• Casual

• Year Round

• Business & Professional Services

Building Official Level 1

Casual

Posted June 13, 2025

The City of Fernie is inviting qualified applicants to train on a casual basis, with no guarantee of hours, to become a Building Official Level 1, for the Planning Department. This position will allow the successful candidate to begin building hours and education credits towards their Building Official Level I qualifications.

The expected outcome of the casual opportunity would be for the successful candidate to obtain the required training and qualifications to be able to undertake the duties of the Building Official Level 1- competently and efficiently when they are on vacation, or on leave. In addition, the trained employee may also assist the Building Officials during peak periods (April- September). This posting is posted internally and externally concurrently.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Building Official in Training Level 1- Training, will use their skills, knowledge, and abilities to administer Federal and Provincial laws and Municipal bylaws related to the design and construction of all types of buildings and structures. The Building Official in Training ensures that the objectives of structural safety, fire safety, health, accessibility, and the protection of buildings are addressed prior to occupancy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess and report on the design, construction, and occupancy of all types of new and existing buildings and structures in accordance with the applicable laws and bylaws, following the appropriate qualification level scope of practice.
• Review and inspect construction, renovation, alteration, and addition, change in use, interior improvement and demolition of existing buildings, following the appropriate qualification level scope of practice.
• Review drawings, plans and specifications; investigate construction and renovation work; and communicate with stakeholders to determine and ensure compliance with applicable laws, bylaws, Codes and Standards.
• Liaise with Fire Rescue, Operations and Planning Departments, other agencies and organizations and other regulatory bodies involved with property development or any health, fire and life safety matters related to construction of buildings and other structures.
• Prepare statistical, summary, detailed and other reports.
• Conduct building code, regulation and bylaw compliance reviews to confirm compliance.
• Initiate corrective actions related to unsafe conditions in new and existing constructions.
• Enforce law with Stop Work Orders, Orders to Secure, upgrade or demolish unsafe buildings or conditions.
• Prepare information for prosecution and/or injunction and provide expert testimony and issue Municipal Ticket Information.
• Assist in the development of local regulations and bylaws regarding health, fire, and safety.
• Collaborate with Bylaw Enforcement Officers, members of the planning department and other city departments.
• May enforce and administer bylaws related to minimum acceptable property and building maintenance standards, heating, ventilating, solid fuel burning appliances, etc.
• Maintain familiarity with current and past Provincial and National Building Codes and Standards, Federal and Provincial legislation and Municipal bylaws pertaining to health, fire, and life safety in construction.
• Maintain familiarity with all aspects of the construction industry, including construction methods, procedures, practices, and materials.
• All employees shall work in accordance with the City of Fernie’s Safety Management System.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualifications

• Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Valid Membership or eligibility for membership with Building Official’s Association of BC
• Valid Class 5 B.C. driver’s license.
• Successful completion of BOIT course. Alternatively, applicants who are enrolled in the BOIT course may be considered.
• Eligible as BOIT Level 1 and POIT Level 1.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Trades qualification in carpentry or plumbing; or completion of a post-secondary program in Building Technology.
• Excellent computer skills including in-depth knowledge and experience working in an MS Office environment.
• Demonstrate strong written, verbal and conflict resolution skills for effectively communicating with clients.
• Ability to enforce regulations tactfully and with firmness.
• Ability to tactfully handle confidential enquiries and information.
• Thorough knowledge of BC Building and Plumbing Codes
• Effective interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to interpret maps and legal descriptions.
• Sound knowledge of local Government bylaws, and associated Provincial and Federal statutes including, the Community Charter and Local Government Act.
• Ability to represent the City at Court hearings.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS

• Proficient at presenting to various stakeholders and levels of authority.
• Experience with Vadim, iCompass an asset.
• De-escalation training and/or Conflict Resolution training.
• Effective organizational skills with an ability to handle conflicting demands and priorities.
• Well developed report writing skills.

Level 1 Building Inspection Certificate

After the successful candidate has successfully passed the BOIT Course, they must pass the BOABC Level 1 examination within one (1) year of commencement of the training program. If the successful candidate passes the Level 1 exam, they would then be eligible to apply for the BOABC Level 1 Certification upon completion of the required work experience of two years while employed at the City of Fernie. Once the candidate has achieved their BOABC Level 1 Certification, they must acquire BOABC Continuing Professional Development program credits on an ongoing basis to retain their Level 1 Certification. The cost of the BOABC Level 1 examination will be reimbursed to the successful candidate upon confirmation from BOABC that the candidate has achieved a passing grade.

RATE OF PAY

Wages per the CUPE 2093 Collective Agreement for the;

Building Official – Level 1 – Training is $41.68/ hour.

Building Official – Level 1 – Certified is $44.53/ hour.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Employees wishing to apply for this casual employment opportunity must provide a cover letter stating their desire to be considered for the Building Official- Level 1 Training opportunity and outline in a resume how they meet the minimum requirements and/or competencies for success listed above. This opportunity is posted internally/externally concurrently. We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The application must be submitted by 12:00 PM, July 3, 2025, and should be addressed to:

Bruce Lennox, Director of Planning

c/o Human Resources

City of Fernie, 501 – 3^rd Ave, PO Box 190

Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0

email careers@fernie.ca

The City of Fernie strives to ensure that its employment practices are free from direct and indirect discrimination and is committed to upholding the human rights of those participating in the hiring process. In pursuit of this commitment, the City of Fernie will not condone or tolerate any acts of discrimination or harassment under any of the grounds protected under human rights legislation. This commitment extends to the hiring process and throughout the course of employment.