Division Chief – Training

Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs; Halifax; On-site; CAD 146,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal organization in Halifax is seeking a Division Chief - Training for the Fire & Emergency Services. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and directing training programs for personnel, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and leading a team effectively. Candidates should possess a background in fire services, adult education certifications, and strong leadership skills. This permanent full-time role offers a salary range of $146,921 - $153,162.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in fire suppression or emergency services.
• Class 5 Nova Scotia Driver’s Licence with a clean record.
• Certifications related to fire services considered assets.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate training programs for members.
• Lead and supervise Training Division staff.
• Develop and monitor annual training plans.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Adult education methodologies

Knowledge of Windows applications

Education

Certification or diploma in adult education

Five years of supervisory experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

File Data Management (FDM)

Job description

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent full-time position of Division Chief - Training in the Professional Development, Performance & Safety division of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency. (HRFE).

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Under the direction of the Deputy Chief, the Division Chief is responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating and directing the activities of the Training and Professional Development division to deliver career and volunteer recruit training programs, officer development programs, technical training certification programs, and recertification programs for all members and support staff.

The Division Chief leads personnel through integrity, credibility and by example in a manner that supports and promotes the mission, vision and values of HRFE. The Division Chief Training is a key member of the HRFE Management Team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares annual business plan for division. Aligns division goals and objectives with larger HRFE business plan. Monitors business plan and budget for division and identify any risks.
• Evaluates and adjusts service delivery for the division to ensure established service standards are met and business plan goals and objectives are achieved.
• Enforces operational guidelines, occupational health and safety standards, rules, regulations, policies, systems and procedures for safe and efficient fire prevention operations.
• Leads the development and delivery of Training Division services by integrating the technical and operational expertise of Training Division staff with leading practices in adult education.
• Provides leadership, supervision and guidance to Training Division staff. Monitors the performance of training personnel and support staff, conducts performance appraisals and sets performance standards. Administers performance management processes as required. Effectively administers labour relations matters including the hearing of grievances and imposition of discipline, as required.
• Makes recommendations to the Deputy Chief regarding necessary changes to operational policies and guidelines, personnel, equipment, systems and technological changes to improve the efficiency of HRFE. Develops and recommends department policies and procedures to ensure compliance with workplace safety as outlined in the NS Occupational Health & Safety Act.
• Keeps abreast of current knowledge associated with accident investigation, building construction, apparatus, hydraulics, firefighting equipment and techniques.
• Reviews and evaluates established policy and operational guidelines with respect to health and safety deficiencies, and recommends any changes or additions deemed necessary.
• Develops, implements and monitors annual training plan for HRFE. Performs ongoing needs analysis to identify training gaps within the organization and develop programs to correct those gaps.
• May perform other related duties as assigned and as appropriate to the function and responsibilities of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience:

• Five (5) years’ demonstrated supervisory/management experience engaged in fire suppression or other emergency first responder services.
• Class 5 Nova Scotia Driver’s Licence (or equivalent from another province) with a clean and responsible driving record.
• Certification, diploma or degree in adult education.
• Experience managing a budget, developing business plans, and managing staff performance and development is considered an asset. Blue Card Incident Command certification is considered an asset. NFPA 1521 Incident Safety Officer is considered an asset.
• NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor Level III is considered an asset. NFPA 1521 Health & Safety Officer is considered an asset.
• NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications - Level 3 or higher is considered an asset.
• Certificate in eLearning instructional design is considered an asset.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain a calm and professional demeanor in confrontational or difficult situations.
• Knowledge of Windows based software applications, specifically Microsoft Office and File Data Management (FDM).
• Proficiency in the application of adult education methodologies. Knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, standard operating guidelines, procedures, policies and applicable Municipal and Provincial Codes, Acts, Regulations, Administrative Orders and Municipal Bylaws.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must clearly demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Graduation from HRM’s Aspiring Leader’s Program is considered an asset, and completion of the program is equivalent to one year of leadership experience.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Valuing Diversity, Communications, Customer Service, Decision Making, Developing Others, Organizing & Planning, Visioning, Strategic Thinking & Innovation, Values & Ethics

WORK STATUS: Permanent full-time

HOURS OF WORK: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm, 35 hours per week. Additional hours may be required to meet organizational and operational requirements.

SALARY: FM2 ($146,921 - $153,162): Salary will be determined based on relevant experience and qualifications related to the specified pay band and job. Placement above the midpoint of the pay band is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications, such as those with exceptional experience, specialized skills, or demonstrated achievements relevant to the role. This ensures fair and consistent compensation practices across the organization.

WORK LOCATION: 7 Metropolitan Ave, Lower Sackville. Regular travel throughout HRM may be required. Work location can be changed according to operational requirements.

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 PM on Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax