Residential Building Official

Full job description
Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is inviting applications for up to three (3) full time, and (1) up to 18-month term positions of Residential Building Official in the Building & Compliance division of Planning and Development.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

The Residential Building Official is required to act in concert with other regulatory staff and agencies in order to ensure compliance with construction, development, and other health and safety-related regulations. The Residential Building Official is primarily responsible for assisting in the delivery of two programs: Construction Approvals, and Maintenance of Residential Occupancies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conduct Plans examination of proposals for permit issuance;
Prepare, receive, approve, and manage tenders for work required to remedy non-compliant property conditions
Conduct detailed inspections of those buildings, structures, facilities and occupancies as defined by the Nova Scotia Building Code within the scope of Residential Qualification
Prepare technical reports, formulate correspondence, and discuss findings in support of the programs
Provide Technical advice and direction to, Contractors, HRM staff, external agencies, and the public
Respond to requests for inspections of Residential Occupancies under Bylaw M200 and the Fire Safety Act
Officially identify and classify buildings for registration on behalf of the Municipality
Investigate and ensure documents processing when unapproved construction activities have not obtained the required permits
Manage and respond to customer service requests and complaints originating from HRM citizens and internal agencies
Coordinate outside agencies who provide safety net services to tenants of residential occupancies during extreme situations, i.e: Residential Tenancy Program, Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.
Review building plans for compliance with regulations for one and 2-unit dwellings, accessory buildings and decks, issue construction and occupancy permits for one and 2 unit dwellings, accessory buildings and decks
Inspect residential construction, demolition/repair, renovation projects, mechanical, plumbing and fire protection systems for one and 2-unit dwellings, accessory buildings, decks and minor electrical components, for compliance with all applicable regulations including but not limited to the Building Code, Land-use Bylaws and Development Agreements
Process citizen and internal complaints and requests respecting various HRM bylaws
Inspect existing residential buildings and occupancies for compliance with By-law M200 and the Nova Scotia Fire Safety Act and Regulations
Evaluate and approve compliance submissions under Alternative Solutions of the 2010 National Building Code
Provide direction to building owners on actions necessary to remedy existing non-compliant conditions
Investigate and process documents relating to illegal construction activities
Remain current in all regulatory and technical construction standards
Assist in the creation, serving and administering of Orders to Comply identifying deficiencies under various Provincial Acts and Municipal By-laws and ensure compliance
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
Must have a “Residential” Level Diploma of Qualification as issued by the Nova Scotia Building Code Training and Certification Board.
Must be a member in good standing with the Nova Scotia Building Official Association or acceptable Provincial equivalent.
Must have 3 years relevant experience in the following areas: Construction and/or Development industry, administering provincial and/or municipal regulations, statutes and bylaws in a regulatory environment: or a suitable combination of education and experience.
Must be able to demonstrate capacity and competency to inspect those buildings, structures, facilities, and occupancies as defined by the Nova Scotia Building Code within the scope of Residential Level Qualification.
Must have a valid Nova Scotia Driver’s License.
Must be able to successfully complete a Criminal Records Check and driver's abstract
Technical / Job Specific Knowledge:
Knowledge of Nova Scotia Building and Fire Codes and their application to new and existing buildings and occupancies. Knowledge of the HRM Charter, the Nova Scotia Building Code Act and Regulations, Nova Scotia Fire Safety Act, HRM Bylaw M100 and their application to new and existing buildings and occupancies would be considered an asset.
Must have a sound knowledge and understanding of common law principals. Understanding of precedents resulting from Court and Regulatory Body decisions would be considered an asset.
Knowledge of associated construction approval departments and agencies as well as their related procedures and regulations is considered an asset.
Knowledge of business related software and technology, i.e. spreadsheets, databases, word processing, email, etc. (Microsoft Suite and Hansen Information System would be considered an asset).
Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Conflict Management, Communications, Customer Service, Decision Making, Organization and Planning, Organizational Awareness, Teamwork and Cooperation, Values and Ethics, Valuing Diversity

WORK STATUS: Permanent, Full Time and Temporary, Term (Up to 18 months)

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 35 hours per week with option to work 40 hours

SALARY: $3+.63, level 8, as per hour as per the NSGEU 222 Collective Agreement

WORK LOCATION: 3rd floor of Duke Tower (5251 Duke St, Halifax)

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:5+ pm on Wednesday, June 11, 2025

This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview / testing will be contacted.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the recruiter when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link; Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

(position # 7862+324, 7862+323, 7862+321, 7862+320)
 

Canada
Nova Scotia
Halifax
Halifax Show on map Get directions