Manager of Building Services - Chief Building Official

the Town of the Blue Mountains•Thornbury, ON

8d•CA$125,596 - CA$146,920•Onsite

About The Position

The Town of The Blue Mountains is seeking a Manager of Building Services & Chief Building Official to lead and oversee the Building Services Division. This role is responsible for the effective administration, enforcement, and interpretation of the Building Code Act, Ontario Building Code, and related legislation, standards, and municipal by-laws. The position ensures the delivery of building permit review, inspection, and regulatory enforcement services to protect public safety and ensure legal compliance, while promoting efficient and customer-focused service. As Chief Building Official, the role exercises statutory authority, provides expert guidance to internal and external stakeholders, leads division staff, supports operational and financial planning, and contributes to continuous improvement and corporate priorities. This is a full-time permanent opportunity.

Requirements

Three-year diploma in Architecture, Engineering Technology, or equivalent.
Certification and registration as a Certified Building Code Official (Ontario Building Officials Association) or approved equivalent.
Civil Engineering Technologist designation (OACETT) or approved equivalent.
Must maintain required Building Code qualifications, including: Powers and Duties of CBO, House, Small Buildings, Large Buildings, Complex Buildings, Plumbing House, Plumbing – All Buildings, On-Site Sewage, HVAC House, Building Services, Building Structural.
Minimum of ten (10) years of related experience, including at least five (5) years as a Municipal Building Official.
Extensive knowledge of the Ontario Building Code Act and Regulations, Fire Code, Planning Act, Property Standards By-law, and applicable federal and provincial legislation.
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing teams.
Strong ability to interpret legislation, apply sound judgement, and make consistent, defensible decisions in a regulatory environment.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders and deliver a high standard of customer service.
Proven ability to manage competing priorities, complex issues, and regulatory risk in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Post-secondary education in Business or Public Administration is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Leads, manages, and oversees the operations of the Building Services Division, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities, service standards, and legislative requirements.
Provides leadership, direction, and supervision to Building Division staff, including workload assignment, performance management, mentoring, and staff development.
Ensures staff maintain required qualifications and registrations under provincial regulation and supports ongoing professional development.
Develops, implements, and maintains operational policies, procedures, and service level standards for the division.
Promotes a positive, collaborative, and respectful work environment and contributes to corporate initiatives.
Administers and enforces the Building Code Act, Ontario Building Code, and applicable law, including zoning, property standards, and related legislation.
Acts as the Chief Building Official and authority having jurisdiction, including identifying unsafe buildings and initiating actions required to protect public safety.
Exercises authority over life safety systems, including fire routes, alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and related components regulated under applicable standards.
Ensures all services are delivered in accordance with legislated requirements and regulatory timelines.
Oversees building permit application intake, plans review, inspections, and permit issuance in accordance with legislated timelines and requirements.
Reviews plans and specifications for compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulations.
Conducts inspections and ensures compliance with approved plans to support life safety and structural integrity of buildings.
Issues notices, orders, and enforcement actions as required under the Building Code Act.
Investigates and responds to complaints, inquiries, and building code violations, and determines appropriate actions to achieve compliance.
Prepares documentation for legal proceedings, provides evidence in court, and directs matters to municipal prosecution as required.
Provides technical advice and guidance to Fire Services, Municipal Law Enforcement, Short-Term Accommodation Officers, and other departments on building code and life safety matters.
Provides guidance to Water/Wastewater Services and related staff regarding by-law enforcement and regulatory compliance.
Administers and enforces municipal by-laws related to building activity, including zoning and swimming pool by-laws.
Supports the review of planning applications, including site plans, zoning, Official Plan, and minor variances, to ensure building code compliance.
Provides interpretation and written responses regarding occupancy, compliance, zoning, and applicable law.
Liaises with internal departments, consultants, designers, and the building industry to provide guidance on regulatory requirements and processes.
Responds to inquiries from property owners, the public, and stakeholders in a professional and timely manner.
Leads customer service excellence by ensuring consistent, clear, and responsive communication.
Prepares and delivers educational materials and resources to support public awareness and understanding of regulatory requirements.
Oversees the calculation, collection, and receipt of building permit and related fees.
Determines and applies Development Charges in consultation with Finance and external agencies.
Assists in the preparation, monitoring, and administration of the Division’s operating and capital budgets.
Monitors revenues, cost recovery, and reserve funds in collaboration with the Corporate & Financial Services Department.
Issues entrance permits and oversees related approvals and inspections.
Oversees water meter issuance, records, and fee collection processes.
Supervises the preparation of reports, including monthly building activity reports and submissions to Statistics Canada and MPAC.
Attends Committee and Council meetings as required and provides subject matter expertise.
Ensures compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements and promotes safe work practices within the Division.
Maintains awareness of risks related to regulatory enforcement and operational activities and takes appropriate action.
Maintains current knowledge of legislation, regulations, standards, and industry best practices through continuous professional development.
Identifies and supports service improvements, process efficiencies, and modernization initiatives.