Manager Plumbing and Gas

Main Purpose and Function

This position manages the technical and administrative activities of the District Plumbing, Gas and Sprinklers Inspectors and administers the provincial Gas Safety Regulations and Vancouver Building

Bylaw – Plumbing. The incumbent, in consultation with the Chief Building Official holds final technical decision-making authority under the Provincial Gas Act and under provisions of the Vancouver Building By-law, technical decision making for plumbing systems.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Holds the technical decision-making authority under the Provincial Gas Safety Regulations and provisions for the Vancouver Building By-law for Plumbing and is the Gas Safety Manager for the City of Vancouver.
• Manages and direct activities of the District Plumbing, Sprinkler and Gas Inspections staff who are engaged in responsible inspectional work enforcing compliance with the City of Vancouver Building Bylaw and Provincial Gas Safety Regulations and other related by-laws, codes and regulations.
• Directs the Supervisor reporting to this position with respect to the administration and technical requirements, policies and procedures of the by-laws administered by the branch including compliance and enforcement approaches.
• Ensures appropriate distribution of workloads.
• Reviews inspectors’ reports.
• Evaluates performance of staff and providing day-to-day technical guidance.
• Responsible for recruitment and selection and of Plumbing, Sprinkler and Gas Inspections staff.
• Responsible for orientation, coaching, training and development of Plumbing, Sprinkler and Gas inspections staff.
• Interprets and ensures the terms of applicable Collective Agreements as they relate to Plumbing, Sprinkler & Gas Inspections staff are followed.
• Responsible for investigation of gas incidents as part of the BC Safety Act.
• Develops and supports policies related to energy and water efficiency and safety.
• Answers technical by-law questions from engineers, contractors and owners.
• Works closely with the Deputy Chief Building Official & the Manager, Trades Inspection to develop and set inspectional standards for inspectors.
• Assists the Assistant Director of Inspections with confidential planning including departmental operations and budget management.
• Deals with staff disciplinary matters.
• Represents the Employer in the grievance process as required.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Position Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Completion of a professional university degree or diploma in engineering, building technology and minimum 10 years of experience after Red Seal qualification or related discipline or a Trades Qualification (Plumbing & Gas). Education should be supplemented by management and leadership training.
• Experience related to the administration of by-laws aimed a public safety and in developing policy.
• Must be a holder of a Certificate of Qualification in Plumbing and a Certificate of Competency as a Gas Inspector in British Columbia.
• Considerable related management experience (or an equivalent combination of experience) preferably in training and managing a large number of employees performing inspectional/regulatory duties.
• Experience planning, directing and coordinating the work of teams and working with individuals at all levels of the organization, including political and other stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability in the areas of leadership, project planning and negotiating skills.
• A proven high degree of competence in the mechanical field with the ability to provide expert advice on plumbing, gas, and sprinkler design and installation problems.
• Knowledge of the Vancouver Gas and Building By-Laws as well as the Provincial Gas Safety Regulations.
• Knowledge of building design and construction issues as well as associated city approval processes.
• Experience in the administration and oversight of by-laws, governance structure and policy reviews.
• The ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff, other inspectional disciplines, other civic departments, contractors, engineers, owners, and other government agencies is essential.
• Ability to influence others while respecting the sensitive and political challenges that impact decisions.
• The ability to provide leadership, including developing support for City-wide policy and procedures while planning, organizing, and managing the activities of the Branch.
• Ability to lead employees through organizational change.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to enforce by-laws and regulations with firmness, honesty, fairness, and consistency; preparing reports, answering correspondence, and making presentations; and the ability to represent the City on various internal and external regulatory and advisory committees.

Business Unit/Department: Dev Svcs, Bldg & Licensing