Building Inspector

 

 

 

Fort Erie bridges big city entrepreneurial opportunities with small-town charm and lifestyle. Quality of life is incomparable with its strong values, a dynamic work environment and easy access to modern amenities complemented by small-town ambience, warmth and welcome. Along with an array of historical sites, natural beauty and beaches, recreational trails, excellent fishing, birding and cycling, and a gateway to Buffalo via the Peace Bridge, Fort Erie has so much to offer!

 

The Town of Fort Erie is a diverse and welcoming community.  Come join our team of dedicated, professional and committed co-workers and put your mark on something that is exciting and rewarding.  We are recruiting people who share our values of teamwork, respect, honesty and commitment.  Our mission is to lead and serve Fort Erie by pursuing opportunities, leveraging partnerships and managing our resources to achieve prosperity.

The Building Inspector will review applications, perform plans review, inspection, enforcement and advisory services in accordance with the Building Code Act, municipal by-laws and other related legislation.

The ideal candidate will have successfully completed their OSSD plus an additional program of over two (2) and up to three (3) years or equivalent (College diploma in a Construction Engineering Technology (CET) program or related field plus minimum Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing qualifications (General Legal/Process, Small Buildings and Plumbing – House). The candidate will also have over two (2) years up to and including three (3) years related experience to obtain Ministry certification and to learn and apply codes and standards. A valid Ontario driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to the Corporation, as well as Basic First Aid and CPR certification, is required.

 

The starting hourly rate for this position is $50.51 and includes a comprehensive health, benefit and pension package.

 

Fort Erie: A Community for Everyone

 

The deadline for receiving applications is 12:00 pm on Friday, September 4, 2026. For more information and to apply for this position please visit www.forterie.ca.

 

The Town of Fort Erie is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodation is available to candidates upon request. We thank all applicants for their interest, only those advancing through the recruitment process will be contacted.  Personal information is collected under the Municipal Act, 2001 to determine employment suitability.

 

Department:             Planning, Building and By-Law Services

Division:                 Building

Reports to:               Chief Building Official

 

Position objective                                   

To review applications, perform plans review, inspection, enforcement and advisory services in accordance with the Building Code Act, municipal by-laws and other related legislation.

 

Duties & Responsibilities

1.    Ensure that permit/licensing applications received by the Town are completed in accordance with the Zoning By-law, Ontario Building Code and other related by-laws and authorities.

2.    Perform plan examination of building permit applications to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code. Review engineering, architectural, mechanical, electrical and structural plans for all classes of buildings within the scope of the Ontario Building Code and other applicable law to ensure compliance.

3.    Perform site inspections to ensure compliance with the building, plumbing and safety provisions of the Building Code Act and Regulations, municipal by-laws and other related legislation, issue orders and/or refer violations to the Chief Building Official and/or Municipal Law Enforcement Officer for enforcement.

4.    Process applications for residential purposes including one- or two-family dwellings, triplexes, townhouses, Stacked townhomes, Small Buildings, and for accessory buildings, demolitions, plumbing and sewer/drain, private swimming pools and farm buildings. 

5.    Provide customer support at the front counter and by telephone regarding building, property and zoning requirements.

6.    Refer commercial, industrial, institutional and large-scale residential applications to the Chief Building Official following acceptance and preliminary review.

7.    Perform fee calculation, zoning check, lot-grading verification, subdivision requirements in addition to plan examination.  Confirm Ontario New Home Warranty registration.  Co-ordinate required approvals from other Town Departments and outside agencies. Issue permits under the Ontario Building Code after conformity with all requirements have been determined.

8.    Provide information to applicants and the public on permit application process and requirements.

9.    Provide information to the public with respect to the Zoning By-law, Ontario Building Code and other related by-laws, authorities, etc.

10. Advise applicants of other authorities having jurisdiction or requirements prior to permit issuance.

11. Liaise/correspond with owners, architects, engineers and designers during the plan review process.

12. Respond to inquiries/provide information to public regarding permits and Ontario Building Code, related by-laws and policies, inspections, fees and charges, zoning and other matters pertaining to planning and building.

