Deputy Fire Chief

Position Details

• Employment Type: Full-time
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Engagement Type: Permanent
• Department: Fire Department
• Work Location: On-Site

The Deputy Fire Chief is an integral member of the fire administration team responsible for providing exceptional fire protection service to our community.  Reporting to the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief leads a progressive career fire department consisting of 144 dedicated members operating from 4 fire stations through the following 7 divisions; Administration, Fire Prevention, Suppression, Professional Qualifications & Standards, Communications, Fleet & Facilities, and Emergency Management.

This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Fire Prevention, Communications and Emergency Management divisions ensuring positive labour and community relations while ensuring efficient service delivery.  The Deputy Chief participates in an on-call rotation and acts as the Fire Chief when required.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction along with the Fire Chief, and ensure professional standards for the functional areas under direction.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators, analyze and interpret data to provide information, explanations and justifications for recommendations and decisions.
• Develop short and long-term plans to maintain service excellence and prepare for future forecasted needs by monitoring financial, operational, technical and demographic factors and recommending required departmental capital and operating resources.
• Operationalize the annual business plan/Fire Master Plan through effective management of resources and programs, setting policies and standards in accordance with legislation and best practices.
• Ensure work of functional teams meets quality and efficiency standards related to bylaws, legislation, and the Office of the Fire Marshal best practices.
• Formulate and implement City-wide strategies to ensure corporate alignment.
• Responsible for development and administration of operating and capital budgets and maintaining legislative compliance.
• Set overall direction and vision; coach and guide personnel; manage escalated performance issues; develop employees including recruitment, training, and professional development.
• Represent the Department at external events and act as spokesperson at business and social events, supporting City and Department goals.
• Collaborate and interact with business leaders, community leaders, private sector interests, and the public; make presentations and participate in Council committee and public meetings.
• Act as a point of reference for external media inquiries regarding highly visible emergencies or incidents.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in business/public administration or related discipline or equivalent combination of related experience and recognized fire service education.
• Strategic and critical thinker with demonstrated leadership, managerial, and change management skills.
• Community minded with significant knowledge and experience of modern urban firefighting techniques, emergency response, incident management system, and public safety theories.
• Practical experience and knowledge of Human/Labour Relations, Ontario Fire Code, Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Occupational Health and Safety legislation, Section 21 guidance notes and processes.
• Excellent communication skills, conflict management experience, and demonstrated experience in a unionized municipal fire service environment.
• Highly developed risk management and decision making skills; excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Experience with First Due records management system is an asset.
• Valid "G" Class Ontario Driver's Licence in good standing required.
• IMS 200 Certification or equivalent (ICS 200) considered an asset; certification must be achieved within first employment year subject to course availability.
• Applicants must submit current Police Vulnerable Sector Check within past 3 months for approval prior to commencing employment.