Property Compliance Inspector

Requisition ID: 42538 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

Reporting to the Manager, Proactive Enforcement, the Property Compliance Inspector is responsible for leading complex interdepartmental investigations and compliance strategies, on residential and commercial sites across the City and investigating infractions of property and other by-laws. As a member of the Development Services, Building & Licensing team, the incumbent will be detail oriented, knowledgeable and experienced with excellent communication skills to ensure by-law compliance within the City of Vancouver.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspecting complex residential and commercial properties for compliance with the Zoning and Development, Health, Noise, Sign, Untidy Premises, Standards of Maintenance, License, and other relevant by-laws
• Develops compliance strategies for complex non-compliant properties
• Encourages compliance to by-laws, explaining to the public, and offering solutions within the framework of the by-laws
• Dealing tactfully with aggressive and difficult people in a firm, fair, impartial manner in the field without supervision
• Uses independent judgement to interpret and apply various by-laws,escalating appropriate issues to the supervisor
• Prepares detailed reports in MS Word and Excel on inspections, retrieves and updates information and records in POSSE, retrieves business license information on Amanda, recommends corrective action where infractions are observed
• Utilizes a risk-informed approach to identify and prioritize complex non-compliant properties
• Consults with appropriate team members before making recommendations on corrective actions
• Conducts follow-up inspections to determine whether infractions have been corrected
• Gives evidence in court cases involving by-law violations
• Prepares sketches of drawings as required relating to compliance with relevant by-laws
• Creates presentations for monthly meetings
• Oversees special projects, tasks as assigned
• Coordinates portfolio areas such as Tactical Team, Vacant Properties, and other strategically relevant functional roles as assigned
• Coordinates with staff from other City departments
• Performs related work as required

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High school graduation required, preferably supplemented by technical courses related to zoning by-laws and building construction
• Diploma in Architectural and Building Technology from a recognized institution is preferred
• Considerable experience in the building trades or property use inspection, or an equivalent combination of training and experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the applicable sections of the Zoning and Development, Noise, Health, Sign, Untidy Premises, Standards of Maintenance, and License and all relevant By-laws and regulations
• Considerable knowledge of the applicable sections of the Building, Electrical, Fire, Plumbing and Gas By-laws
• Experience with and working knowledge of City computer systems including MS Office, POSSE, PRISM Sequel, Amanda and Lagan is an asset.
• Thorough knowledge of the regulations and policies affecting the use and development of various properties
• Considerable knowledge of heating systems, ventilation, drainage, building construction and related factors in building construction
• Ability to work outside in all types of weather, to walk long distances and to climb stairs
• Ability to read and interpret sketches, building and development plans
• Ability to take a variety of noise measurements and document infractions
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and apply discretionary thinking based on sound knowledge of the bylaws while interpreting the organizational priorities as identified by management.
• Ability to exercise high degree of organizational and political sensitivity in the duties performed and be able to demonstrate corporate and professional maturity in daily work situations
• High attention to detail with the ability to prepare complete accurate reports
• Ability to communicate effectively with contractors, home owners, lodging house owners, and business representatives, to discuss existing infractions of various by-laws and methods of correcting these.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts, including the ability to work as a contributing member of a team.
• Ability to make sound decisions as to whether property use meets the requirements of the relevant by-laws and to discuss any alterations necessary to bring the buildings and/or lands into compliance with these by-laws
• Ability to encourage compliance and to enforce by-laws with fairness, impartiality, good judgment and a high level of customer service.

Driver License and Record Checks

• A current and valid BC Driver’s License and safe driving record are required
  • The license must not include any restrictions that would affect the ability to legally and safely carry out job responsibilities
• A Police Record Check is a requirement of this position. A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Development, Buildings & Licensing (1250) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: January 2025 

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-027: $47.62 to $56.27 per hour

Application Close: November 7, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date.

In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.