Senior Building Inspector

City of Niagara Falls•Niagara Falls, ON

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Acts as an appointed building inspector as defined under the Building Code Act (BCA) and conducts inspections for the enforcement of the Ontario Building Code Reg. as amended. This role involves ensuring compliance with the Ontario Building Code, applicable municipal by-laws, referenced standards, and applicable law for various building types, including houses, multi-residential, assembly, institutional, commercial, industrial, accessory buildings, designated structures, and farm buildings. The inspector will also conduct joint inspections with fire prevention officers, inspect public pools, enclosures, tents, stages, and special events structures, and perform occupancy inspections for business and Liquor Licenses. Additionally, the position requires inspecting unsafe or damaged buildings, verifying on-site documentation and construction methods, investigating complaints, preparing inspection reports and orders, and appearing as a witness in legal proceedings. The role also involves monitoring construction under conditional permits, maintaining records, and liaising with various stakeholders.

Requirements

Minimum of a three (3) year college diploma in Architectural or Construction Engineering Technology or related field.
Successfully completed the following Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing courses: General Legal/Process for Inspectors, House, HVAC - House, House – Plumbing, Small Buildings, Large Buildings, Complex Buildings, Plumbing - All Buildings, Building Services, Building Structural, Detection, Lighting and Power.
At least five (5) years of related building inspection experience.
Proficiency in reading and interpretation of drawings, specifications, and other technical documentation.
Working knowledge of applicable law and database software such as Land Manager and Cityview.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to interpret the various Acts, including but not limited to the Provincial Offences Act, Municipal Act, ability to interpret the Rules of Evidence with the Ontario Court of Justice, Summons’ issuance and courtroom procedure(s).

Responsibilities

Conduct inspections in accordance with Division C - Part 1, Subsection 1.3.5. of the Ontario Building Code for the construction, renovation, extension, material alteration, repair, demolition, and/or change of use for various building types.
Conduct joint inspections with the fire prevention officer to assist with the inspection of fire sprinkler, systems, standpipe system, fire alarm, and other life safety systems.
Conduct inspection of public pools enclosures, tents, stages, and special events structures.
Conduct occupancy Inspections for business and Liquor Licenses.
Conduct inspections of unsafe buildings and/or buildings damaged by natural disasters, fire, accidents, or severe/inclement weather to assess damage and condition of building(s) to determine the appropriate remedial action and issue applicable orders.
Verify that the on-site documentation, materials, method of construction and conditions satisfy the design specifications, meet approved standards and are in compliance with the Ontario Building Code.
Investigate complaints regarding contraventions of the Ontario Building Code and applicable law, and issue Orders for construction without a permit.
Prepare detailed, accurate inspection reports, and generate deficiency lists for the applicant, consultant or contractor.
Review consultants’ field reports for accuracy and completeness and to be filed with the General Clerk.
Prepare and issue Orders in accordance with the Ontario Building Code Act and monitor outstanding Orders to ensure timely enforcement within the statute of limitation period.
Appear and give evidence at pre-trial proceedings such as mediation and discoveries and appear before tribunals such as the Building Code Commission.
Prepare reports, briefs, court information or evidence as well as act as a witness in court under the Provincial Offences Act.
Collect evidence, swear information, lay charges, prepare court files, coordinate and assist in prosecution of charges, attend court when necessary to give evidence under oath.
Monitor the construction approved through conditional permits and ensure construction has not exceeded beyond the work specified in the agreement and finalize the process in Land Manager once the approved conditional permit construction phase has been complete for the release of securities.
Maintain records, comprehensive notes of all complaints, investigations and enforcement activities in a records management system and prepare reports regarding Building Code enforcement/inspections matters.
Liaise with municipal departments, outside government bodies, enforcement agencies, consultants, general contractors, and the general public in relation to enforcement issues.
Other duties as assigned.