Community Fire Chief - Regional District of Nanaimo

Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 109,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional fire services organization is seeking a Community Fire Chief to manage and lead the Coombs-Hilliers Fire Department. This role involves operational leadership, volunteer management, and compliance with safety regulations. The successful candidate must have extensive experience in fire services management and be passionate about community service. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $109,224 to $125,337 annually.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a rural fire department and attracting volunteers.
• Knowledge of operational and administrative management.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and clean Drivers Abstract.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of volunteer firefighters.
• Manage operational and administrative functions of the department.
• Enforce fire safety regulations and maintain liaisons with relevant offices.

Skills

Leadership in fire services

Volunteer recruitment

Emergency incident command

Public relations

Education

Minimum five years in a supervisory fire services role

Ten years firefighting experience

Job description

Overview

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is located on the beautiful central east coast of Vancouver Island, incorporating the municipalities of Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach, and seven unincorporated electoral areas that lie between Cassidy to the south and Bowser to the north. The RDN is situated within the traditional territories of several First Nations, including Snuneymuxw, Snaw-Naw-As and Qualicum First Nations and recognizes their rich cultural heritage.

The RDN is home to approximately 170,000 people and is growing at a very rapid pace. Growth is due in part to a mild coastal climate, diverse ecosystems, and landscapes from the Salish Sea to rugged mountains, easy access to a range of outdoor recreation, and a high quality of life.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager, Fire Services, the Community Fire Chief is responsible for leading a team of dedicated volunteer firefighters, as well as managing and providing operational and administrative leadership to the Coombs-Hilliers Fire Department. The Community Fire Chief is responsible for maintaining liaison with the Office of the Fire Commissioner and enforcing the provisions of the Fire Service/Safety Act and Regulations, in addition to pertinent local bylaws and policies.

For reasons of operational efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of fire rescue services, the Community Fire Chief must reside within the boundaries of the Fire Protection Service Area or within ten (10) minutes of the main fire hall located at 3241 Alberni Highway, to allow for reasonable response times.

Qualifications and Experience

This is an incredible opportunity for a collaborative fire services leader with a passion for community service and experience in a paid-on-call, rural fire department, leading and attracting volunteers. The successful candidate will have a minimum of five (5) years as a senior officer in the fire service in a supervisory role, combined with ten (10) years firefighting experience. The preferred candidate will have considerable experience in administration and knowledge of emergency incident response, including emergency incident command, span of control, unity of command, equipment management, facilities management, financial management, information management, personnel management, planning, and public relations.

Licenses and Checks

A valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and Class 3 Drivers’ License with Air Brake endorsement with a clean Drivers Abstract. Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector are required as a condition of employment.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $109,224 to $125,337 annually and is supplemented by a competitive total compensation plan.

Contact Details

Should you be interested in learning more about this unique opportunity with the RDN, please contact Harbour West Consulting at
604-998-4032 or forward your resume, a letter of introduction and the names and contact information for three references, in confidence, to [e-mail].