Bylaw Compliance Officer

The Municipality of North Cowichan (population 31,900) is located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Southern Vancouver Island, between Nanaimo and Victoria. Our communities of Chemainus, Crofton, Maple Bay, and the South End are home to a multitude of artistic, cultural and outdoor recreational activities. The Municipality provides a stable and varied work environment, competitive pay and benefits.

As a part of Council's Safer Community Plan initiative, in conjunction with the other duties outlined below, this position will assist in addressing public safety concerns throughout the established Safety Corridor.

Reporting to the Manager, Bylaw and Business Licensing Services, this position will be responsible for following:

- conducting enforcement activities in an effective, efficient manner, conforming to the Municipality's policies and procedures;
- liaise and coordinate with the Manager, Bylaw and Business Licensing Services, other members of the Bylaw Services Team, Building, Planning and other staff on bylaw enforcement matters;
- represent the Municipality in court on bylaw enforcement matters;
- assist other departments in developing, updating and reviewing bylaws and regulations;
- investigating complaints received;
- working within the Municipality's policies, procedures, and practices to suggest alternative methods of complying with bylaws where difficult or controversial situations arise; and
- prepare reports and correspondence on issues, concerns and projects.

Required Skills, Qualifications, and Abilities:

- Completion of Grade 12.
- Minimum five (5) years of experience as a Bylaw Enforcement Officer with local government with Bylaw Compliance, Enforcement and Investigative Skills level one certification from the Justice Institute of BC, or previous Peace Officer work and training (an equivalent combination of experience and education will be accepted); combined with considerable experience explaining bylaw provisions to the public, conducting detailed investigations, and collecting of information, evidence, fees, and/or witness statements.
- Possession and maintenance of a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's License; a satisfactory current driver's abstract will be required.
- Knowledge of local government functions and legislation.
- Knowledge of adjudication process as it relates to bylaw matters.
- Training and experience dealing with difficult and angry persons in an enforcement atmosphere and the ability to diffuse hostility.
- Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written including the ability to write and present clear and concise reports.
- Ability to work independently, exercise discretion and sound judgment.
- Ability to deal with complaints of a highly sensitive nature.
- Ability to deal tactfully, firmly, and fairly with the public and deal professionally with community leaders, other government agencies and officials, and municipal staff.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office, Outlook, GIS and records management systems (Tempest).
- Ability to connect the public with available resources, services, information, and assistance to vulnerable citizens experiencing homelessness, addiction or mental health challenges with compassion while conveying expectations for civil conduct and encouraging voluntary compliance.
- Some knowledge of the philosophy and principles of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design.
- Ability to operate a bicycle in traffic and on pathways.

The following certificates and experience are considered an asset:
Level 2 Bylaw Compliance, Enforcement and Investigative Skills Certificate from the Justice Institute of BC; experience conducting fire inspections and/or investigations including LAFC training; experience issuing municipal tickets; completion of a local government leadership development program and conflict resolution or equivalent; experience as a Building Official, especially with respect to conducting secondary suite inspections. Any directly related clinical experience working in crisis response and homeless outreach.

This is a unionized position (CUPE Local 358) and the collective agreement may be viewed on our website.