and a resource for accessibility, responsible for monitoring and advancing universal design research and barrier-free design.
Maintain positive professional relationships with internal and external groups, such as the Advisory Committee on Accessibility, and represent the accessibility team to the industry and within the accessibility community.

Qualifications

A completed 2-year diploma in a design-related field (Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Industrial Design), in a Social Sciences field, or in a related discipline (such as Occupational Therapy or Social Work).
At least 5 years of experience in the field of accessibility and inclusive design principles, with knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, accessibility and barrier-free design standards.
Project-based consultant industry experience in accessibility design and review is considered an asset.
The ability to understand and interpret design and construction drawings and information is required.
Certification with the Rick Hansen Foundation or other accessibility or universal design certification is considered an asset.
Experience with accessibility and universal design best practices and familiarity and use of accessibility standards beyond required building code minimums is an asset.
The successful candidate will possess excellent communication skills for collaboration, networking, and interpersonal relationship management to advocate and enable change for appropriate accessibility outcomes.
Applicants should have demonstrated problem-solving skills within complex situations, constraints, conditions, as well as the ability to take initiative, work independently and operate as a team member.

Pre-employment Requirements

Applicants will be tested for appropriate skills.
Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.

Workstyle

This position may be eligible to work from home for at least part of the time as one of several flexible work options available to City employees. Such arrangements are based on the operational requirements of the position and employee suitability and are subject to change based on operational needs and corporate direction.

Pre-employment Drug Test: An offer of employment for this position will be conditional on an applicant passing a pre-employment drug test. This test assesses for use of drugs including cannabis. Failure to pass a pre-employment drug test may prevent an applicant from being hired into any safety sensitive position for a period of up to twelve months.

Union: CUPE Local 38
Business Unit: Public Spaces Delivery

Position Type: 1 Permanent
Location: 800 Macleod Trail SE

Compensation: Pay Grade 11 $44.76 - 59.84 per hour
Days of Work: This position typically works a 5 day
work week, with 1 day off in each 3 week cycle.

Hours of work: Standard 35 hour work week

Audience: Internal/External
Apply By: July 3, 2025