Division Chief, Fire Prevention & Inspection

City of Saint John; Saint John; On-site; CAD 98,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government in Saint John is looking for a Division Chief of Fire Prevention & Investigation. This senior leadership role entails overseeing fire prevention services and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated team focused on public safety and emergency management. Required qualifications include an undergraduate degree and experience in emergency services. Join us in shaping fire safety for the community.

Qualifications

• Experience in establishing multi-organizational relationships in emergency services.
• Demonstrated leadership in emergency services.
• Completion of technical and practical courses in fire prevention.
• Ability to write clear reports and maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Oversee fire prevention, code enforcement, and investigation services.
• Lead Fire Prevention Officers and align with departmental goals.
• Develop public education programs on fire safety.
• Respond to public complaints professionally.
• Coordinate compliance with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

Position Overview

The Division Chief of Fire Prevention & Investigation is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing fire prevention, code enforcement, and fire investigation services within the City of Saint John. This position ensures compliance with the Fire Prevention Act, the National Fire Code of Canada, and directives from the Office of the Fire Marshal. The Division Chief also plays a critical role in emergency management as part of the Saint John Emergency Management Organization (SJEMO), assuming command roles during crisis events. The DC, Fire Prevention & Investigation will provide leadership to the division, ensuring that the employees understand the organizational mission and have the tools and opportunity to be successful in attaining the set objectives. This is a pivotal leadership role in shaping fire safety and emergency preparedness in Saint John. You will be part of a dedicated team committed to protecting lives, property, and the environment while fostering a culture of safety and resilience in the community.

Competition Number

25-115

Salary

$98,841.00 - $126,524.00 per year

Job Type

Permanent Full Time

Closing Date

December 5, 2025

Key Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and effective public education programs to enhance public safety and elevate public awareness of unsafe actions and conditions.
• Maintain records management systems, including highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Lead the assessment and improvement of standard operating procedures for inspection and investigation practices.
• Work with external legal and insurance representatives, monitoring requests and the release of information to police agencies, insurance companies, and members of the legal community.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external stakeholders (e.g., developers, architects, OFM) to ensure fire and life safety compliance.
• Respond to public complaints and facilitate resolution in a timely and professional manner.
• Translate systemic fire safety issues into public education programs and municipal bylaws.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of programs arising from strategic departmental reviews or audits and in support of the Community Risk Assessment.

Leadership & Management

• Lead and manage Fire Prevention Officers, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and provincial standards.
• Develop and oversee inspection schedules, public education initiatives, and fire investigation protocols.
• Direct and coach the division’s Captain to assign tasks, set performance standards, and provide training and evaluations to ensure standards are met.
• Create a motivating work environment that encourages self-assessment, continuous learning, and accountability.
• Respond to major incidents or disasters as a member of the command or general staff of the Saint John Fire Department and/or SJEMO’s Incident Command System, including participation in an on‑call rotation.

Essential Qualifications

An appropriate combination of education, experience, and training is essential to this position.

Minimum Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in establishing multi‑organizational relationships in the emergency services domain.
• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills in the emergency services domain.
• An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline is required.
• Completion of technical and practical courses; considerable experience in fire prevention work or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

Knowledge of fire prevention inspection and investigation methods, procedures, statutes, codes, and bylaws.

Required Certifications

• Fire Service Instructor I (or equivalent)
• Fire Inspector (NFPA 1030 version or NFPA 1031 equivalent)
• Fire and Life Safety Educator 1 (NFPA 1030 or 1035 version)
• Fire Cause and Determination Level I & II (NFPA 1033 equivalent)
• ICS Canada 200

Working knowledge of building construction; chemistry of fire; reaction of chemicals, combustibles and flammables.

Ability to write legible, clear, and concise reports. Ability to maintain detailed office records and other pertinent information.

Ability to speak effectively and promote and maintain effective working relationships with groups, the public, business, and government officials.

Proven analytical and problem‑solving ability.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and which we serve. We encourage and support applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups. Candidates who belong to such groups, who are qualified, will be given preference at the time of selection.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted through our online system only. Qualified applicants should submit their cover letters and resumes to:

City of Saint John
Attn: Hiring Committee
http://www.saintjohn.ca/careers

Only those applicants being considered further will be contacted.