13. Co-ordinate required approvals from other Town Departments and outside agencies.

14. Maintain proper records relating to all building inspection processes, which may include site plan, subdivision and on-going permit status.

15. Ensure field work is performed in a manner consistent with the Occupational Health & Safety Act and the Corporation’s Health and Safety Policy.

16. Refer complaints received at the counter to the appropriate department.

17. Act as a witness in court as required.

18. Attend meetings as required.

19. Act in relief of the Chief Building Official if and as required.

20. Operate general office equipment, including computers, scales, etc. and record maintenance.

21. Assist in the preparation of the Chief Building Official’s correspondence.

 

Education & Experience

·         Education (Knowledge) – OSSD plus and additional program of over two (2) and up to three (3) years or equivalent (College diploma in a Construction Engineering Technology (CET) program or related field plus minimum Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing qualifications (General Legal/Process, Small Buildings and Plumbing – House)

·         Basic first aid/CPR

·         Experience & Training – Over two (2) years up to and including three (3) years related experience to obtain Ministry certification and to learn and apply codes and standards

·         Valid Ontario drivers’ license with a driving record acceptable to the Corporation

 

Knowledge

·         Specific and extensive knowledge of the Ontario Building Code Act and accepted construction and plumbing practices

·         Working knowledge of the Planning Act, the Ontario New Home Warranties Act, the Public Utilities Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

·         Technical knowledge of planning and zoning process

·         Technical knowledge of site plan control process

·         Technical knowledge of realty and property acquisition

·         Technical knowledge of project management

·         Technical knowledge of consultant and construction contract supervision

·         Technical knowledge of budgeting and tendering procedures

·         Technical knowledge of computer hardware and software applications, including Microsoft office applications, spreadsheet and database programs.

·         Technical knowledge of GIS (Geographic Information System) is preferred

·         Technical knowledge of applicable statutes and regulations

·         General knowledge of customer service

·         General knowledge of routine office procedures, practices and equipment

 

Skills & Ability

·         Ability to accept direction and complete tasks as assigned with limited supervision

·         Ability to exercise sound judgment and good public relations, interact effectively with internal/external customers

·         Ability to anticipate and solve problems

·         Ability to understand, interpret and remain appraised of changing legislative and regulatory requirements

·         Ability to work independently and in a team setting

·         Ability to examine and interpret construction drawings and specifications

·         Excellent customer service skills

·         Good communication skills

·         Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, HCL Notes, email, word processing and spreadsheet applications

·         Achieve qualification in all categories of inspections as determined by the Ministry of Housing prior to achieving full job rate

 

Supervision of Others

Occasionally performs some direction of others (Builders, contractors, engineers)

 

Work Demands

·         Initiative & Judgement - Assignments are covered by established methods and procedures or standards, however some judgement is required in adapting these guidelines to get the desired result. The exercise of judgement is a normal requirement but is restrained by methods procedures and or standards. Supervisor is available for professional and technical matters and may provide guidance but not solutions. (Judgment is complicated by need to consult with builder, architect and other staff)

·         Mental Effort - Frequent effort (approximately 75% of the time). Concentration is necessary to provide complicated reports, competing multiple demands. Visual and/or listening attention with little choice of action to seek relief required for observation, plans review, report writing driving, listening to clients

·         Physical Effort - Frequent effort (approximately 75% of the time). Activities such as keyboarding, standing at counter, driving, climbing ladders and stairs, kneeling, lifting, pushing/pulling awkward objects using shovel and tape measure

·         Dexterity – Coordination of coarse and fine movements, where speed is a moderate consideration

·         Accountability - Incorrect or inappropriate decisions or actions have serious, usually short-term effects, significant financial implications, embarrassment to the Municipality, reduced service to the public (i.e. rebuild/repair)

·         Safety of Others - Little degree of care required to prevent injury or harm to others

·         Interpersonal Skills – Handle contacts of a difficult or specialized nature, for the discussion and resolution or problems by presenting or obtaining detailed information. (Exposure to behaviourally difficult clients).

·         Disagreeable Conditions – Minor conditions of frequent exposure. (Demanding work, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. Work is performed in office environment and in the field. Occasional exposure when working outdoors - dust/dirt; temperature extremes; inclement weather; travel, accident hazards).