Legal-Jobs in United States

Reporting to the Supervisor, Property Use, this position's primary focus is responding to and investigating reports of illegal construction activities for both residential and commercial properties, as well as investigating illegal suites or other unauthorized alterations to property structures. This role will work closely with internal and external partners such as Building Approvals, Richmond Fire Rescue, Business Licencing and Vancouver Coastal Health.

• Conduct bylaw-related inspections of alleged illegal suites or construction activities to assess compliance with municipal bylaws and the BC building code. This may involve assessing the safety and legality of structures, utilities, and occupancy.
• Monitor compliance with issued orders and take further enforcement action as necessary, which may include shutting down illegal operations or initiating long form legal proceedings.
• Conduct field inspections as part of joint inspection teams or with a partner, as required.
• Investigate and process complaints concerning licensing bylaws, property use, and land use contrary to Zoning
• Interpret, explain, issue, and enforce applicable bylaw notices and municipal tickets. This includes providing clear instructions on what actions need to be taken to achieve compliance.
• Prepare documentation for ticket violation disputes within the Provincial adjudication system.
• Provide information and guidance to property owners or representatives about bylaw requirements and the process for legalizing suites or making building alterations
• Keep detailed records of inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions taken. This includes documenting evidence, correspondence, and decisions made.
• Assist other Bylaw Liaison Officers in monitoring and enforcing bylaw violations pertaining to public and private property, as required.

• Knowledge in building regulation that sufficient to understand and interpret the BC Building Code for compliance/requirements of tenant improvements.
• Sound knowledge of provincial regulation(s) and City bylaw(s), as it relates to building regulation, zoning, fire and life safety bylaws.
• Knowledge of evidence collection procedures with skill in note taking and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to perform investigations using independent critical thinking and sound judgment.
• Ability to interpret building plans and working drawings and recognize inconsistencies and alterations.
• Ability to provide effective customer service and to diffuse hostility in an effective manner; consistently maintain a professional and diplomatic demeanour.
• Ability to deal both tactfully and firmly with the public and possess the capacity to deal professionally with the RCMP, external agencies, City staff & other officials.
• Ability to compose various types of standard and non-standard correspondence including emails, letters and reports.
• Ability to use Richmond Enterprise Document Management System (REDMS) or a similar Electronic Records Management System.
• Skilled in the use of equipment, programs and software applications required for the work, such as AMANDA, Tempest and Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to successfully clear a Police Information Check (PIC).

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent, supplemented by relevant technical courses up to one year, such as the Justice Institute of British Columbia’s Bylaw Enforcement courses
• A minimum of two (2) years of related experience in: bylaw enforcement, conducting property inspections, compiling notes for enforcement actions, and preparing documentation for legal proceedings.
• Working knowledge of building construction, trades technology and relevant bylaws, regulations such as Zoning, Building, Fire Safety and Business regulation bylaws and related provincial statutes is preferred.
• Completion of coursework relating to building construction or trades technology is considered an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience may be considered.
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence for the Province of British Columbia and a safe driving history.
  

The work involved requires a high level of public contact with a diverse range of people, often encountering difficult situations. Routine physical effort is required (walking, running, lifting, climbing, etc.). Work is performed in all weather conditions. Must be willing to work a flex time schedule which may include weekend shifts.