Supervisor, By-Law Enforcement & Licensing

City of St. Catharines; St. Catharines; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Job summary

The City of St. Catharines is seeking a Supervisor, By-Law Enforcement & Licensing, to lead the By-Law Enforcement team in daily operations and investigations.

You’ll ensure enforcement activities align with statutory requirements and city policies while mentoring staff and optimizing service delivery. This role requires strong knowledge of municipal by-laws, provincial acts, and safety standards, plus excellent communication skills, and a willingness to work after hours as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of municipal by-law enforcement experience.
• Supervisory or team lead experience in a unionized setting is an asset.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal by-laws and provincial statutes.

Responsibilities

• Supervise day-to-day By-Law Enforcement staff and allocate work.
• Develop SOPs and training materials for consistent enforcement.
• Recruit, orient, coach, and manage staff performance.
• Coordinate enforcement activities across City departments and partners.
• Prepare reports and present outcomes of investigations.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Municipal by-law enforcement

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership and coaching

Education

2-year Diploma in Police Foundations or Law and Security

MLEOA registration & MLEO certification

OAPSO registration & CPSO certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

GIS

AMANDA software

gTechna

Job description

At the City of St. Catharines, you’ll find more than just a job — you’ll find a place that fits.

Here, your work means something — where you can see the impact, feel the pride, and know you’re a part of something bigger. You’ll be trusted to do your job, backed by people who care, and part of a team that shows up for each other. There’s flexibility when it counts, and a real understanding that life doesn’t stop when the workday starts. With pay you can count on, great benefits, and a pension that helps you plan ahead — you’ve got more than a job. You’ve got the space to grow, the balance you need, and a place that gets it.

It feels different — because it is.

It’s a place that works for you.

About The Role

The Supervisor, By-Law Enforcement & Licensing, is responsible for the day-to-day supervision, coordination and monitoring of the work of By-law Enforcement staff in the administration and enforcement of municipal by‑laws and programs. The position provides operational guidance, training and technical support, promotes consistent enforcement practices and assists with complex or escalated investigations and inquiries. This role supports the effective coordination and delivery of enforcement activities across the City.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supervises and coordinates the day‑to‑day work of By-Law Enforcement staff, including assigning and prioritizing work, monitoring workloads and service standards, and providing instruction and technical guidance.
• Implement and maintain standard operating procedures and training materials to support consistent enforcement practices and service quality.
• Supports the recruitment, orientation, training, coaching, development and performance management of staff and assists the Manager with the administration of applicable collective agreement and corporate requirements.
• Approves staff schedules, time‑off requests and time sheets to ensure adequate operational coverage.
• Coordinates day‑to‑day enforcement activities related to property standards, zoning, business licensing, short‑term rentals, public space use, vital services, vacant buildings, waste/debris, long grass and weeds, and other by‑laws within the City, in accordance with established policies, procedures and service levels.
• Ensures staff understand and follow applicable provincial statutes, regulations, municipal by‑laws, corporate policies and section procedures; identifies concerns and recommends corrective action to the Manager.
• Reviews investigations, inspection findings, notices, orders, charges, evidence and court documentation for accuracy, completeness, procedural fairness and consistency, and assists staff with preparation for prosecutions.
• Investigates or supports complex or escalated complaints and enforcement matters that fall outside routine day‑to‑day activities, using sound judgement, conflict resolution and mediation to achieve compliance or recommend appropriate action.
• Responds to inquiries and complaints from residents, businesses, Council offices, external agencies such as the Office of the Ombudsman, and City staff relating to assigned areas of responsibility; coordinates follow‑up and prepares a formal report with outcomes of an investigation, and refers significant or sensitive matters to the Manager.
• Liaises with Building Section staff, other City departments and relevant agencies, including Niagara Regional Police Service, to coordinate operational responses and support shared enforcement objectives.
• Reviews legislative changes, case law, enforcement trends, emerging issues and municipal best practices and provides findings and recommendations to the Manager.
• Provides input into the development and review of by‑laws, policies and procedures, including practical considerations related to administration, enforceability, staff training and resource requirements.
• Compiles and analyzes operational statistics, prepares presentations and draft reports for the Manager; attends public meetings, hearings, Committee or Council meetings as required to provide operational information.
• Promotes staff compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Employment Standards Act, corporate policies, near miss reporting and safe operating procedures and supports the development of a positive safety culture.
• Monitor staff to ensure privacy legislation is adhered to such as the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, verifying records being released are redacted when required, and initiate the privacy breach protocol should a record be released in error.
• Conduct regular evaluations of staff performance and conduct one‑on‑one check‑ins with by‑law enforcement officers.
• Acts as Manager, By‑law Enforcement and Licensing on routine matters when assigned in absence of the Manager.

What’s Required:

• Minimum completion of a 2‑year Diploma in Police Foundations or Law and Security is required.
• Registration with MLEOA and certification as a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer (MLEO) is required.
• Registration with OAPSO and certification as a Certified Property Standards Officer (CPSO) is required.
• Ontario Building Code courses including OBOA Part 9 considered an asset.
• Minimum five (5) years of municipal by‑law enforcement experience.
• Previous or current experience in a supervisory or team lead/senior role within a regulatory or law enforcement field in a unionized environment would be considered an asset.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of municipal by‑laws, applicable provincial statutes and regulations, enforcement procedures, investigative techniques, evidence collection, courtroom preparation and prosecution processes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply legislation, by‑laws, policies and procedures consistently and to provide clear technical guidance to staff.
• Strong decision making and conflict resolution skills, including demonstrated sound judgement in complex, confidential, sensitive or contentious situations.
• Excellent organization, customer service, interpersonal, presentation, oral and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Municipal Act, the Provincial Offences Act, the Ontario Building Code Act, the Planning Act, and Municipal By‑laws.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, gTechna ticketing software, GIS, and AMANDA software or a comparable municipal enforcement system.
• Transport Canada advanced drone pilot certificate considered an asset.
• A demonstrated commitment to enhancing a safety culture.
• Ability to work after hours, evenings and weekends, as required.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s licence with a driving record acceptable to the City. Ability to travel locally within the City and Niagara Region, as required.
• A satisfactory Police Record Check (including vulnerable sector screening, where applicable) is a condition of employment and will be requested following a conditional offer of employment.

Job Details

Job ID: 2026-197

Pay Rate: $99,809-$116,753

Hours: 35 per week

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Location: St. Catharines, ON

Work Mode: In Person

Employee Group: Non-Union

Position Type: Temporary, Full-time

Duration: 2 Years

Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy

Application Deadline

Jobs with an application deadline will close at 11:59 PM on that date. Jobs listed as ‘open until filled’ may close at any time.

Other Requirements

Other Position Requirements include: Class G Driver’s Licence, Clean driving record, Vulnerable Sector Check, Ability to travel between City work locations

Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete the Ministry of Labour’s Worker Health and Safety Awareness training and provide proof of the educational credentials listed on their resume and job application.

What’s In It For You

• Great People: Be part of a team that supports you, celebrates your wins, and helps you succeed.
• Make Your Mark: Bring your ideas, drive meaningful change, and leave a lasting impact on our community.
• Learn & Grow: Access training and development funds to take your skills to the next level.
• Competitive Pay: Competitive pay from a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.
• Secure Future: Join the OMERS pension plan with employer‑matched contributions.
• Balance & Benefits: Flexible hybrid work options plus health, dental, and vision benefits for eligible positions.

Additional Information

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of St. Catharines is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful work environment. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Our community is enriched by people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences—a value reflected in our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.

Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and education levels to apply. While specific qualifications may be required for certain roles, we assess each applicant’s overall suitability. Please note that unionized roles are subject to collective agreement requirements.

Accommodation

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

Interviews and Assessments

Depending on the role, interviews may be conducted via video conferencing or in person. Various tests and/or assessments may be administered as part of the selection process.

Use of AI

The City of St. Catharines does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in any part of the recruitment process.