By-law Enforcement and Other Regulatory Officers
(NOC 4423)
in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community ServicesOfficers and inspectors in this group enforce by-laws and regulations of provincial and municipal governments. Animal control officers enforce animal control by-laws. Commercial transport inspectors inspect transport vehicles. Garbage collection inspectors investigate complaints regarding the storing and collection of garbage. Other areas requiring inspectors and enforcement officers are liquor licences, parking control, taxi service, and property zoning. They work for provincial and municipal governments and agencies. By-law enforcement officers may specialize in the enforcement of one specific by-law.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. By-Law Enforcement and Other Regulatory Officers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 67% of By-Law Enforcement and Other Regulatory Officers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $59,461. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$15.35
Minimum$25.00
Median$34.62
MaximumAnnual Pay
$11,966
Minimum$52,149
Median$83,870
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$14.74
Minimum$33.28
Median$46.76
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,616
Minimum$44,335
Median$92,599
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Officers and inspectors in this group enforce by-laws and regulations of provincial and municipal governments. Animal control officers enforce animal control by-laws. Commercial transport inspectors inspect transport vehicles. Garbage collection inspectors investigate complaints regarding the storing and collection of garbage. Other areas requiring inspectors and enforcement officers are liquor licences, parking control, taxi service, and property zoning. They work for provincial and municipal governments and agencies. By-law enforcement officers may specialize in the enforcement of one specific by-law.
Job duties
Animal control officers:
- Respond to citizen complaints concerning stray domestic animals, livestock, and wildlife.
- Issue warnings and citations to owners.
- Impound lost, homeless, and dangerous animals.
By-law enforcement officers:
- Enforce municipal and provincial regulations.
- Investigate complaints.
- Issue warnings and citations to commercial and residential property owners and occupants.
Commercial transport inspectors:
- Inspect commercial vehicles to ensure compliance with regulations governing load restrictions, the transportation of hazardous materials and public safety.
Garbage collection inspectors:
- Investigate complaints concerning infractions of garbage collection by-laws.
Liquor licence inspectors:
- Conduct inspections of licensed businesses.
- Advise licencees on laws and regulations.
- Report violations of laws and regulations to provincial liquor control boards and agencies.
Parking control officers:
- Enforce parking by-laws on city streets, regional roads, and municipal properties.
Taxi inspectors:
- Inspect taxicabs for mechanical reliability, cleanliness, licensing, and meter accuracy.
- Investigate public complaints, issue citations, and prepare reports.
- Give evidence to city councils, taxi commissions and in court.
Zoning inspectors:
- Investigate properties in violation of zoning and related by-laws, after receiving requests for licence clearances pertaining to zoning and related by-laws, and on receipt of building permit applications.
Sample job titles
- animal control officer
- by-law enforcement officer
- commercial transport inspector
- highway scale operator
- liquor licence inspector
- municipal law enforcement officer
- parking control officer
- service station inspector
- transportation enforcement officer
- zoning enforcement officer
Skills
You must be resourceful and able to work on your own carrying out instructions given by your employer. It will be necessary to gain a good knowledge of the regulations pertaining to your work. Excellent communication, observation, and problem-solving skills are essential. You should have a valid driver's licence. Cultural sensitivity and patience are important. You should also be able to communicate with and gain the respect of the public. Candidates are required to pass the appropriate background check.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- Completion of a college program or courses in law and security or other related field or experience in a related administrative or regulatory occupation is usually required.
- Zoning inspectors or zoning enforcement officers may require a college diploma as a civil engineering or architectural technologist or technician and several years of experience in enforcement and/or building construction or a related field.
- On-the-job training is provided.
Other considerations
None
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Other services (except public administration)
Transportation and warehousing
Professional, scientific and technical services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$53,689 median annual incomeHigh school
$42,142 median annual incomeBachelor
$62,924 median annual incomeTrade Certification
N/ADiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor
$45,929 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$35,398 median annual incomeMaster
$71,043 median annual incomeHigh school
$29,055 median annual incomeDoctorate
$100,443 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Animal Behaviour and Ethology
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of the psychological and neurological bases of animal sensation, perception, cognition, behaviour, and behavioural interactions within and outside the species. They include courses in ethology, behavioural neuroscience, neurobiology, behavioural evolution, cognition and sensory perception, motivators, learning and instinct, hormonal controls, reproductive and developmental biology, community ecology, functional behaviour, and applications to specific behaviours and patterns as well as to specific phyla and species.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Architectural Engineering Technology/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of architects, engineers and planners engaged in designing and developing buildings, urban complexes, and related systems. They include courses in design testing procedures, building site analysis, model building and computer graphics, engineering drawing, structural systems testing, analysis of prototype mechanical and interior systems, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Security and Loss Prevention Services
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to perform routine inspection, patrol and crime prevention services for security companies. They include courses in the provision of personal protection as well as property security.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.