Bylaw Officer

The Corporation of The City of Victoria • Victoria, BC

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Victoria is growing its Community Safety, Wellbeing, & Partnership team and adding up to 9 more Bylaw Officers to the team. Upon hire, this group will work in our Community Safety and Bylaw Services team, with the potential to work in the Investigative, Patrol, or Feet on the Street unit as needed. This role supports our council priorities and is integral to the community, helping create a safe and vibrant city.

Bylaw Officers investigate complaints and respond to inquiries regarding municipal bylaws and related provincial statutes. They promote voluntary compliance through education and awareness, and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with City bylaws, taking administrative and prosecutorial action when necessary. By providing a visible and proactive presence, Bylaw Officers address issues of public disorder and unsheltered homelessness, supporting vulnerable populations while upholding bylaws. Officers collaborate with other City departments, various government agencies, and non-profits to ensure compliance with bylaws and other regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience working with a diverse community with a trauma informed approach comparable to social services and community partners.
• Excellent report writing and documentation skills, with attention to detail and professionalism
• Well-developed analytical and critical thinking skills
• A positive attitude, emotional intelligence, and a genuine willingness to learn and grow
• The ability to work well within a team
• First Aid or willingness to participate in training
• High School Graduation
• Accredited courses in regulatory/public administration, conflict resolution, communications, community outreach, mental health, addictions, public safety or related discipline. (1 year)
• Maintain current De-escalation and Use of force Certification. (annual re-certification)
• Current and valid Class 5 B.C. Driver’s Licence.
• Required to obtain a vulnerable sector criminal record clearance.
• 3 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrates a human-centred, trauma-informed approach in all interactions and situations.
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, writing and documentation skills
• Ability to collaborative within a dynamic team and ability to confidently contribute innovative and diverse ideas.
• Strong sense of accountability for self and others.
• Demonstrated ability to be adaptable in a dynamic work environment
• Ability to work independently with a proactive, self-driven approach
• Understand and apply the techniques of bylaw enforcement, related legislation and regulations and policies for purpose of bylaw enforcement and investigative procedures.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Working level operation of MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and related specialty software.

Nice To Haves

• Level 1 Bylaw Compliance, Enforcement, and Investigative Skills Certificate considered an asset. (12 weeks)
• Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) level 1 or higher. (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned case files, prioritize tasks, promote voluntary compliance through outreach, education and advice, and initiate sanctions, prosecution, or remedial actions as needed to enforce compliance with the City bylaws.
• Provide excellent customer service by investigating complaints and responding to inquiries with a focus on problem solving and collaborating on solutions.
• Collaborate with community partners to support vulnerable citizens (unsheltered, mental health or substance use challenges) with tact and where appropriate ensure Bylaw compliance.
• Develop community partnerships and initiate appropriate referrals to resources that are available in the community.
• Actively participate in the Feet on the Street Program, engaging with downtown businesses, residents, tourists, and people in the community.
• Collect evidence and statements for court prosecutions, including but not limited to obtaining warrants under the Community Charter and the Offence Act.
• Administer business license program by approving new licenses and temporary changes to liquor licenses, monitoring businesses for bylaw compliance and providing information to business owners.
• Support the licensing process for the Short-Term Rental program and support lawful owners/operators with information. Investigate, seek voluntary compliance, and conduct enforcement in relation to the relevant bylaws.
• Write and serve Municipal Ticket Informations, prepare Offence Act Informations, serve summonses, attend court as a witness, and follow up on court orders.
• Maintain detailed notes and documentation to support all Bylaw investigations, prosecutions and legal proceedings.
• Collaborate with other City Departments to assist them in achieving their policy objectives through education, outreach, inspection, investigation, and enforcement as required.
• Manage and follow-up on administrative and remedial actions on behalf of the City.
• Perform related duties where qualified.

Benefits

• 1 month of paid training upon start followed by ongoing training to set you up for success including safety skills, non-violent crisis intervention, and introduction to file investigations.
• Mentorship program
• A comprehensive pension and benefits package
• Employee recreation pass eligibility
• Discounted BC Transit annual pass eligibility
• Career development and advancement opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED