Manager, Legal, Licensing & Enforcement

Please apply through our website at www.essex.ca/jobs no later than end of business day on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Job Summary
Under the direction of the Director, Legal & Legislative Services, the Manager, Legal, Licensing & Enforcement is responsible for delivering a wide range of legal services in areas of law affecting the Town, administration of the Town’s various licensing programs and oversight of By-Law compliance and enforcement for the Town. This position will also assist the Director with the municipal elections.

Typical Duties

1. Budgets and Finances
   • Propose, administer and monitor the approved operating budget for By-Law enforcement.
   • Provide input in preparation of other aspects of the Legal & Legislative Services Division budget; help ensure effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, materials and resources.
2. Planning and Operations
   • Legal and Litigation
     • Under direction of the Director, provides professional legal services to the Town, including Town Council and Administration, in all areas of the law as necessary focusing on civil litigation, By-Law enforcement, municipal and administrative, land use planning and development, construction, real estate, corporate, contracts, privacy, insurance, environmental and labour and employment law.
     • Represents the Town before adjudicative bodies, including all aspects of conducting civil and administrative litigation, By-Law prosecutions and provincial offences.
     • Negotiate, draft, review, prepare and serve a wide variety of legal documents such as litigation documents, corporate contracts, property, real estate, service and employment agreements.
     • Managing, preparing and conducting all steps and documents related to legal processes in which the Town is a party.
     • Prepare and review witness summons, search warrants as required, Part III Information’s and other documents required under the Provincial Offences Act and appear before a Justice of the Peace as required.
     • Monitors external legal counsel with respect to requested legal advice and opinions, civil, insurance and administrative litigation, and other matters as required.
     • Prepare legal opinions for the guidance of Town Council and Administration.
     • Review, interpret, amend and draft Town By-Laws.
     • Responds to enquiries and complaints from the public, agencies, Administration and other stakeholders pertaining to the interpretation and enforcement of Town By-Laws and related regulations, policies and procedures.
     • Assists in the administration of the Town’s insurance program and manage insurance claims.
     • Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of legal enactments and amendments; analyzes and provides input/advice on how these may affect the Town; and recommends appropriate operational, compliance and policy responses.
     • Assist the Director in the management of the Municipal Election Process.
   • Licensing
     • Oversees the Town’s licensing programs, including but not limited to short-term rental licenses, business licensing, lottery licensing, taxi and ride-share services ensuring all applications are made in accordance with Town By-Laws.
     • Acts as the primary point of contact for property owners, third parties and governmental authorities related to licenses managed by the Town.
     • Receives and reviews license applications in conjunction with applicable law.
     • Suspend or revoke licenses in accordance with Town By-Laws.
   • Enforcement
     • Manages and oversees the interpretation, administration, investigation and enforcement activities related to licensing matters, property standards, zoning, business, short-term rentals, and other By-Laws while managing By-law Officers and staff who conduct inspections and complete investigations, and make determinations regarding the imposing of conditions, refusal, and revocation of a license.
     • Developing and revising policies and procedures to enhance operations and create efficiencies.
     • Provide guidance, support and oversight to enforcement staff in the investigations and recommendation of penalties and court action sought.
     • Manage the Administrative Monetary Penalty System.
   • People and Performance
     • Oversee and directly supervise three (3) By-Law Officers (1 FT and 2 PT), including hiring, training, delegation of duties, scheduling work, mentoring and advice, reviewing performance and dealing with disciplinary matters in accordance with the Town’s policies and procedures.
     • Assist with the supervision and direction of the Legal & Licensing Clerk and students employed in the Legal & Legislative Services department.
     • Maintain positive working relationships with Employees, the Management Team, Council, and Committees.
     • Provide leadership, work direction and training to other staff within the Legal & Legislative Services Department.
     • Comply with all health and safety practices as it relates to the work, standard operating guidelines and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
   • Communication and Reporting
     • Prepare reports for Administration, Council and Committees on legal, licensing and By-Law enforcement related activities and matters.
     • Attend meetings of Council as required to present reports and/or responses to Council inquiries, in both public and closed session meetings.
     • Maintain public relations and liaison concerning By-Law awareness, compliance and enforcement.
     • Represents the Legal Services Division at Appeals Committee meetings.
     • Assist the Director in the research and preparation of legal opinions, for Council, Committees and Administration.

Skills and Qualifications

• Must possess a Juris Doctorate or Bachelor of Laws degree (L.L.B. /J.D.).
• Must be a Licensed Lawyer Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
• Must have a minimum of three (3) years of experience practicing municipal law or related relevant experience in the public sector and in relevant areas of law.
• Full membership/certification in good standing in Municipal Law Enforcement Officers Association (MLEOA) and the Ontario Association of Property Standards Officers (CPSO) would be considered an asset.
• Must have knowledge and understanding of judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative rules of procedure.
• Working knowledge of Provincial Offences Act, Highway Traffic Act, Municipal Act, 2001, Ontario Building Code Act, Planning Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Regulations, other pertinent legislation related to enforcement of regulatory By-Laws.
• Strong working knowledge of municipal government structure and operations, including Council authority and procedures.
• Strong computer proficiency including a thorough knowledge of Microsoft Suites.
• Working knowledge of computer-based research systems, working knowledge of electronic legal research systems, and land registration systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with all levels within the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Satisfactory passing of a criminal record check.

Core Competencies Required:

• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration & Relationship Building
• Communication
• Customer Focus
• Integrity & Respect
• Leadership
• Planning & Organizing
• Problem Solving
• Researching Results Orientation & Accountability
• Time Management

The Town of Essex offers a competitive salary in the range of $112,600 to $136,940, complimented by an excellent benefit package.

The Town of Essex is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accommodation may be provided in all parts of the hiring process.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for consideration will be acknowledged. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 and will be used to determine eligibility for employment.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $112,600.00-$136,940.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision care

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

• Do you possess a Juris Doctorate or Bachelor of Law Degree?
• Are you a licensed lawyer member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario?

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-12-13