Deputy Fire Chief

Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs; Central Saanich; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A fire services organization located in Central Saanich is seeking a Deputy Fire Chief. The role entails planning and directing fire department operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and overseeing both unionized and auxiliary firefighting staff. The ideal candidate will have at least seven years of progressive fire service experience, strong leadership abilities, and a comprehensive understanding of fire safety regulations and municipal emergency management. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential for building effective relationships within the community.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years of Fire Department Officer experience.
• Supervisory and leadership experience required.
• Ability to work with municipal emergency management.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and directing Department operations.
• Ensure effective functioning within municipality policies.
• Manage unionized and paid on call/auxiliary firefighters.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision-making

Problem-solving

Interpersonal Skills

Education

NFPA 1521 - Incident Safety Officer

NFPA 1021 – Fire Officer 2

NFPA 1041 - Fire Service Instructor 1

Class 5 BC Drivers’ License

Tools

Office 365

FDM

Tempest

When to Work

Job description

Reporting to the Director Fire & Emergency Programs/Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief assists in the planning, organizing, coordinating and directing of Department operations, in all fire suppression, fire prevention, and related emergency services. The Deputy Fire Chief assists in ensuring that the Department functions at an effective level within the policies approved by Council, the requirements of municipal bylaws, and the expectations of the community.

Unionized career firefighters and paid on call/auxiliary firefightersreport through to this position.

The ideal candidate will possess or be:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of related Fire Department Officer level experience in progressively higher and more responsible roles and supervisory/leadership experience;
• NFPA 1521 - Incident Safety Officer;
• NFPA 1021 – Fire Officer 2;
• NFPA 1041 - Fire Service Instructor 1;
• Qualified to be a recognized Inspector and Investigator as per the Provincial Fire Safety Act;
• Current Class 5 BC Drivers’ License with a drivers’ abstract that is acceptable to the District; Class 3 with airbrake endorsement is preferred;
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability working with computer programs such as Office 365 (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook), FDM, Tempest and When to Work or equivalent scheduling software;
• Demonstrated knowledge of Acts and Regulations related to the fire service including BC Building and Fire Codes;
• Knowledge of and experience with municipal emergency management including BCERMS, IC 300 and EOC Section Chief role knowledge;
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, volunteers, municipal officials, stakeholders and members of the public;
• Experience managing a team of unionized and Paid on Call/Auxiliary employees including knowledge of human resource management principles, policies and practices including recruitment and selection, labour relations, coaching, performance, and attendance management;
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills with an excellent ability to build relationships with colleagues, customers, elected officials and other interest holders;
• Ability to work positively toward advancing First Nations relations and awareness of federal, provincial and municipal initiatives advancing Truth and Reconciliation;
• Knowledge of and ability to be a leader on WorkSafe BC regulations and responsibilities;
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and analytical abilities, exercising sound judgment under pressure and in complex situations;
• Working knowledge of the Community Charter, Local Government Act, Fire Service Act and other related legislation as applicable to this role;
• Ability to identify, lead and participate in initiatives to implement process improvements and stay up to date on industry trends and best practices to increase efficiency and effectiveness;
• Ability to demonstrate strong political acumen and discretion in navigating complex organizational dynamics, maintaining confidentiality, and coordinating sensitive communications and information; and,
• Ability to arrive at major incidents within 20 minutes of call-out.