Assistant Chief

Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency; Halifax; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Chief to lead and manage operations in fire and emergency services. This role involves supporting strategic goals, overseeing personnel, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in fire operations and a strong background in leadership. You'll play a crucial role in managing emergency responses, promoting stakeholder relationships, and upholding the organization's mission and values. If you are passionate about public safety and have a proven track record in emergency management, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• Minimum ten years’ experience in fire/emergency services required.
• Diploma in Fire Science or related discipline needed.

Responsibilities

• Supports HRFE’s business plan and manages budgets.
• Represents HRFE in grievance proceedings and oversees performance.

Skills

Management Principles

Customer Service Principles

Fire Suppression Theory

Emergency Response Protocols

Confidentiality in Personnel Issues

Education

Diploma in Fire Science or Emergency Management

Post-secondary education in Project Management

Experience in Fire/Emergency Services

Tools

Microsoft Office

File Data Management (FDM)

Job description

• Supports HRFE’s annual business plan and assists with managing operating and capital budgets for the assigned portfolio.
• Member of HRFE’s Fire Strategic Team (FST), ensuring goals and objectives are supported and resources are aligned and assigned to support the strategic direction of HRFE.
• Provides support for recruiting initiatives and participates in hiring and promotional routines as required.
• Establishes priorities and aligns resources for effective and efficient service delivery in accordance with HRFE strategic priorities, policies and operating guidelines.
• Promotes strong labour management and stakeholder relationships, responds to labour management issues prior to initiation of the grievance procedure.
• Represents HRFE in grievance proceedings as appropriate, including the coordination of alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Monitors and evaluates and manages the performance of District Chiefs, Division Chiefs, Managers and other assigned staff; sets performance standards and conducts performance appraisals.
• Enforces operational guidelines, occupational health and safety standards, regulations, policies, systems and procedures for safe and efficient fire service operations.
• Develops and maintains working relationships and/or networks of contacts with Federal, Provincial and Municipal regulatory authorities and the private sector to further the organization’s goals as needed.
• May respond and assume the role of Incident Commander at an emergency scene, overseeing the command, control, and coordination of emergency response as the incident warrants.
• Works with Human Resources to respond to personnel matters and administers performance management and progressive discipline processes as necessary.
• Participates in an “On Call Duty Officer” rotation as required.
• Responds to large scale emergency incidents outside of HRM as part of a mobile IMT as required.
• Represents the Deputy Chief and/or Fire Chief at community and public events, on committees, boards and community meetings as required.
• Manages career/volunteer firefighters, administration and support members as assigned.
• Responsible for other duties assigned to the function and responsibilities of the position.
• The Assistant Chief leads personnel through integrity, credibility, and by example, in a manner that supports and promotes the mission, vision and values of HRFE.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Diploma in Fire Science or Emergency Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or other related discipline.
• Post-secondary education in Project Management, Adult Education, or Human Resources considered an asset.
• Minimum ten (10) years’ experience in the fire/emergency service(s), with knowledge of various facets of fire/emergency operations.
• Minimum three (3) years’ experience at the District Chief or Division Chief level or equivalent Fire Management positions.
• Incident Command System (ICS) – level 300 is an asset.
• Blue Card Command Certification considered an asset.
• NFPA 1521, Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer – Incident Safety Officer or confirmation of training equivalent to the standard considered an asset.
• NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Department Professional Qualifications -Level 3 and Level 4 or confirmation of training equivalent to the standard considered an asset.
• NFPA 472, Professional Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents / Weapons of Mass Destruction – Incident Commander level or confirmation of training equivalent to the standard considered an asset.
• Combination of Education and Experience may be considered.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of management.
• Knowledge of customer service principles.
• Knowledge of theory and practice of fire suppression, firefighting equipment and tools for fire suppression.
• Knowledge of the deployment of personnel and equipment to emergency and fire situations.
• Knowledge of rescue and hazardous materials response protocols.
• Knowledge of fire prevention including inspection, investigation and code enforcement.
• Practical knowledge of collective agreements in place (IAFF / NSGEU222) and their administration.
• Knowledge of Windows-based software applications, specifically Microsoft Office and File Data Management (FDM).
• Ability to respect confidentiality in dealing with personnel issues.
• Knowledge of HRFE departmental rules, regulations, standard operating guidelines, procedures, policies and applicable Municipal and Provincial Codes, Acts, Regulations, Administrative Orders and Municipal Bylaws.