HomeMy Public PortalAboutFire Inspector-Building Official_Job Description_Community Development_October 2017
Municipality of the District of
Chester
Position Description
Position Title: Fire Inspector/Building Official
Salary Band: Middle Manager/Coordinator
Reports to: Director of Community Development
Status: Regular Full Time
Location: Municipal Complex (186 Central Street and 151 King Street), subject to
change
Hours: Normally 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., overtime may be required
Updated: October 2017
SCOPE
This position has primary responsibility for administering the municipal Fire Inspection program,
including the enforcement of the Nova Scotia Fire Safety, as well as all applicable provincial
regulations, municipal by-laws and certain provincial statutes.
As a qualified Building Official, they will perform technical inspection duties, permitting and
enforcement of building codes, fire codes, regulations, municipal by-laws and policies within the
Municipality of the District of Chester (MODC) and any partners with which we share services. The
incumbent is responsible for inspecting properties and materials for compliance with plans and
specifications, and to ensure compliance of federal and provincial codes, ordinance and regulations,
involving new and existing structures.
The position is also responsible for coordinating with other departments and ensure enforcement
and compliance with municipal by-laws. This includes administering the Unsightly Premise By-law,
investigating citizen complaints, code enforcement, enforcement of municipal by-laws and
provincial regulations.
OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER LEGISLATION
1) The Municipality of the District of Chester is committed to workplace safety and all
employees are expected to actively participate in the Municipality’s Occupational Health and
Safety Policy and Program and Occupational Health and Safety Legislation as well as
Regulations of the Province of Nova Scotia.
Building-Fire Inspector – Job Description (continued) 2
2) The Municipality of the District of Chester complies with the Employment Legislation of
Nova Scotia and all employees are also expected to act in accordance to the appropriate
Legislation as well.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
1) High School Diploma.
2) Minimum Level 1 certification as a Nova Scotia Fire Inspector through FIANS.
3) Qualified as a CBO Level I through the Nova Scotia Building Officials Association.
4) Experience in Fire Inspection, two years preferred, or related experience
5) Some experience working in the construction industry would be considered an asset.
6) By-law Enforcement experience would be considered an asset
Skills/Knowledge/Competencies
1) Working knowledge of the Nova Scotia Fire Safety Act.
2) Working knowledge of National Building Code.
3) Ability to read and interpret provincial legislation, regulations, municipal by-laws and policy.
4) Ability to read and interpret construction drawings.
5) Ability to write concise and complete reports.
6) Ability to work with limited supervision, high level of sound and independent judgment,
reasoning and discretion.
7) Ability to coordinate case file management.
8) Outstanding interpersonal skills including
a) Exceptional communication skills (listening, written and oral);
b) Ability to work effectively with a variety of people;
c) Ability to effectively deal with conflict and difficult situations;
9) Strong analytical and decision-making skills, including ability to make decisions relative to
urgency and importance.
10) Proficient in use of computers, including MS Office/Office 365, and comfortable learning
new computer software programs such as permit tracking, electronic records management
software
Other Requirements
1) Possess a valid Class 3 Nova Scotia Driver’s License with no restrictions.
2) Qualify for membership in the Nova Scotia Building Officials Association.
3) Must be eligible to obtain a Special Constable Appointment.
4) WHMIS, Emergency First Aid, Basic Fall Protection training and other safety related training
as required by Provincial Regulation or Municipal Policy.
Building-Fire Inspector – Job Description (continued) 3
SUMMARY OF FUNCTION
1) Responsible for administering and enforcing the Nova Scotia Fire Safety Act and the
National Fire Code, including:
a) Conducting Fire Inspections, completing all related documentation and reporting;
b) Complete inspection checklist based on the relevant by-laws, policies and procedures.
c) Assist Provincial Fire Marshal’s Office on Fire Inspections.
d) Review plans as related to the Provincial Building Code and the National Fire Code.
2) National Building Code, Nova Scotia Building Code Act, Nova Scotia Building Code
Regulations, including:
a) Reviewing building permit applications and plans for compliance with regulations;
b) Issue building permits, demolition permits and occupancy permits as appropriate;
c) Conduct site inspections of residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial
construction for code compliance and provide direction to remedy any non-
compliance;
d) Advising customers on the process and procedures for obtaining building permits;
e) Preparation of related correspondence and reports;
f) Issue various orders; stop work, cease occupancy, etc. as required under by-law
provisions;
g) Maintain an accurate record of inspections;
h) Adherence to municipal enforcement policies and procedures in investigating and
remedying non-compliance.
3) Deliver Orders and Summary Offence Tickets when required.
4) Documentation and Correspondence: Maintains thorough and accurate records of all
activities. Prepares and submits on timely basis, daily logs and other appropriate
reports, based on functions being performed. Sends appropriate reports to property
contacts, owners, tenants, or authorities. Stands prepared to offer testimony and
documentation in court as required.
5) Coordinate the enforcement and administration of by-law complaints with other
departments, including:
a) Educate and provide information to the public regarding Municipal By-Laws and
enforce Municipal By-Laws in order to ensure a safe environment for community
members. By-laws include, but are not limited to, Outdoor Burning By-law, Noise By-
law, Solid Waste Collection By-law.
b) Conduct site assessments regarding alleged By-Law violations and Municipal
Government Act (MGA) violations.
c) Discuss by-law requirements with involved parties and attempt to reach an
understanding and obtain voluntary compliance.
Building-Fire Inspector – Job Description (continued) 4
d) Document appropriate case file information while conducting site assessment and
maintain detailed records
e) Investigate By-Law offences to prepare for court proceedings and other dispositions of
the matters.
f) Lay charges before the courts (long form information), issue Summary Offence Tickets
(SOT) or Municipal By-Law Tickets to individuals who violate Municipal By-Laws.
6) Primary responsibility for administering the Municipality Unsightly and Dangerous
Premises Policy pursuant to the Municipal Government Act and all relevant policy.
7) Provide reports, affidavits, and other related documentation for legal proceedings.
8) Serve as a resource to the general public or to individuals in the building industry,
accessing and distributing technical information.
9) Public Education: Prepares and presents various fire safety topics, fire drills, and
emergency planning to groups of all ages. Participates in related special events as
directed. Develops partnerships with Community and Groups.
10) Prepare and present statistical reports, requests for direction/decision, and annual
reports.
11) Provide advice and assistance to contractors, developers, general public, By-Law
enforcement personnel, Municipal Council, other Departments and senior
administration.
12) Respond to customer complaints and/or queries; provide high quality customer
service.
13) Review established policies and procedures and make recommendations for changes
and improvements, as necessary.
14) Work with the Animal Control Officer, and provide advice, guidance and assistance as
necessary, including providing support for the Fences and Arbitration Committee.
15) Coordinate the kennel inspection program.
Accountabilities
1) Remain current with new codes, building and construction technology, industry
changes, including building regulations and polices.
2) Maintain a basic knowledge of relevant municipal by-laws and policies including Land
Use By-laws.
3) Use personal protective clothing and equipment as required by Safe Work Practices.
4) Daily use of a computer to input inspection data and to communicate with other staff
and external clients, develop correspondence and reports Maintains clear and accurate
digital and paper records.
5) Attends accredited continuing education programs to maintain good standing with
compulsory associations as required.
Building-Fire Inspector – Job Description (continued) 5
CONTACTS
1) Contractors, Consultants, etc.
2) Members of Council and Staff
3) Provincial Officials, including the Provincial Fire Marshal’s Office
4) General Public
5) Designers, Architects, Engineers, etc.
6) Municipal Solicitor
7) Building and Unsightly Premises Committee
8) RCMP