Bylaw Liaison Officer

Overview

This position responds to inquiries and investigates complaints in relation to municipal bylaw infractions. The primary area of duties for this role will be to action files relating to unsightly premises, noise, and boulevard maintenance, in addition to investigating zoning violation files as needed.

• Conduct regulatory inspections and monitor compliance of regulated activities to determine compliance with applicable bylaws:
  • Inspect existing living quarters, businesses, and trades operations to determine compliance with zoning, building, health and related bylaws.
  • Inspect, observe, and gather evidence in order to initiate appropriate progressive enforcement of related bylaws and regulations.
• Provide a high level of customer service excellence while investigating complaints and responding to inquiries from the public, businesses, and other City departments and outside agencies.
• Actively conduct Inspections on both a complaint and proactive basis.
• Prepare, maintain, and organize bylaw enforcement inspection reports and records for all completed inspections sufficient to the requirements of the department.
• Participate in legal action proceedings including preparing legal documentation and gathering and giving evidence in court.
• Liaise with a variety of internal and external contacts such as other Municipal departments, the RCMP, Richmond Fire and Rescue, Vancouver Coastal Health, related Federal and Provincial Agencies and the local community in interpreting and explaining applicable City policies, bylaws and initiatives.
• Make recommendations for bylaw amendments.
• Participate in and/or promote the community bylaw function in various community and City initiatives.

• Considerable knowledge of relevant sections of the bylaws and regulations related to municipal operations such as zoning, unsightly premises, signs, nuisance and other related bylaws, provincial statues, court procedures, rules of evidence, other applicable Acts and related provincial statues.
• Knowledge of the Canadian legal system, court procedures, rules of evidence, related federal acts and provincial statutes.
• Ability to conduct inspections and investigations, interpret and enforce various bylaws and apply the legal processes for progressive bylaw enforcement in a manner that reflects dignity and respect to all involved through the promotion of voluntary compliance and excellent customer service.
• Compose reports, letters, educational materials, bylaw amendments and legal documents.
• Interpret and apply the intent of regulatory instruments using sound, fair and reasonable judgement.
• Ability to communicate effectively, diffuse hostility, determine personal/public risk and take appropriate action, when required.
• Ability to manage a varied case load and multiple files simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and seek direction when necessary.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to use Richmond Enterprise Document Management System (REDMS) or a similar Records Management System.
• Skilled in the use of software applications and programs required for the work, such as Tempest and Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to successfully clear a Police Information Check (PIC).

• Completion of job related coursework such as bylaw enforcement, inspections, conflict resolution and/or investigations equivalent to a (1) one-year post-secondary program supplemented by a minimum of two (2) years of related experience is required. An equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience may be considered.
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence for the Province of British Columbia with a safe driving history.
• Completion of Bylaws Compliance, Enforcement and Investigative Skills Certificate (JIBC) is preferred.
• A second language is considered an asset.
• Must be willing to work a flex time schedule which will include weekend shifts.

The work is performed in an environment that involves conducting property inspections without foreknowledge of potential hazards. Required to enter hazardous environments and areas while working in a safe manner. Some exposure to abusive or threatening behaviours. Inspections and investigations are usually done outside in various conditions. Required to operate a vehicle on a regular basis, usually within the municipality.