Business Licence Advisor

Job Description

Business Licence Advisor

Competition Number: 26/188

Posting Scope: Internal / External

Posted Date: October 6, 2026

Closing Date: October 20, 2026, 4:30 PM PST

Department: Business & Community Relations

Work schedule: Monday to Friday ( 35 hour work week) – Continuous (Full-Time)

Salary: $51.22 per hour, Pay Grade 14 (under review)

Job Code: 4484

Employee Group: This is a CUPE Local 50 position

Number of Vacancies: 1

FLEX

The successful candidate for this vacancy would participate in a modified work week, earning a flex day off each bi-weekly period by working additional time each day. Modified work weeks established in accordance with the CUPE Local 50 Collective Agreement and are subject to change.

POSITION FUNCTION

The Business Licence Advisor is responsible for administering complex business licence applications. The role serves as the primary point of coordination for non-routine licensing applications, facilitating communication between applicants and relevant City Departments and providing specialized business licensing expertise by coordinating interdepartmental reviews and ensuring applications meet applicable legislative, regulatory, bylaw, and policy requirements.

KEY DUTIES

- Administers complex, non-routine business license applications, including new businesses, changes of use, relocations, and applications requiring multi-departmental review.

- Reviews business license applications for completeness and compliance with applicable bylaws, policies, and zoning requirements and advises applicants regarding deficiencies, outstanding requirements, approvals, or revisions required to proceed.

- Coordinates, tracks, and drives the circulation and review of business license applications by internal departments, including Planning, Bylaw Services, Fire, and Engineering to support established service standards and timelines.

- Prepares, issues, amends, renews, and administers business licenses and coordinates administrative processes related to license appeals in accordance with municipal bylaws, policies, and established procedures.

- Maintains accurate and complete business licensing files, records, correspondence, and documentation using applicable software systems and records management practices.

- Identifies issues, conflicting information, or atypical applications, assesses available options and recommends potential solutions before escalating matters involving exceptions, complex interpretations, or deviations from established requirements to the supervisor as required.

- Assists with reporting, statistical tracking, records analysis, operational improvements, and service delivery initiatives related to business licensing processes, volumes, and timelines.

- Assigns tasks and provides guidance and support to administrative and licensing staff on licensing procedures and application workflows.

- Identifies and implements approved improvements to business licensing processes and service delivery, including application forms, information resources, workflow enhancements, digitization initiatives, and system improvements.

- Maintains and updates business licensing materials, including applicant guides, website content, templates, forms, and other communication tools.

Performs related duties where qualified.

INDEPENDENCE

- Work is assigned by the supervisor and is performed in accordance with established bylaws, policies, procedures, and departmental practices.

- Matters involving exceptions to established requirements, complex interpretations, deviations from standard procedures, or unresolved issues are reviewed and assessed, with recommendations brought forward to the supervisor as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Effort:

- Sit with arms unsupported while keyboarding. (often)

Mental Effort:

- Short periods of intense concentration while reviewing applications, coordinating multiple files, and meeting legislated or service deadlines. (often)

- Deal with complaints, conflicting information, and applicant concerns. (occasional)

Visual/Auditory Effort:

- Focus on a variety of source documents, drawings, and computer screens for short periods. (often)

Work Environment:

- Office

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES

- Ability to interpret and apply bylaws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to business licensing.

- Ability to manage multiple complex files simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and meeting deadlines.

- Ability to communicate effectively with the public, City staff, and external stakeholders and explain regulatory requirements and processes in plain language.

- Strong organizational, coordination, and time-management skills.

- Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, database, records management, and workflow tracking systems.

- Ability to identify issues requiring further review, determine when escalation is appropriate, and maintain confidentiality.

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants, City staff, external agencies, and other stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

Formal Education, Training and Occupational Certification:

- Diploma in Business Administration, Public Administration, Local Government Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

- Minimum of 3 years experience in business licensing, regulatory administration, municipal administration, permitting, development services, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

OTHER:

May be requested to substitute in a more senior position.

To apply for this opportunity, you will need to create an online profile or log back into our career portal at www.victoria.ca/jobs - only online submissions will be considered. All applications must be submitted online by 4:30 pm on the closing date noted on the posting. Please be prepared to provide proof of qualifications as outlined in your resume.

The City of Victoria is committed to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into our programs, policies, spaces, and services. Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve and aim to become. Individuals who are Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or facing any additional barriers are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be available upon request throughout the application and selection process.

If you require assistance, please email us at [email protected].