SOIL BYLAW OFFICER

The City of Richmond is committed to be the most appealing, livable, well-managed community in Canada, a vision that is only made possible by developing our most valuable asset – our people. This is a great opportunity to join our team and shape our community. The City of Richmond offers competitive pay programs, comprehensive benefits and attractive incentives. If you are looking to make a difference, and to share our vision, then please apply.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Sound knowledge of Soil Deposit and Removal Bylaw No.10200 and other City bylaw(s) related to the soil deposit and removal application process.
• Sound knowledge of provincial legislation such as the Agricultural Land Commission Act and associated regulations and policies
• Familiarity with BC’s bylaw notice adjudication system is considered an asset.
• Skilled in the analysis of strategies and legislative tools and ability to determine environmental consequences of approved soil deposit and removal projects and unauthorized filling.
• Knowledge of evidence collection procedures with skills in note taking and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to provide effective customer service and to diffuse hostility in an effective manner; consistently maintain a professional and diplomatic demeanour.
• Ability to interpret bylaws and regulations to the public, provide education and mediation, and participate in legal action proceedings
• Ability to deal both tactfully and firmly with the public and possess the capacity to deal professionally with qualified professionals, external agencies, City staff & other officials.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, work well under pressure and deal with stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including formulating recommendations, developing spreadsheets, preparing presentations and implementing approved programs. Ability to compose various types of standard and non-standard correspondence including emails, letters and reports.
• Experience with the use of equipment, programs and software applications required for the work, such as Tempest and Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts.
• Ability to successfully clear a Police Information Check (PIC).

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Completion of job-related course work such as environmental sciences management or ecology equivalent to two (2) years post secondary program (Diploma or Certificate) inclusive of coursework in bylaw enforcement, inspections, conflict resolution and investigations supplemented by a minimum of one (1) up to two (2) years of related experience in bylaw enforcement or in a municipal regulatory function setting is required. An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be considered
• Experienced investigative or enforcement work and familiarity with permit issuance procedures is preferred;
• Completion of the ‘Report Writing for Professional Investigators’ (JIBC) is preferred.
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence for the Province of British Columbia and a safe driving history

• Providing expertise, advice and guidance on matters related to soil deposition and removal projects, including regulatory requirements of senior levels of government (or affiliated agencies) with a particular focus on internal and external requirements.
• Review soil deposit and removal applications ensuring completeness of applications and work with internal departments and external agencies to ensure the application has been vetted as per City requirements.
• Investigate complaints, conduct inspections and respond, to concerns related to unauthorized soil and other material deposition and soil removal.
• Enforce bylaws and regulations related to soil and other material deposition and removal.
• Initiate legal action including file preparation with legal counsel and provide evidence in court as required.
• Compose correspondence, prepare council reports and permits, maintain and update standard operating procedures, forms and reports, and records.
• Provide representation at Food Security & Agricultural Advisory Committee meetings or Council, when required, and assist in facilitating competing priorities to ensure the City’s interests are satisfied.