Job Description

The Municipality of North Cowichan (population 31,900) is located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, between Nanaimo and Victoria. Our communities of Chemainus, Crofton, Maple Bay, and the South End are home to a multitude of artistic, cultural, and outdoor recreational activities. The Municipality provides a stable and varied work environment, competitive pay, and benefits.


The Municipality of North Cowichan invites applications from experienced candidates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position of Chief Building Inspector. If you are self-motivated, looking to take on a new challenge where you can make a difference, enjoy both responsibility and accountability with one of British Columbia's most inclusive and environmentally conscious municipalities, we look forward to receiving your application!


Under the direction of the Director, Planning and Building, the Chief Building Inspector provides leadership, guidance and oversight to division staff ensuring exceptional customer service, building construction oversight and budgetary control. The Chief Building Inspector performs highly skilled technical inspections and regulatory work of a complex nature.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Supervises and directs building inspection staff; ensures policies and procedures are adhered to; plans, schedules, assigns, and monitors work; provides performance feedback, identifies, and recommends training and may participate in staff selection and deal with performance issues. Undertakes all duties associated with building and plumbing inspections of a wide range of urban, semi-urban, and rural residential and commercial developments during the various stages of construction, alteration, and repair. Ensure compliance with all regulatory codes, guidelines, and bylaws. Coordinates the review and inspection of industrial, commercial, public, and residential projects during the course of construction, determining conformity with approved plans and applicable sections of related Codes, business license requirements, bylaws, Acts, regulations, and standards. Oversees and provides technical assistance on complex problems including reviewing plans, inspecting construction of large and/or complex buildings and inspecting existing buildings to determine upgrading requirements. Directs processing of information, discussing proposed and ongoing design and construction with relevant professionals and the general public; initiating correspondence and reports, communicating with other departments and/or regulatory agencies to ensure all documentation is received and approved; communicates deficiencies to applicants to ensure that corrective steps are taken. Coordinates the inspection of illegal and nonconforming construction, bylaw complaints and infractions ensuring appropriate remedial action is taken. Prepares reports for Council on matters related to building activity and bylaw compliance matters. Works with other departments and divisions to ensure the implementation of safe, efficient, and effective development procedures and policies for new development and redevelopment within the Municipality.

Required Skills, Qualifications, and Abilities:

Possession of an Interprovincial Trades Qualification in Carpentry or Plumbing or a diploma from a recognized technical institute in Building Technology. BOABC Level 3 Certification (i.e., successful completion of the BOABC Level 3 building specialization exams). POABC Level 1 Certification (i.e., successful completion of the POABC Level 1 plumbing specialization exam). A minimum of four (4) years of building design/construction experience; including one (1) year of supervisory experience. Five (5) years of experience in a local government building department performing building/plumbing inspections, or a recognized equivalent of education and experience. Superior knowledge of the BC Building Code (including Part 7), together with a good working knowledge of structural, civil, geotechnical, mechanical, and electrical engineering. In-depth knowledge of Municipal bylaws, Development Permit processes, Official Community Plans, the Board of Variance, Land Title Act, WorkSafeBC and related Federal and Provincial legislation their associated procedures and regulations. In-depth knowledge of building material, construction practices and procedures; H.V.A.C., plumbing systems and sign construction, ability to read and understand plans, blueprints and building construction drawings are essential. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs to complete word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Familiarity with GIS, database software, computer-based information systems for building records and experience Tempest would be considered an asset. Proven project management and report writing skills, to successfully meeting timelines, goals, and objectives. Proven conflict resolution and interpersonal skills and the ability to plan, supervise and review the work of others while operating under a collective agreement. Experience in a political and community service environment and a desire and ability to deal courteously and effectively with elected officials, the general public, residents, staff, other departmental, corporate contacts, businesses, and other levels of government. Possession and maintenance of a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's Licence; a satisfactory current driver's abstract will be required. The position may be physically demanding; candidate must be able to successfully perform all duties associated with the position. A medical certificate attesting to suitability for this position may be required.
Candidates being considered will be required to undergo a comprehensive evaluation of skills, qualifications, and abilities. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a police information check.


A competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package are offered. This position is excluded from union membership.