Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason
- Job ID #32133: Tobacco Enforcement Officer
- Union: CUPE Local 5167
- Job Description ID #: 5099
- Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-cityby 4:00 p.m. on August 12, 2026.
- Duration: Up to 12 months
- Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy.
- Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
Reporting to the Manager, Tobacco Control works to enforce the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, and City of Hamilton Smoking By-laws No. 11-080 and No. 23-237 including tobacco enforcement education and compliance strategies, enforcement protocols, legal/prosecution activities, and record keeping/reporting. Collaborates, partners and acts as liaison with other community agencies and government organizations to ensure coordinated and efficient services.
GENERAL DUTIES
Conduct inspections, provide information on Smoke-Free Ontario Act, as well as Hamilton By-laws #11-080 and 23-237. Gather investigative information to ensure compliance with these laws through daily contact with proprietors of public places, such as restaurants and bars, tobacco and vapour product vendors; workplaces; schools, hospitals and other public facilities. Work with other organizations and staff such as the Ministry of Health, Public Health Inspectors, Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario, City of Hamilton departments, Federal and Provincial enforcement agencies and Police Services concerning violations.
Inspect premises based on Ministry of Health Regulations and Directives, complaints and follow-up inspections. Conduct surveillance according to Ministry Enforcement Compliance Protocols and other protocols approved by Manager. Conduct investigations and take statements from witnesses to determine if charges should be laid. Keep up-to-date records of events in a notebook. Maintain and document Smoke-Free Ontario Act inspections, enforcement and complaints within the Ministry of Health’s Tobacco Inspection System (TIS) database. Maintain and document City of Hamilton By-law #11-080 and 23-237 inspections, enforcement and complaints within Public Health Services, Tobacco Control Program database.
Respond to questions and complaints received directly or through the City of Hamilton’s Tobacco Hotline regarding the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, and/ or City By-laws #11-080 and 23-237.
Gather evidence to be used in court proceedings. For example, take photographs, obtain tobacco or vapour products, witness statements and conduct record searches in order to determine business ownership.
Issue certificates of offence (ticket), summonses, subpoenas, and other legal notices to premises owners and citizens in violation of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and/or City By-laws #11-080 and 23-237. Register ticket(s), prepare crown briefs, attend court trials or municipal hearings, and provide testimony on cases involving Smoke-Free Ontario Act, or City By-law #11-080 and 23-237 violations.
Operate equipment such as a cell phone, computer and digital camera to ensure the complete and accurate reflection of inspection reports and evidence. Input and retrieve complaints and inspections related data through use of a tablet.
Work independently as well as part of a team, including the test shopper program, and prioritize and plan own workload.
Attend committee and public meetings as warranted or directed by manager.
Stay current and aware on tobacco control practices.
Prepare policies and procedures regarding tobacco enforcement program activities.
Ensure that evidence obtained for court purposes is properly secured.
Consult with the Manager as required.
Prepare periodic reports for the department.
Perform other duties as assigned which directly relate to the major responsibilities of the job.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of principles and practices of law enforcement normally acquired through the completion of a Community College Diploma in Law Enforcement or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
- Working knowledge and court experience enforcing Municipal, Provincial and Federal legislation and/or policies related to enforcement by-laws and the knowledge of the SFOA, and City of Hamilton By-laws #11-080 and 23-237.
- Demonstrated analytical, critical thinking, problem solving, and organizational skills in order to find, interpret and verify information; identify problems and their causes in order to generate workable solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain a high standard of professionalism. Keeps calm and self-controlled under pressure when issuing warnings and/or tickets. Demonstrated ability to willingly tackle demanding tasks.
- Demonstrated ability to speak confidently, fluently, clearly and to interview and take statements from citizens for use in court.
- Demonstrated ability to take consistent and accurate notes on-site and write daily activity reports, tickets, crown briefs, and inspection and investigation report forms.
- Daily contact with diverse populations requiring the use of persuasion, negotiation, and communication skills in order to handle confrontational situations, promote a co-operative spirit between the public and enforcement officers, and participate as an effective team member
- Demonstrated ability to support and project values compatible with the organization.
- Experience in a computerized environment with working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) as well as the use of equipment such as a tablet and smartphone. Previous experience with entering inspections, retrieving complaints and data entry in a database would be an asset. Must possess a valid class “G” driver's licence.
- Provision of a vehicle for use on the job.
NOTE 1: As a condition of employment, the successful applicant(s) will be required to obtain a Criminal Reference Check (Vulnerable Sector Screening), at their own expense, prior to beginning work in this position.
NOTE 2: This position(s) currently requires the incumbent(s) to use their personal vehicle(s) 3 or more times per week for City business. In accordance with the City policy, parking is provided at this time. Should this job requirement change, parking will only be provided in accordance with the City policy in force at that time.
NOTE 3: The successful candidate will be required to provide immunization records, which may include TB testing prior to the start of employment to meet the requirements of Policy HSW-01 Staff Proof of Immunity to Vaccine Preventable Diseases.
Disclaimer:
Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Terms:
The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
