Backflow Prevention Officer

Position Details

• Status: Permanent Full-Time
• Vacancy Type: New
• Union/Non-union: Cupe 1385
• Date Posted: July 8, 2026
• Annual Salary: $72,555.03 - $77,186.20
• Department/Division: Building and Planning Services / By-Law
• Location: On-Site (Stratford, ON)

Duties

• This position reports to the Supervisor of By-Law Compliance and is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the City's Cross-Connection Control By-Law, which aims to prevent contamination of the Municipal drinking water system and regulate the supply of safe drinking water to the citizens of Stratford.
• This position will be responsible for maintaining the City’s Cross Connection program and ensuring the annual testing of devices is completed and onboarding of new businesses/residents to the program when required, in accordance with the City’s Cross Connection By-Law.
• The Backflow Prevention Officer will demonstrate a positive attitude with a focus on contributing to a healthy team environment and providing quality customer service while following the City’s corporate strategic initiatives and policies.
• Provide input and advice to Municipal Building Officials on backflow plumbing-related matters, when required.
• Review of backflow building permit application for conformance with the Ontario Building Code & the City’s Cross Connection Control By-Law and suggest issuance of a permit to the Chief Building Official (or designate).
• Conduct inspections, when required, for backflow permits in accordance with the Ontario Building Code and the City of Stratford’s Cross Connection Control By-Law.
• Responsible for maintaining the filing system and Cross Connection database for properties within the Cross-Connection program. Requiring test reports, surveys, and all required information is received upon compliance dates and information is kept up to date in our system.
• Prepare and issue reports, letters and orders in relation to on-site inspections and plans examination.
• Prepare letters and correspondence for annual testing of backflow prevention devices, cross-connection surveys and reports and send to property owners.
• Prepare notices and orders for properties that have lapsed in annual testing, or properties that are in non-compliance with the City’s Cross Connection By-Law.
• Prepare reports for committees, tribunals and court proceedings.
• Prepare notes, collect evidence and maintain documentation/records. Possess the ability to compile documentation and prepare evidence, attend court hearings, and represent the City when required.
• Establish and maintain good relationships with the public, industry partners/professionals, contractors and City staff.
• Provide education on the Cross-Connection By-Law and program requirements as well as backflow building permit requirements to the public, design professionals, contractors and City staff.
• Respond to inquiries and investigate alleged violations to the Cross-Connection Control Program. Able to complete required enforcement actions, including but not limited to, the issuance of notices, orders and fines.
• Complete technical review of submitted documentation and perform data entry into the By-Law Divisions database and filing systems.
• Assists in providing the Supervisor of By-Law Compliance departmental statistics, and proposed changes and/or enhancements to the City’s Cross-Connection Program, process and procedures.
• Refer special and/or unusual situations to the Supervisor of By-Law Compliance for direction.
• Assist in maintaining a safe and positive work environment by ensuring compliance with the Health & Safety Policies and Procedures, reporting and addressing any risks, incidents, or injuries as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Completion of the Backflow Prevention Tester’s Course and posses a Certification as a Licensed Cross Connection and Backflow Tester.
• Possess a Certification for Licensed Cross Connection Control Specialist.
• Licensed as a Journeyman Plumber, in good standing with Skilled Trades Ontario, with a minimum of three (3) years of work-related experience, Municipal experience is considered an asset.
• Possess a valid BCIN with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and is qualified in the following categories: General Legal, Plumbing – All Buildings. Additional qualifications are considered to be an asset.
• Two (2) year post secondary diploma from an approved Law Enforcement Program, Police Studies/Foundation, Law & Security, or related discipline is considered an asset.
• Valid Driver’s License (Class G).
• Possesses a Membership or willing to obtain a Membership with the Ontario Plumbers Inspectors Association (OPIA).
• Demonstrate knowledge and ability to interpret codes, by-Laws and construction drawings with an excellent understanding of the Building Code Act, Ontario Building Code, municipal by-laws, Clean Water Act and any other Applicable Laws.
• Knowledge of the Provincial Offences Act and the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
• Experience in the identification and protection of cross connections on potable water systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of staff, industry professionals and the general public.
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a demanding work environment with excellent prioritization and scheduling skills.
• Intermediate computer skills with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel etc.).
• Must have experience with Building Permitting Software & Licensing Related Software (preferably City Wide).
• Experience with permit review software, such as Bluebeam.
• Good level of judgment and ability to resolve complex problems.
• Must be a reliable self-starter. Able to function with minimal supervision, as well as work as part of a team, and undertake all aspects...