Legal | Bylaw Officer - FT

POSITION FUNCTION

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, government agencies, and non-profits to ensure compliance with bylaws and other regulatory requirements.

KEY DUTIES

• 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.

INDEPENDENCE

• Work is generated through complaints and enquiries, proactive patrols or is assigned by Supervisor or Senior Bylaw Officers.
• Work is reviewed through reports and discussions with Supervisor or Senior Bylaw Officer.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Effort:

• Walk on inspection route 3 km. (often)
• Lift and move medium weight materials. (occasional)

Mental Effort:

• Navigate conflicts, negative comments, and emotionally charged situations. (frequent)

Visual/Auditory Effort:

• Normal.

Work Environment:

• Office.
• Work outside in all weather conditions. (frequent)
• Work in an environment where protective measure must be taken to avoid exposure to unpleasant odours, waste products, noise and other hazardous materials. (frequent)
• Exposure to potentially abusive people.  (frequent)
• Enter derelict buildings. (occasional)

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Formal Education, Training and Occupational Certification:

• 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)
• 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)
• Current and valid Class 5 B.C. Driver’s Licence.
• Required to obtain a vulnerable sector criminal record clearance.

Experience:

• 3 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

OTHER:

• May be requested to substitute in a more senior position.