Plans Examiner

Position Summary 

This position is responsible for reviewing plans, applications and documentation submitted for building permit approval and onsite inspections to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code.  

Essential Duties 

Specific to this role: 

• Respond to inquiries regarding building permits and issues from property owners, developers, contractors and designers 
• Inspect construction in accordance with the Building Code Act and the Ontario Building Code and carries out enforcement of the said regulation to ensure compliance 
• Review building application plans and specifications of primarily Part 3 buildings to ensure compliance with Ontario Building Code and applicable law and issues permits for same 
• Perform calculations to determine the value of permit fees, development charges etc. 
• Conduct inspections of new buildings, additions to and alterations of existing buildings for compliance with the Ontario Building Code and applicable law 
• Maintain accurate records of plans, plan reviews, inspections, letters and reports prepared or used in connection with building permits 
• Represent the City at court and tribunals to provide evidence, as needed 
• Enter permit applications and inspection records onto computer system 
• Meet with the public, contractors and designers, to discuss and review their projects 
• Coordinate plan review and approvals with other City departments for which approval is required as a precondition for a building permit 
• Assist the Chief Building Official (CBO) with building division projects, programs and reviews 

As a member of the professional team: 

• Administer procedures and recommend solutions to challenges or process improvements 
• Complete continuous research and analysis of industry trends and issues to make recommendations to management and remain current in area of specialty 
• Respond to customer service concerns, investigating, problem solving and responding within defined processes and advancing to the attention of the CBO and/or supervisor, as appropriate 

Work collaboratively with others to deliver the outcomes as defined; report any challenges to the supervisor 

Maintain documentation, databases and corporate records in accordance with policy and divisional practice; consider legislative municipal requirements such as the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) 

Provide data to allow reporting and decision making 

Procure services and goods as authorized by the supervisor  

Contribute to the development of annual program needs 

Perform other related duties as assigned 
 

Qualifications 

• Post-secondary diploma in Engineering Technology, Architectural Technology, Building Inspections or a related field 
• Completion of Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing courses leading to a Certified Building Code Official (CBCO) designation 
• Certification in the following categories of qualifications as set out by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Building Code Act: 

• • General Legal/Process 
  • Small Buildings 
  • Plumbing – All Buildings 
  • Building Services 
  • Building Structural 
  • Complex Buildings 

• Minimum three (3) years of related progressive experience, preferably in a municipal environment 
• Experience in court procedures and enforcement as it relates to the Building Code Act and Ontario Building Code preferred 
• Effective mathematical skills; excellent oral and written communication and strong interpersonal skills; complex problem solving skills and attention to detail and accuracy 
• Demonstrated customer service skills at a level to develop and maintain cooperative/collaborative working relationships both within and outside the organization 

• Demonstrated time-management skills with the ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines with minimal supervision 
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and tact and maintain a high degree of confidentiality at all times, complying with all applicable privacy legislation and local policies and procedures  
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, the internet, and any other related software 
• Possess and maintain a valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s Licence or the ability to frequently attend work related activities at various sites within the municipality or at other sites within Ontario 
• Upon a conditional offer of employment, a Criminal Record Check will be required 

Key Performance Competencies 

Communication and Collaboration 

Effective communication, cooperation, interpersonal relations, teamwork, supportive work environment, demonstrating support (compliance) of established policies and processes, ensuring confidentiality is maintained, in situations where it is expected and policy and procedure require it.   

Creativity and Innovation  

Thinks beyond the confines of traditional models to recognize opportunities and find new and better ways of doing things, utilizing Lean Six Sigma as appropriate for continuous improvement. 

Problem Solving and Decision Making 

Uses critical thinking to evaluate problems, gather information, understand causes, and identify best possible solutions.  Invests time in planning, discovery and reflection to drive better decisions and continuous improvement.   

Planning and Results Orientation 

Invests time in upfront planning to achieve organizational goals and objectives while meeting quality standards, following the appropriate processes, and demonstrating continuous commitment and improvement.   

Service Excellence 

Superior customer focused actions, both internal and external to the organization, demonstrating ethical, transparent behaviours, respect for others, listening to concerns and taking appropriate actions. 

Supervisory Relationships 

No direct reports 

Working Conditions 

• Normal working hours are 40 hours per week 
• Must be willing to work varied hours: day, afternoon and evening 
• Combination of general office environment and occasional off-site travel  
• Work in all weather conditions, including prolonged periods of heat, rain or snow, while respecting safe work practices 
• Ability to exert up to 8.9 kg (20 lbs) of force occasionally, and/or up to 4.4 kg (10 lbs) of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those in sedentary work. Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree 

Confidentiality 

All employees of the City of Kawartha Lakes are required to sign and abide by the Employee Confidentiality Statement and the Code of Conduct and Ethics Value Statement of Commitment. 

Accommodation 

Accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and any other Federal or Provincial legislation.