A CAREER AS A BUILDING OFFICIAL
Building officials are vital to the construction industry and public safety. Working as a Building Official is about making sure homes, buildings and structures in our communities meet the provincial building code and are built right. This means examining and inspecting building construction and interpreting and applying the Ontario Building code. As a Building Official, you’ll work at a municipality and play a vital role collaborating with home owners, developers, contractors, architects and engineers in the planning, building and growing of communities.
What Building Departments Are Looking For In New Hires
The good news is that Building Official training and certification offered by the OBOA will teach you everything you need to know to succeed at the job. But there are a few skills that you should have from the get go:
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You’re a friendly person who values customers and takes absolute pride in everything you do.
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You’ve got the right attitude, a willingness to learn and understand that work is easier – and problems are solved more quickly – with teamwork.
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You have a post-secondary school degree or diploma and an interest in the construction industry.
Building Official Roles: From Entry Level to Senior Management
Looking to advance in your career, find a new job or make a change? Ontario municipalities are looking for Building Officials. There are many types of Building Official roles.
Entry Level
Who
Individuals who are seeking Building Official qualifications and experience to progress in the profession.
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What
This role often involves customer service, as well as technical administrative tasks like initial application review, front counter inquiries and inspection scheduling.
Housing & Small Buildings Plans Examiner / Building Inspector
Who
Individuals with 1-2 years of experience who have demonstrated the knowledge and ability to review plans and conduct inspections on residential and small commercial or industrial projects.
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What
Approves and/or inspects plans and on site construction with limitations on scope of work. Often asked to assist or mentor entry level individuals.
Large Buildings Plans Examiner / Building Inspector
Who
Individuals who have been in the Building Official profession for a number of years, have gained considerable experience and are qualified under a number of designations.
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What
Works on large and complex buildings, including large commercial, industrial and institutional projects and smaller intricate projects. Often asked to assist or mentor entry level individuals.
Speciality Plans Examiner / Building Inspector
Who
Individuals that carry specialized qualifications or designations (e.g. HVAC Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, Septic Inspector, etc).
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What
Specialized plans examiners and inspectors typically work in medium to large size municipalities. Specialization enables the individual in this role to focus on their specialized area of projects.
Deputy CBO / CBO [CBCO - OBOA Designation)
Who
Senior level individuals who have demonstrated leadership, operational and technical abilities.
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What
This senior building official has good knowledge of the Building Code, understands risk liability and has great communication and leadership skills. Responsibilities include people and administrative supervision, government relations and advocacy, finance management, budgeting, report writing and more.