Job Description

The Municipality of North Cowichan (population 31,900) is located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Southern 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.


We are inviting applications from candidates with the proven skills, qualifications and abilities for the position of Senior 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!


Reporting to the Chief Building Inspector, the Municipality of North Cowichan is currently seeking a qualified Senior Building Inspector to undertake a leadership role within our Building team and guide the increased building activity in our growing community. The individual must not only meet the technical requirements of the position but possess the ability to manage multiple priorities and develop a positive working relationship with the building industry. This role supervises Building/Plumbing Officials, advises them in interpretation of codes and bylaws, and assists with difficult cases. Additional duties include overseeing inspector's training and scheduling, making decisions regarding code interpretation, monitoring plan reviews for consistency and code compliance, assisting with hiring new staff. Deployment to other duties may be required from time to time.


Required Skills, Qualifications and Abilities:


Completion of Grade 12. Certified Level 3 Registered Building Official with the Building Officials' Association of B.C. POABC Level 1 Certification (i.e., successful completion of the POABC Level 1 plumbing specialization exam). A minimum of three (3) years of building design/construction 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) and Plumbing Code, together with a good working knowledge of structural, civil, geotechnical, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Knowledge of building material, building and plumbing practices and processes including zoning, subdivisions and issuance of permits; H.V.A.C., plumbing systems and sign construction. Ability to read and understand plans, blueprints and building construction drawings is essential. Effective written and verbal communication skills, collaborator and problem-solver who makes sound recommendations consistent with legislative requirements while using tact and diplomacy.Independence of judgment and capability of working with minimal supervision. 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. Possession and maintenance of a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's License; a satisfactory current driver's abstract will be required. Preference will be given to those candidates who have an Interprovincial Ticket in Carpentry or Plumbing and/or a Diploma of Building Technology from a recognized educational institution. 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.

This is a unionized position (CUPE Local 358) and the collective agreement may be viewed on our website.


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.