Development Compliance Officer

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for one (1) temporary, term (up to 18 months) Development Compliance Officers with Planning & Development.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality's core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Reporting to the Principal Planner, the Development Compliance Officer is responsible for conducting investigations into alleged regulatory violations that fall under the mandate of Planning and Development, including but not limited to land use, subdivision, grade alteration, right of way permits, and general construction permits. The investigation process includes complaint response, conducting inspections, research, follow-up, maintaining files and facilitating possible dispute resolutions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Educates and provides information to the public regarding municipal legislation.
• Interprets and enforces legislation.
• Conducts investigations regarding alleged by-law violations and Halifax Regional Municipality Charter violations.
• Documents appropriate case file information while conducting investigations.
• Receives, reviews and makes recommendations on extension requests from property owners.
• Ensures public compliance with municipal by-laws through negotiation, education, issuance of tickets, laying of charges and preparing and serving Orders.
• Enters private property to conduct land use investigations and determine if zoning violations exists (ie. illegal units, illegal businesses).
• Consults with Development Officers, Development Engineers and planning staff regarding investigations and applicable by-laws, development agreements, planning applications, etc.
• Attends site meetings with contractors and identifies violations to be removed.
• Manages and supervises contract services in the remedy of violations.
• Issues "Orders" or "Notices" and reports as required by HRM By-laws and Halifax Charter.
• Provides case file information and status updates through oral or written communication.
• Lays charges before the courts (long form information) or issuance of Summary Offence Tickets (SOT) to individuals who violated HRM by-laws or HRM Charter.
• Compiles evidence for the appointed Administrator and/or Municipal Solicitor.
• Represents HRM as a witness in prosecution proceedings.
• Makes recommendations on enforcement files through written reports.
• Liaises with HRM Legal, other business units and individuals related to the enforcement of municipal by-laws.
• Serves summons and legal documents.
• Prepares and serves warrants.
• Attends Court as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in business administration, social sciences or related field or a graduate of a police training program
• Three (3) years' experience working in an enforcement or regulatory environment. Experience with investigations and laying charges through long form information or summary offence tickets is considered an asset.
• Minimum two (2) years' experience in customer service.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience with database software.
• Valid Nova Scotia Class 5 Driver's License

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to effectively deal promptly with conflict and stressful situations with tact and diplomacy using good judgment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make sound decisions which impact public safety.
• Above average abilities in communications (both orally and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make decisions relative to urgency and importance and public scrutiny.
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate a multitude of tasks and responsibilities.
• Good observation, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated organizational and administrative abilities.
• Knowledge of standard office software and technology including Microsoft Office Suite, POSSE and Hansen or similar systems.
• Knowledge of proper witness interview techniques and how to gather and present evidence.
• Knowledge of municipal by-laws and Halifax Regional Charter considered an asset.
• Knowledge of quality customer service principles.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer's discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity, Visioning, Strategic Thinking & Innovation

WORK STATUS: One (1) Temporary, Term Positions (up to 18 months)

HOURS OF WORK: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available

SALARY: Level 8, $39.63 per hour, as per the NSGEU 222 Collective Agreement

WORK LOCATION: 3rd Floor Duke Tower (5251 Duke St, Halifax)

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 PM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026

This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link; Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

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