Fire Chief
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Fire Chief is appointed by Council through by-law and is responsible for planning, organizing and directing departmental employees (including full-time and volunteers) and operations assets ensuring that appropriate public safety, fire prevention and education initiatives are developed and carried out in a professional and efficient manner in accordance with all applicable legislation. The Fire Chief is also appointed to the role of Community Emergency Management Coordinator by Council through by-law to coordinate the Municipality’s emergency management program and emergency plan.
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
- Post-secondary education in fire service management or public/business administration, or a related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
- A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in the Fire Service, with a minimum of five years’ experience as an Officer, required.
- A minimum of five years of supervisory/management experience, required.
- NFPA 1001 IFSAC certification or equivalent, required.
- NFPA 1021 Fire Officer IV and IFSAC certification or equivalent, required.
- NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator IFSAC certification or equivalent, required.
- NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector IFSAC certification or equivalent considered an asset.
- NFPA 1521 Incident Safety Officer IFSAC certification or equivalent considered an asset.
- Strong knowledge of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Ontario Fire Code, Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, associated regulations, and OFM directives.
- Completion of IMS 100, IMS 200, EM 200, EM 300 training, considered an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply municipal by-laws, mutual aid/automatic aid agreements, and tiered response agreements.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Occupational Health & Safety Act, regulations and the hazards associated with fire service work. Valid Joint Health & Safety Committee certification considered an asset.
- Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply NFPA standards in day-to-day duties.
- Knowledge of current and emerging firefighting and fire prevention methods.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team, residents, family members and other groups.
- Demonstrated leadership skills including effective mentoring, coaching, counselling and conflict management skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with residents, families, government agencies and other stakeholders.
- Highly developed communication and public relations skills; strong presentation and writing skills; ability to effectively communicate the department’s priorities and interests.
- Ability to successfully lead negotiations and meetings with high level facilitation in a complex regulatory environment with many competing interests and the ability to identify and solve problems and make decisions.
- Strong project management skills with proven ability to multitask and proactively manage competing priorities, with organizational skills necessary to excel in a high pressure, fast paced environment with tight deadlines.
- Knowledge of management practices, municipal budget development and administration, and funding and grant management.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information in an appropriate manner with the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy with a high degree of judgment and discretion.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, file management, digital communication tools and devices and other related applications.
- Valid Class “G” Ontario driver’s licence in good standing – DZ license is desirable.
Supervision:
- This position is responsible for the effective supervision of all Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue department career staff and volunteer firefighters.
Work Environment:
- Exposed to a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
- Exposure to inclement weather and hazards of emergency incidents.
- Exposure to incidents involving traumatic injury and loss of life.
- Strenuous physical exertion during fire ground and training evolutions.
- Extended work hours, scheduled and unscheduled work on evenings and weekends, on-call, emergency call-outs.
- Travel to incidents, meetings, training, regional activities, etc.
Physical Requirements:
- Extreme physical, mental and emotional demands.
- Ability to remain sharp and attentive after long hours at work
- Ability to complete tasks involving heavy pushing, pulling and lifting, and be able to wear personal protective equipment for protection.
- Strenuous physical exertion during fire ground and training evaluations.
Compensation also includes a competitive benefit package and membership in OMERS, a defined benefit pension plan.
To apply for this position, please submit a resume. Candidates are also strongly encouraged to submit a detailed cover letter which tells us about yourself, your leadership style, your connection to Prince Edward County and why you believe that you are the ideal candidate to lead our composite fire force into the future.
