Deputy Fire Chief Position Available

Details

• Position Title: Deputy Fire Chief/Training Officer
• Department: Fire
• Reports to: Fire Chief
• Hours of Work: 40 Hours per week

Primary Function

Reporting to the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief is responsible for supporting the overall leadership, administration, and operations of the Fire Department. This position includes responsibilities for training, fire prevention, emergency response, and departmental planning. The Deputy Fire Chief plays a key role in ensuring the safety of residents, visitors, and staff through effective fire services delivery and emergency preparedness. The Deputy Fire Chief acts as an Alternate CEMC in the Emergency Management Program and assumes all responsibilities of the Fire Chief in his/her absence.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that the activities of the Department are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Municipality and in compliance with all related legislation.
• Respond to all major emergencies and assume command of emergency scenes as required. • Respond to burn complaints and conduct inspections as required including required fire inspections for the Short-Term Rental Licensing program.
• In conjunction with the Fire Chief, produce an annual training plan, curriculum and lesson plans in all required areas, ensuring that programming meets or exceeds industry standards.
• Deliver training to staff and volunteers, providing ongoing mentorship and follow- up training.
• Manage the training environment by developing training needs analysis, assessing and evaluating training results, and revising training program components.
• Maintain a comprehensive Training Records Management system.
• Manage operational readiness by communicating rules and regulations, monitoring performance, and addressing behaviors appropriately.
• Schedule and supervise Volunteer Firefighters and Officers to ensure high standards in training, service provision, and performance management.
• Ensure consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assist with fire prevention programs and inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
• Provide public safety awareness through presentations at schools, community groups, and public events.
• Enforce the Fire Code and assist with investigations, liaising with law enforcement, inspectors, engineers, insurance providers and the public.
• In conjunction with the Fire Chief, ensures all firefighting equipment, facilities, and apparatus are maintained in good repair and fit for duty.
• Develop and maintain apparatus and equipment maintenance programs and inventory databases.
• Ensure fire stations are maintained and perform station duties as required.
• Review various reports from District Chiefs and officers for accuracy.
• Develop Fire Safety and Quick Action Plans.
• Participate in pre-planning for emergency response and building assessments.
• In conjunction with the Fire Chief and in accordance with Highlands Easts’ Hiring Policy, assists in the volunteer recruitment process.
• Maintain confidentiality of departmental records and documents.
• May attend Council meetings as required.
• Provide input on annual operating and capital budgets.
• Provides input towards tender specifications for the purchase of apparatus and equipment.
• Attend conferences, seminars and Fire Chief meetings as requested by the Fire Chief.
• Ensure all volunteer firefighter personnel operate in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Highway Traffic Act, and other provincial legislation as required.
• Promote and participate in Occupational Health and Safety programs and municipal policies.
• Protect health and safety by adopting safe work practices and reporting unsafe conditions. Follow all guidelines for employees and employers as legislated under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Participate in the Emergency Management Program and the Municipal Control Group as required.
• Act as the Alternate CEMC in the Emergency Management Program.
• Support department morale and assume command in the absence of the Fire Chief.
• Other duties as assigned.

Contacts

Internal

• With Fire Chief, Chief Administrative Officer, Department Managers and co-workers for the purpose of obtaining and sharing information to complete work assignments as they relate to fire department matters.
• Mayor and Council
• Municipal Volunteer Firefighters

External

• Community Groups
• General Public
• Other Municipal Governments
• Provincial and Federal Agencies
• Fire Marshal’s Office Advisors
• Boards and Agencies
• Engineers
• Electrical Inspectors
• Business Owners

Skills

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise firefighters and maintain discipline.
• Advanced knowledge of firefighting, fire prevention, public education and emergency management
• Knowledge of rescue, first aid, CPR and defibrillation procedures
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Analytical thinking and sound judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and fire service software. Strong computer skills and knowledge of smart phone technology.
• Ability to operate all departmental equipment and apparatus.
• Working knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Electrical Code, Ontario Fire Code and all related Acts and regulations.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Education

• NFPA 1021 Level I & II and NFPA 1041 Level I & II certifications.
• Valid DZ driver’s license and ability to respond to emergencies after hours.
• Pleasure Craft Operators Card, ATV and chainsaw License would be an asset.
• First Aid Qualifications, minimum CPR/AED HCP certification; International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) and Oxygen Administration would be an asset.
• Valid Vulnerable Sector Screening and Criminal Background Check.
• Certificate in Basic Emergency Management (BEM) and/or as a CEMC(Community Emergency Management Coordinator) would be an asset
• Extensive knowledge of fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency response operations.
• Thorough knowledge of Municipal roads and lake systems would be preferred.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation including the FPPA, Ontario Fire Code, and OHSA.

Experience

• 2 to 3 years of in a related position with progressively responsible emergency service, management, and incident command, experience is required.
• Experience in training delivery and fire service administration.
• Experience in a volunteer or composite fire service is preferred.

Working Conditions

This position requires 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday, with availability for evenings and weekends as needed or in the event of emergency situations.

The Deputy Fire Chief must be able to respond to emergency incidents at any time and work in all weather conditions.

The role involves physical activity, including lifting and operating firefighting equipment, and requires the use of personal protective equipment.