Deputy Fire Marshal, Field Advisory Services

Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs; Midhurst; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A provincial fire safety organization in Ontario is seeking a Deputy Fire Marshal for Field Advisory Services. This strategic position requires overseeing fire protection and prevention programs, leading quality assurance, and engaging with stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of fire safety legislation and have a strong background in public administration or fire science. Applications are encouraged by October 8, 2025.

Qualifications

• Strong academic foundation in public administration or fire science required.
• Proven ability to lead complex operations with political acuity.
• Demonstrated expertise in fiscal oversight and labour relations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee fire protection, prevention, education and enforcement programs.
• Lead quality assurance, risk management, and support emergency response.
• Play a central role in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Knowledge of Ontario fire protection legislation

Operational leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Policy development

Education

Degree in public administration, fire science, or related discipline

Job description

The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) provides strategic leadership in advancing fire safety across Ontario, reducing the risks and impacts of fires and related hazards on people, property, and the environment. As the provincial authority, the OFM administers critical legislation including the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA), the Ontario Fire Code, and associated regulations. Led by the Fire Marshal and three Deputy Fire Marshals, the OFM’s broad mandate covers, community risk assessments, fire safety in vulnerable occupancies, the Fire Marshal Review process, emergency fire service systems, fire investigations, statistical reporting, applied research, and the delivery of firefighter training and certification programs.

Deputy Fire Marshal, Field Advisory Services

The OFM is seeking a highly accomplished and strategic leader to serve as Deputy Fire Marshal, Field Advisory Services. Legislated under the FPPA, this pivotal executive role assumes full authority in the absence of the Fire Marshal and provides oversight for the delivery of fire protection, prevention, education, and enforcement programs across Ontario. The Deputy Fire Marshal, Field Advisory Services oversees the Northern Fire Protection Program, leads quality assurance and risk management, and provides support to emergency response, including the Provincial Mutual Aid System. The role also plays a central part in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and modernizing fire protection services across the province.

Qualifications and experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate a deep knowledge of Ontario’s fire protection legislation, particularly the FPPA and the Ontario Fire Code, supported by a strong academic foundation in public administration, fire science, or a related discipline. Senior operational leadership experience in fire services is essential, along with relevant professional certifications. The role requires a proven ability to lead complex operations with political acuity, as well as demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, policy development, change management, stakeholder engagement, risk management, fiscal oversight, and labour relations.

This position requires an Order in Council appointment under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997. It presents an exceptional opportunity for an experienced leader to play a defining role in safeguarding Ontario communities and advancing the province’s fire protection and emergency response systems.

To Apply

For more information, please contact Diana Rucchin of Odgers or submit your resume and letter of interest online to the system: https://en-careers.odgers.com/en-ca/job/30665/ by October 8, 2025.

We thank all those who express an interest; however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers and Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.