Manager, Building Services & Deputy Chief Building Official

at  City of Kingston

OPENING STATEMENT

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah-nish-nah-beg), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government.
At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.
As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people’s lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you’ll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you’ll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager, Building Services & Deputy Chief Building Official provides leadership and oversees plan reviews and building inspections and property standards within Building Services and assumes the responsibilities of the Chief Building Official in their absence.
The Manager, Building Services & Deputy CBO attends Council meetings as required and is the spokesperson for the Division before the media, court, Ontario Housing Tribunal, Ontario Building Commission, Appeals Committee and other committees such as Rural Affairs Advisory Committee and Committee of the Whole. This position is responsible for the statutory obligations under the Building Code Act and ensuring that building construction within City limits is inspected for compliance.
The Manager, Building Services & Deputy CBO is responsible for ensuring that service improvements are integrated into Building Services on an ongoing basis and that communications strategies for key stakeholders groups must be positively reinforced.
This position will support budget development, work planning, human resources, staff development, change management and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to build working relationships that are mutually beneficial and in alignment with corporate strategies, plans, and priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES

3 year diploma/degree from a post secondary institution
5 years of recent and relevant progressively responsible supervisory experience, in the delivery of building inspection, property standards and by-law enforcement programs and services
Experience in a public sector environment; including responsibilities related to building code matters and experience in a leadership capacity, preferred
Budgeting experience in a municipal setting
Experience in the integration of customer service best practices
Recent and relevant experience working in a unionized environment, preferred
Completion of the Building Code Certification through Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing, including Powers and Duties of CBO
Certified engineering Technologist (CET) or Accredited Architectural Technologist (MAATO) or equivalent, preferred
Certified Building Code Official (CBCO), preferred
Must demonstrate corporate competencies: Customer Focus, Results Orientation, Integrity, and Teamwork

SKILLS, ABILITIES, WORK DEMANDS

Strong knowledge of the Building Code Act and related Applicable Laws; provincial legislation pertaining to all division activities including the Municipal Act, Fire Marshall’s Act, Tenant Protection Act, Provincial Offences Act, Planning Act, Heritage Act, Construction Safety Act, Construction Lien Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act, environmental liability and contract law
Knowledge of subdivision/site plan development and Planning processes, and environmental engineering; engineering principles & standards; design & approval processes; and municipal service delivery (performance budgeting, financial management, etc.)
Ability to anticipate, understand and respond to the needs of internal and external customers
Ability to liaise with and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders such as various levels of governments, police, community services, contractors, residents and staff
Highly developed analytical and research skills with the ability to formulate solutions to complex issues
Ability to think strategically and deliver results
Ability to manage financial, human and physical resources
Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of decisions and the application of control and management processes
Strong leadership and team building skills, with the ability to prioritize, mentor and manage a team
Ability to lead and motivate staff and provide guidance on strategic, operational and technical matters
Working knowledge of municipal, provincial and federal government acts and legislation, including occupational health and safety, employment standards, and human rights act
Ability to Act as the Chief Building Official
Site visits for construction and renovation
Potential for sensitive and controversial situations when dealing with disputes
Valid class “G” driver’s licence
Required to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check

Responsible for the operations of building services in compliance with the Ontario Building Code; Property Standards By-Law and Zoning By-Law as well as other municipal regulations

• Create and develop plans, programs and procedures for carrying out the City’s policies and by-laws within the department
• Maintain inspection functions including risk assessment and recommend inspection programs, issue Notices of Violation, Orders to Comply, Stop Work Order, and Occupancy Permits. Investigate major issues and complaints and facilitate resolution

Provide professional opinions, advice and guidance to council, committees, senior management and other city departments with respect to corporate initiatives as well as those of Building Services (municipal building permit processes and applications, construction issues, zoning issues and new or pending legislation and regulatory standards and guidelines)
Build and encourage staff to strive for consistently high levels of performance in all areas of service delivery, with a particular focus on fostering a high standard of customer service

Oversee the talent and financial resources for the department to ensure they are being used effectively, including:

• Support budget development and related programs
• Management of direct reports by monitoring progress toward goals with sustainable results

Facilitate community efforts relating to building services matters, Represent the corporation at various meetings and hearings as required and Act as critical point of contact for matters related to building services
Other duties as assigned