By-law Enforcement and Other Regulatory Officers

(NOC 4423)

in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services

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 Outlook

average

Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 20 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate Low rate of unemployment in 2022

Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services

Estimate 1830 employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 5515 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

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. Also, a average portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.

Hourly Pay

$24.01

Minimum

$28.85

Median

$40.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$11,966

Minimum

$52,149

Median

$83,870

Maximum

Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services

Hourly Pay

$16.30

Minimum

$30.00

Median

$51.30

Maximum

Annual Pay

$5,616

Minimum

$44,335

Median

$92,599

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

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

240

employed in 2016

91.7%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

31.3%

68.7%

49.3

median age

Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services

55,420

employed in 2016

76.4%

employed full-time

6.6%

self employed

64.0%

36%

43.5

median age

Where will I likely work?

40.8%

Halifax

$52,881 median annual income

20.4%

Cape Breton

$62,757 median annual income

18.4%

Annapolis Valley

$46,528 median annual income

14.3%

North Shore

$46,406 median annual income

6.1%

Southern

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

57.1%

Public administration

18.4%

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

4.1%

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

4.1%

Educational services

4.1%

Construction

What is the age of Employment?

33.0%

45-54

25.0%

35-44

25.0%

55-64

6.0%

15-24

6.0%

25-34

4.0%

65+

Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services

24.2%

35-44

22.7%

45-54

21.4%

25-34

17.2%

55-64

8.4%

15-24

Top levels of education

32.7%

College Diploma

$53,689 median annual income

26.5%

High school

$42,142 median annual income

20.4%

Bachelor

$62,924 median annual income

12.2%

Trade Certification

N/A

8.2%

Diploma Below Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services

28.9%

Bachelor

$45,929 median annual income

21.2%

College Diploma

$35,398 median annual income

16.8%

Master

$71,043 median annual income

14.6%

High school

$29,055 median annual income

4.6%

Doctorate

$100,443 median annual income

Education & training

Animal Behaviour and Ethology

College or University Program

These 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

Dalhousie University

Halifax, NS

admissions@dal.ca

Website

Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture

Truro, NS

Website

Architectural Engineering Technology/Technician

College or Trades Program

These 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

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

admission@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Website

Community Learning Organizations

Various, NS

Website

Security and Loss Prevention Services

College or Trades Program

These 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

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website