Deputy Fire Chief

City of Kawartha Lake; Kawartha Lakes; On-site; CAD 151,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Kawartha Lakes is seeking an experienced fire service leader to join the executive team as Deputy Fire Chief. Reporting to the Fire Chief, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across Fire Services to deliver safe and responsive emergency services to our communities.

This role requires strong operational judgment, collaboration, and the ability to lead in both day-to-day operations and high-pressure emergencies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of service in municipal Fire Service.
• At least five years of progressive supervisory experience.
• Ontario Fire College Company Officer Diploma, or an equivalent combination of education and certification.
• Certified Emergency Management Coordinator designation preferred; willingness to obtain the designation is required.
• Strong knowledge of building construction and related systems, including electrical and hazardous materials.
• Current CPR, First Aid and Defibrillation certification.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, internet applications and other job-related software.
• A valid Ontario Class DZ Driver’s Licence, maintained throughout employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of departmental directives, programs, policies and procedures that support corporate and Fire Services objectives.
• Manage resources and support strategic planning related to deployment, equipment, training, technology and regulatory compliance.
• Lead, coach and engage team members, providing ongoing feedback, performance management and corrective action where required.
• Support departmental financial planning by estimating budget requirements and making recommendations related to current and future expenditures.
• Develop deployment, training and learning programs that support operational objectives and professional standards.
• Provide guidance to ensure compliance with the Fire Services Master Plan and applicable laws and standards.
• Procure goods and services in accordance with corporate policies and processes.
• Participate in on-call rotations and respond to emergency situations as required.
• Lead recruitment, performance management, training, discipline and dismissal of staff, in consultation with the Fire Chief and People Services.
• Administer the terms of the Collective Agreement in collaboration with People Services.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Strategic planning

Emergency management

Education

Ontario Fire College Company Officer Diploma

Certified Emergency Management Coordinator designation (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Photography/AV equipment

Job description

Deputy Fire Chief

Fire Services | City of Kawartha Lakes
Salary: $150,676 – $176,260 (2026)
Employment Status: Full-time, Permanent – Current Vacancy
Reports to: Fire Chief
Location: City of Kawartha Lakes

Lead. Support. Respond. Make an Impact.

The City of Kawartha Lakes is seeking an experienced fire service professional to join our leadership team as Deputy Fire Chief.

Reporting to the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief provides strategic and operational leadership across Fire Services, helping ensure our people, resources and programs are positioned to deliver safe, effective and responsive emergency services to our communities.

This is an opportunity for an accomplished fire service leader who brings strong operational knowledge, sound judgment and a collaborative leadership style. You will play an important role in supporting emergency operations, developing our people, strengthening partnerships and ensuring Fire Services continues to meet legislative, regulatory and organizational requirements.

What You’ll Do

As Deputy Fire Chief, you will:

• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of departmental directives, programs, policies and procedures that support corporate and Fire Services objectives
• Manage resources and support strategic planning related to deployment, equipment, training, technology and regulatory compliance
• Lead, coach and engage team members, providing ongoing feedback, performance management and corrective action where required
• Support departmental financial planning by estimating budget requirements and making recommendations related to current and future expenditures
• Develop deployment, training and learning programs that support operational objectives and professional standards
• Provide guidance to ensure compliance with the Fire Services Master Plan, City policies and procedures, provincial legislation, regulations, codes and applicable standards
• Procure goods and services in accordance with corporate policies and processes
• Support workplace health and safety, including accident investigations, follow-up and remedial action, and participate on Joint Health and Safety Committees as a management representative
• Perform fire investigations, including determining preliminary cause, securing incident scenes and preserving evidence in accordance with applicable job performance requirements
• Support and oversee fire inspection activities to ensure hazards, including hazardous materials, are appropriately identified
• Supervise emergency operations, conduct pre-incident planning and effectively deploy assigned resources
• Lead and participate in post-incident analysis, ensuring critical findings and lessons learned are identified and communicated
• Investigate and respond to customer service concerns, using sound judgment and effective problem-solving
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with allied agencies, including paramedic services, police and neighbouring fire services
• Oversee departmental public relations activities and act as a spokesperson when required
• Lead recruitment, performance management, training, discipline and dismissal of staff, in consultation with the Fire Chief and People Services
• Administer the terms of the Collective Agreement in collaboration with People Services
• May be appointed as the Community Emergency Management Coordinator Alternate in accordance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond as required during emergency situations
• Perform other related duties as assigned

What You Bring

You are an experienced fire service professional with demonstrated leadership ability and a strong understanding of municipal emergency services. You bring sound operational judgment, strong communication skills and the ability to lead effectively in both day-to-day operations and high‑pressure emergency situations.

You will also have:

• Ontario Fire College Company Officer Diploma, or an equivalent combination of education and certification
• Minimum of 10 years of service in a municipal Fire Service, including at least five years of progressive supervisory experience
• Certified Emergency Management Coordinator designation preferred; willingness to obtain the designation is required
• Experience in the development and delivery of fire, medical/rescue and hazardous materials programs and services
• Significant leadership and supervisory experience within a complex and diverse environment
• Strong knowledge of building construction and related systems, including wiring, heating systems, industrial processes and the hazards associated with flammable and combustible materials and liquids
• Ability to read and interpret building plans, drawings and blueprints
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislation, regulations, standards, codes, municipal by‑laws, policies and practices related to fire protection and prevention, inspections, investigations, public safety education and legal proceedings, including the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Ontario Fire Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Human Rights Code, Provincial Offences Act and Criminal Code of Canada
• Excellent administrative, organizational and time‑management skills
• Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship‑building skills
• Demonstrated initiative and commitment to continuous improvement
• Current CPR, First Aid and Defibrillation certification
• Proficiency with required photography and audio‑visual equipment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, internet applications and other job‑related software
• A valid Ontario Class DZ Driver’s Licence, maintained throughout employment

Additional Information

This position requires participation in an on‑call rotation and the ability to work varied hours in response to emergency situations, including evenings, overnight and weekends. Work is performed in a combination of office, emergency response and field environments, with regular travel throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Applicants must be prepared to participate in skills testing as part of the recruitment process.

Upon a conditional offer of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Search.