Deputy Fire Chief

Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs; Town of Sussex; On-site; CAD 73,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal fire service provider in Sussex is seeking a full-time Deputy Fire Chief to lead emergency operations and oversee firefighter training. In this pivotal role, you will manage logistics, contribute to fire prevention efforts, and ensure high operational readiness. The ideal candidate will have extensive supervisory experience in the fire service, relevant certifications, and exceptional leadership skills. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to positively impact community safety.

Benefits

Employer-paid health benefits

Defined contribution pension

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 3+ years of supervisory experience in the fire service.
• Valid NB Class 5E driver's license and satisfactory vulnerable sector check.
• Ability to prepare clear reports and maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage emergency response operations.
• Oversee and deliver firefighter training programs.
• Assist the Fire Chief and assume responsibilities in their absence.
• Support fire prevention programs and initiatives.

Skills

Strong leadership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Firefighter I & II certification

Post-secondary education in a related field

Job description

About the Position

The town of Sussex is seeking a skilled and community-minded full-time Deputy Fire Chief to join the leadership team of the Sussex Fire Department – proudly serving the community since 1893. The Deputy Fire Chief will support operational excellence through training, leadership, and departmental administration.

Working closely with both career and volunteer firefighters, you will help maintain high operational readiness and exceptional public safety. The role also participates in the on-call rotation for 24/7 coverage and manages incidents as required.

The Sussex Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency response within Sussex and to a wider regional service area and works closely with several mutual aid partners. We share training opportunities and collaborate to ensure the highest standard of operational readiness for all communities we serve.

This is a pivotal opportunity to contribute to fire safety, emergency preparedness, and community resilience in a growing region. As part of a tight-knit municipal team, you’ll help drive new initiatives, bring forward new ideas, and serve a community that values teamwork, collaboration, and exceptional service.

Learn more: www.sussexfiredepartment.com

Why Sussex?

Sussex is a central hub with the warmth of a small town and the energy of a growing region. With a population of 6,000 and a regional service area of over 20,000, Sussex offers a relaxed rural lifestyle in a safe, friendly, and welcoming community.

Here, you’ll enjoy:

• A friendly small-town atmosphere and strong sense of community
• Quick access to hiking, biking, skiing, beaches, and outdoor adventure
• Close proximity to Fundy National Park, Fundy Trail Parkway, and the Bay of Fundy
• A central location between Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton
• Short commutes, accessible amenities, and vibrant community events
• The Mural Capital of Atlantic Canada and home to the Atlantic International Balloon Fiesta
• Local markets, nearby farms, and a growing food scene
• Quality schools, recreation facilities, and healthcare services

Sussex is the perfect place to build your career and raise a family—or to bring your experience to a community that offers an outstanding quality of life as you plan the next chapter of your journey.

Learn more: www.sussex.ca

The Opportunity

As Deputy Fire Chief, you will support emergency operations, lead firefighter training, manage logistics, and help strengthen community fire prevention. Every day offers something new – whether advancing training programs, ensuring readiness, or contributing to long-term departmental planning.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

• Lead and manage emergency response such as incident command, safety and tactical functions
• Oversee suppression operations, equipment use, and overall operational readiness
• Facilitate post-incident reviews as required

Training & Development

• Oversee and deliver firefighter training programs for all personnel
• Maintain effective and continuous training schedules
• Support promotional processes and competency assessments

Administration & Oversight

• Assist the Fire Chief and assume roles and responsibilities of the Fire Chief in their absence
• Maintain records, reports, policies, and training/incident documentation
• Contribute to budget, planning, staffing, and departmental processes

Fire Prevention & Community Safety

• Support fire prevention programs, inspections, and community outreach initiatives
• Support Fire Marshal responsibilities and pre-incident planning initiatives
• Research and apply best practices in prevention and investigation

Equipment & Facilities

• Oversee equipment inspections, maintenance schedules, and station inventory
• Contribute to specifications for PPE, apparatus, and tools

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• Firefighter I & II certification (New Brunswick Fire Fighter Certificate Program or equivalent)
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience in the fire service
• NFPA 470 (Hazardous Materials) – awareness level (or equivalent)
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Valid NB Class 5E driver's license and satisfactory vulnerable sector check
• Ability to prepare clear reports, maintain records, and build productive working relationships

Preferred

• Post-secondary education in a related field
• NFPA certifications
• Hazmat certification at an Operations/Technician level
• Emergency management experience and ICs certifications
• Experience working with volunteer firefighters
• Medical first responder qualifications

Compensation & Benefits

This full-time (40 hours/week) position offers:

• Salary: $73,994 – $91,645 (2025 rates)
• Employer-paid health, dental, and paramedical benefits
• Defined contribution pension (7.5% employer matching)
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• A meaningful leadership role in community safety and emergency readiness

Working Conditions

• 40-hour work week with planned scheduling
• Evening, weekend, extended hours, and on-call duty required
• Mix of office and field work, including exposure to varying conditions

How to Apply

Deadline: 4:00 p.m., January 2, 2026

Submit your resume, cover letter, and three references to Jason Thorne, Chief Administrative Officer at [e-mail]

Applications must be sent by email to the competition address above. Applications submitted solely through job-posting websites will not be considered.

Sussex invites applications from all qualified individuals who are legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of application. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for interviews will be contacted. The town of Sussex is committed to protecting your privacy. All information collected will be used solely for recruitment and employment purposes.