Building Inspections - Property Safety Inpector

Location: Southwestern Ontario

This is a temporary part-time position ending December 1, 2026.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Professional position, under the general direction of the Building Official, responsible for performing complex inspections to enforce construction and fire codes to ensure public fire safety, life safety, and health. Is responsible for providing commercial and housing inspections of properties located in the City of Waterloo. Duties include but are not limited to the following: inspection of electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, building code, life safety, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, accurate record keeping of inspections;

other duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative only)

These functions are considered essential for successful performance in this job classification.

• Use knowledge of building materials, construction methods and codes to advise architects/design professionals, property owners and others on code minimum requirements.
• Use historical building codes in correlation with current construction practices as appropriate.
• Coordinate with other City departments.
• Prioritize and schedule time effectively with limited supervision.
• Ability to assess complex building, plumbing, electrical, sprinkler, fire alarm and mechanical systems.
• Identify code deficiencies and present deficiencies to the owner in clear and punctual manner.
• Knowledge of and working relationship with the Fire Prevention Bureau.
• Knowledge of modern principles and techniques involved in recognition of life safety hazards and the ability to abate these hazards in an acceptable manner.
• Knowledge and application of Fire Code to address potential hazards of a wide variety of chemicals, flammable and combustible liquids, explosives and similar materials.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and verbal instructions and to respond appropriately to questions from supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and members of the public.
• Ability to read and write the English language, to communicate with coworkers, contractors, members of the public, and public officials.
• Working knowledge and application of the current adopted fire code.
• Considerable proficiency in using independent judgement and decision-making skills to recognize and solve problems.
• Performs inspections as required and other duties as assigned by the Building Official.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Ability to lift 20 pounds safely.
• Require to move physically from one City facility or work site to another by walking and/or driving a vehicle.
• Able to walk on uneven ground.
• Required to work outdoors in all types of weather extremes for extended periods. Working environment may be dry/dusty, slippery/wet, hot/cold, excessively noisy, have low visibility, and mechanical and electrical hazards may be present; atmosphere may contain dust and fumes.
• Required to possess color vision necessary to identify indicator lights on electronic control panels, etc.
• Required to possess depth perception and peripheral vision while driving, climbing, walking, carrying, or standing.
• Able to work safely around moving machinery; able to work safely in busy traffic areas and construction areas.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment as appropriate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Technology, Structural or Architectural Engineering, Architecture, or related field and a minimum three years of experience in plan review or inspection

OR An Associate’s Degree in building inspection or a closely related field with a minimum of five years of experience in plan review or inspection OR High school diploma/GED with at least ten years of experience in construction and five years of experience in plan review or inspection OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

• Considerable knowledge of standard practices in all phases of the construction related to all types.
• Familiarity with hazardous materials use and storage requirements.
• Working knowledge of the City building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical code.
• Excellent interpersonal and writing…