POSITION SUMMARY:
The By-law Enforcement Officer is responsible for enforcing municipal by-laws, promoting voluntary compliance, and supporting the Township’s commitment to public safety, community standards, and quality of life. The position investigates complaints, conducts inspections and patrols, documents findings, issues notices and offence documents where authorized, and supports the resolution of by-law matters through education, mediation, and enforcement.
This role requires sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to work independently in both routine and sensitive situations. The By-law Enforcement Officer interacts regularly with residents, businesses, contractors, external agencies, and other Township staff, and must balance customer service with fair, impartial, and consistent application of municipal by-laws and applicable legislation.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
The Township of Ignace expects the By-law Enforcement Officer to demonstrate the following competencies consistently across all aspects of the role. These competencies form the basis for recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluation.
Legislative Awareness and Regulatory Application:
Understands municipal by-laws, enforcement procedures, and relevant legislation and applies them fairly, consistently, and in accordance with due process. Maintains awareness of legislative updates, procedural standards, and enforcement best practices and incorporates them into day-to-day work.
Judgment and Decision-Making:
Assesses facts carefully, distinguishes material issues from minor concerns, and makes reasonable, defensible enforcement decisions. Exercises discretion appropriately, including when to educate, when to seek voluntary compliance, and when formal enforcement action is required.
Communication and Public Service:
Communicates clearly, respectfully, and professionally with residents, business owners, Council representatives, and colleagues. Explains by-laws, compliance expectations, and enforcement outcomes in a way that supports transparency, understanding, and public confidence.
Conflict Resolution and De-escalation:
Maintains composure in tense, emotional, or adversarial situations. Uses tact, diplomacy, and de-escalation techniques to manage conflict, reduce risk, and pursue practical compliance outcomes while maintaining officer safety and professionalism.
Investigation and Documentation:
Conducts thorough inspections and investigations and maintains clear, accurate, and timely notes, reports, photographs, and case files. Prepares complete documentation to support compliance efforts, internal review, and court or tribunal proceedings where required.
Integrity and Accountability:
Performs duties with honesty, impartiality, discretion, and respect for confidentiality. Takes ownership of work, follows through on files and commitments, and applies Township policies and enforcement standards consistently and ethically.
Organizational Effectiveness:
Manages competing complaints, inspections, administrative tasks, and follow-up activities effectively. Uses time well, maintains orderly records, meets deadlines, and adapts to shifting priorities and urgent enforcement situations.
Adaptability and Continuous Learning:
Responds effectively to changing legislation, emerging community issues, and evolving operational needs. Demonstrates willingness to complete training, strengthen enforcement knowledge, and build proficiency in new systems, procedures, and regulatory areas.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Complaint Intake, Inspection and Enforcement:
· Receive, review, and respond to public complaints, inquiries, and service requests related to municipal by-law matters in a timely, professional, and service-oriented manner.
· Conduct inspections, patrols, site visits, interviews, and investigations relating to alleged by-law infractions, including nuisance, property standards, parking, animal control, and related municipal enforcement matters.
· Interpret and apply Township by-laws, policies, and relevant provincial legislation to determine compliance requirements and appropriate enforcement action.
· Seek voluntary compliance through education, discussion, written direction, and follow-up before proceeding to formal enforcement where appropriate.
· Prepare and issue warnings, compliance notices, Provincial Offence Notices, Provincial Information Notices, orders, summonses, and other enforcement documentation as authorized and required.
· Gather, preserve, and organize evidence, including officer notes, witness statements, photographs, correspondence, and file documentation.
· Monitor outstanding files and conduct follow-up inspections to confirm compliance or determine next enforcement steps.
Court, Records and Administrative Support:
· Maintain complete, accurate, and contemporaneous records of all complaints, inspections, investigations, enforcement actions, correspondence, and outcomes.
· Prepare written reports, briefs, statements, and court documentation to support prosecutions, legal review, or internal reporting requirements.
· Attend court, hearings, or related proceedings and provide evidence on behalf of the Township as required.
· Enter and maintain case information in Township systems, databases, and tracking tools, and assist in compiling enforcement statistics and operational reports.
· Support development, review, and revision of by-laws, procedures, forms, and public education materials as requested.
Interdepartmental and Community Relations:
· Liaise with Township departments, legal counsel, police, provincial agencies, contractors, animal service providers, and other external stakeholders as required to support effective enforcement and compliance resolution.
· Provide respectful, clear, and consistent customer service to residents and the public, including explaining by-law requirements, enforcement processes, and options for compliance.
· Promote a positive public image of the Township through fair, impartial, and community-focused enforcement practices.
Occupational Health and Safety:
· Protect own health and safety and that of others by adopting safe work practices and reporting unsafe conditions immediately, in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
· Maintain a working knowledge of Township health and safety policies, procedures, and risk controls relevant to field inspections, animal-related calls, and potentially confrontational situations.
Other Duties:
· Perform other duties as required by the Chief Administrative Officer that are consistent with the purpose and level of this position.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Training:
· College diploma in Law Enforcement, Police Foundations, Protection, Security and Investigation, Public Administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
· Municipal law enforcement training or certification is an asset.
· Property standards, animal control, conflict management, or court procedure training is an asset.
· Current First Aid and CPR certification is an asset.
Experience:
· Experience in by-law enforcement, regulatory compliance, investigations, security, animal control, property management, or a related field is preferred.
· Entry-level candidates with relevant education, transferable public-facing experience, and the demonstrated ability to interpret rules, manage conflict, and prepare written documentation are encouraged to apply.
· Experience in a municipal or broader public sector environment is an asset.
Knowledge and Skills:
· Knowledge of municipal by-law enforcement principles and relevant Ontario legislation, including the Provincial Offences Act and related enforcement processes, is an asset.
· Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear notes, reports, correspondence, and court-related documentation.
· Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse members of the public and internal stakeholders.
· Ability to assess facts, solve problems, and make sound decisions in sensitive or high-stress situations.
· Proficiency in office software and the ability to learn enforcement, records, and case management systems.
· Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and impartiality in the performance of duties.
· Valid Ontario Class G Driver’s Licence with a satisfactory driving record.
Conditions of Employment
· Employment is conditional upon a satisfactory Criminal Record Check.
· Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
· Must be available to respond to urgent matters outside regular working hours, as operationally required.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
· Work is performed in office, field, vehicle, and community settings, with regular travel throughout the Township.
· The role involves exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, animals, environmental hazards, and occasionally confrontational situations.
· The position requires walking, standing, driving, climbing stairs, and entering properties where legally authorized in order to conduct inspections and investigations.
· Flexible scheduling may be required to respond to complaints, follow-up inspections, urgent occurrences, court attendance, and evening or weekend enforcement matters.
· Work involves frequent interaction with the public and may include confidential or sensitive information requiring discretion.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
· Reports to: Chief Administrative Officer.
· Internal: Clerk Treasurer, Public Works, Fire Services, administrative staff, and other Township departments as required.
· External: Residents, businesses, contractors, legal counsel, court services, police, provincial agencies, animal services, and the general public.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter as indicated below. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Township of Ignace Township Office
34 Main Street.
Ignace, ON P0T 1T0
[email protected]
Closing date: Thursday August 6th, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. CST
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
The Township of Ignace is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Human Rights Code throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please advise us if you require accommodations to ensure you can participate fully and equally during the recruitment and selection process.
Pay: $35.00-$40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Relocation assistance
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
