Backflow Prevention Officer

POSITION SUMMARY:  Under the general supervision of the Supervisor and the technical direction and guidance of the Senior Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector, is responsible for the continuing implementation, promotion, and enforcement of the City’s Backflow Prevention Program and for carrying out the duties specifically relating to plumbing and mechanical systems in regard to the application and enforcement of the Ontario Building Code in the role of an inspector as required under the Building Code. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administers, maintains, and enforces the Backflow Prevention Program.
• Furthers the development and implementation of the Program including conducting and facilitating public awareness programs in relation to backflow prevention.
• Liaises with and provides technical direction to service providers, other city sectors, and the general public with respect to backflow prevention installations.
• Performs reviews of all proposals for premise isolation and cross connection control surveys for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, recognized standards, and the City’s Waterworks By-law.
• Prepares and issues reports, letters, and orders in relation to on-site inspections and continued implementation of the Program.
• Acts as the City’s representative with the Ontario Backflow Prevention Association.
• Performs plumbing and mechanical inspector functions relating to plumbing in buildings falling within the scope of OBC Part 9 and other basic plumbing for buildings built under other parts of the Code to supplement workload or in response to work overload situations.
• Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

---

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

• Diploma or degree in mechanical discipline relating to building systems or a Certified journeyman plumber in the Province of Ontario and secondary school graduation; and
• Minimum three years’ experience working extensively in the field of plumbing system design for buildings with a professional design firm or as a licenced plumber;
• Certification as a licensed cross connection control device tester recognized by the OWWA or AWWA
• Experience in the identification, classification, and protection of cross connections on potable water systems
• Be familiar with relevant legislation under the Building Code Act, Provincial Offences Act, and Municipal by-laws

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Possess good team and public relations skills and have the initiative to work without close supervision
• Must have a working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act as it applies to this work

Assets:

• Knowledge of software applications used by the Building Section

---

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• May be required to travel to various work locations and provide own transportation
• Must maintain certification and proficiency as a licensed Cross Connection Control Device Tester recognized by the OWWA or AWWA
• Must remain proficient in current backflow prevention and cross connection systems, the Ontario Building Code, its technical requirements, and all applicable law
• Achieve and maintain membership within the Ontario Backflow Prevention Association within 120 days from commencement of employment as a Backflow Inspection Officer
• Successful completion of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing examination program relating to the following categories of qualifications: “Plumbing – All Buildings” and “General Legal Process” within 18 months of employment as a Backflow Prevention Officer
• Maintain/achieve standards as required by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to continue to execute the listed major responsibilities
• Abide by the Code of Conduct established for building officials under the authority of the Building Code Act
• Must be physically able to perform on-site inspection functions
• Must undergo a successful Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)

---

General Information:

As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Thunder Bay encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE:  It is a contravention of the Human Rights Code of Ontario to discriminate on the basis of: race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, age, record of offences, gender identity or gender expression.  Therefore, a resume submitted to the City must not include references to any of the above characteristics.  Do not include: 

• Photos
• Any certificates that have photo identification
• Driver’s licences
• Police records checks

Note: The above documentation will be requested by the Human Resources Division should you be the successful applicant.  If a Criminal Record Check is required, it will be requested by Human Resources should you be the successful applicant.  Please do not submit your Criminal Record Check with your application.

ACCOMMODATION:  Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process.

PRIVACY: Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, c. 302, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to the Human Resources Division, 125 Syndicate Ave Suite 42, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6H8, Telephone: 625-3866

The City of Thunder Bay provides exceptional quality of life to those who live, work, and play in Thunder Bay – a culturally vibrant, economically diverse community with a metro population of over 120,000. Located on the north shore of Lake Superior, under the protective watch of the Sleeping Giant, Thunder Bay is rich in people and resources, and connects Northwestern Ontario to the world. We value our high quality of life and promote a clean, green, beautiful, and healthy community that provides economic opportunity, respects diversity, and provides affordable and safe neighbourhoods that are accessible to all.

The City of Thunder Bay is a place where art, culture and nature come together!

Watch this video to learn more about our City at:

PLEASE NOTE:  Application reviews begin immediately, continuing until the position is filled and may close at any time.