Job ID #30995: Building Inspector I (Periodic)

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

• Job ID #30995: Building Inspector I (Periodic)


• Union: CUPE Local 5167


• Job Description ID #: 211


• Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on May 7, 2025
  


• Duration: 18 Months
  This posting is for all current & upcoming full-time vacancies for the period of May 8, 2025 - November 8, 2025.  


• Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
  
  
  

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reporting to Supervisors of Building Inspections, performs inspection and reports on buildings to enforce Provincial legislations and Municipal by-laws.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Attend properties and construction sites within the municipality and performs inspections; enforces the Building Code Act/Regulations and applicable municipal By-laws and Codes for the following categories:


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  • Core Inspection Duties
  
  
  • All Permits within the House Qualification (OBC Part 9)
  
  
  • All Permits within the Small Buildings Qualification (OBC Part 9)
  
  
  • Up to 6 Storey Buildings within Large or Small Building Qualifications (OBC Part 3 & 9)
  
  
  • Farm Buildings with a gross floor area of > 600m2
  
  
  • Signs, Tents, and Stages
  
  
  • Additional Dwelling Unit Permits
  
  
  • Demolitions of Buildings within the Small Buildings Qualification (OBC Part 9)
  
  
  • Additions with a gross floor area of > 25m2
  
  
  • Sewage Systems
  
  
  • Enforcement of the Swimming Pool Enclosure Bylaw
  
  
  • Loans Program
  
  
  • Unsafe Buildings
  
  
  • Any core inspection duties listed in Building Inspector II job description
  
  
  
  


• Proactively attends properties and construction sites and performs inspections, enforces Building Code Act/Regulations and applicable municipal By-laws and Codes.


• Issue Orders to Comply, and other applicable enforcement measures under the Building Code Act/Regulations, Zoning By-law, Property Standards By-law, Licensing Code, and Swimming Pool Enclosure By-law.


• Attend, investigate, and provide professional and expert judgement on determination of potentially unsafe buildings related to the primary job functions and issue Unsafe Orders where required.


• Liaise with the Hamilton Police Service, Public Health Services, Fire Department, Health Canada, Utility agencies and other outside agencies.


• Conduct sewage system maintenance inspections and enforce the prescribed standards for various sewage maintenance programs.


• Order Environmental Audits under the Illegal Marijuana Grow Operations By-Law and analyze same for detailed remediation protocol and compliance.


• Ability to make in field decisions in determining where materials and methods of construction meet the approved standards.


• Assess repair estimates; make recommendations and follow up.


• Attends sites and perform inspections; enforce the Building Code Act, Municipal Act and applicable by-laws and Codes to ensure fitness for habitation.


• Prepare damage reports and oversee permit for reconstruction for unsafe buildings. Ensure as constructed work complies with the Ontario Building Code and other applicable law.


• Inspect structures designated for demolition. Recommend fitness for habitation.


• Investigate and analyze building services for non-compliance and/or alterations and determine appropriate remedial action.


• Communicate, and co-ordinate with all internal and external stakeholders including but not limited to, all City Departments, Contractors, Architects, Engineers, Lawyers, other Regulatory Agencies and the Public with issues relating to interpretation of Ontario Building Code, Zoning By-Laws, accepted construction practices, regulations and procedures.


• Conducts all duties responsibly, addressing risk management issues, thereby minimizing exposure to personal and municipal liability.


• Liaise with the Plan Examination section to act as technical inspection expert for all buildings within the Ontario Building Code, namely but not limited to those referenced above, covering Fire Protection, Life Safety, Plumbing, HVAC and On-site Sewage Systems.


• Determine that materials and methods of construction meet approved standards.


• Receive and answer inquiries from public, staff, contractors, architects, engineers, lawyers and realtors.


• Advise owners and building engineers/plans examiners on procedures and regulations where deviations or revisions have occurred after issuance of building permits.


• Prepare and provide reports and evidence for Building Code Commission and Local Planning Appeal Tribunal hearings and court for enforcement of Building Code regulations.


• Summarize records and documents; represent the Municipality in at appeal hearings and Public/Committee meetings.


• Conduct inspections to qualify buildings under the Ontario Renovates Program, and Downtown Renewal, prepare construction schedules, and work with licensed trades to complete work.


• Lead peer-to-peer site inspections with divisional colleagues for the purposes of awareness, learning and development.


• Prepare reports and briefs such as demolition reports, property standard appeal briefs, crown briefs, compose correspondence, compile statistics.


• Receive and answer inquiries from public, staff, contractors, architects, engineers, lawyers and realtors.


• Maintain and update accurate records of inspection information.


• Schedule appointments for site inspections.


• Complete time sheets.


• Input data: search and update property files and generate monthly reports.


• Review and verify architectural, mechanical and structural drawings, specifications, engineering reports, and legal documents.


• Summarize records and documents; represent the Municipality in court; appeal hearings and Public/Committee meetings.


• Attend training.


• Serve summonses pursuant to the Provincial Offences Act.


• Work in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.


• Maintain safety precautions to avoid compromising situations.


• Safe operation of vehicles in adherence to the City’s Fleet Policies.


• Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.


• Standby duty assigned with Complex Building Ministry qualification.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. The ability to inspect buildings/structures normally acquired by a Community College graduate from an Architectural or Civil Engineering Technology Program or University graduate from an Architectural or Civil Degree Program.


2.  Eligible for OBOA Certification (Ontario Building Officials Association).


3.  A minimum of four years of experience as a Building Official which includes at least of two years as a Municipal building inspector, or similar site inspection experience in the private sector, related to construction regulated by the Ontario Building Code. Candidates with a combination of equivalent work experience in design, review, and construction may be considered.


4. Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.


5. The ability to inspect buildings, investigate and analyze reports and determine infractions to the Building Code Act/Regulation, applicable municipal By-laws and Codes. The ability to review and verify various types of drawings, specifications, engineering reports and legal documents.


6. The ability to act independently, with strong problem solving and decision-making skills.


7. The ability to deal effectively with co-workers, contractors, architects, engineers, lawyers, agencies and the public.


8. Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and coach Building Inspector I staff. The ability to enforce regulations with firmness, consistency, tact and courtesy in field inspection work.


9. The ability to make ‘judgement calls’ and ‘alternative measures’ decisions as needed when making on-site decisions pertaining to the Building Code, by-law acceptability, interpretation and equivalencies.


10. Must possess numerical aptitude and computer literacy skills.


11. Must possess the following Ministry qualifications: General Legal/Process, House, HVAC House, Plumbing House Small Buildings, Building Services, Building Structural, Plumbing – All Buildings, On-Site Sewage Systems and therefore eligible to be appointed as an inspector under the Ontario Building Code Act.


12. Within 6 months the successful candidate must obtain qualification in the following categories:
    
    
    
    1. Large Buildings
    
    
    2. Detection, Lighting & Power
    
    
    
    


13. Previous experience in environmental auditing and mold remediation protocol would be considered an asset.


14. Must possess a Class "G" Licence.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VALID CLASS "G" DRIVER’S LICENCE AND PROOF THEREOF IS REQUIRED AFTER HIRE.

NOTE 1:

As a condition of employment, the successful candidate(s) will be required to obtain a satisfactory Criminal Reference Check at their own expense, prior to beginning work in this position.

Disclaimer:

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms:

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship.  If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.