Captain Fire Prevention Officer

People, Place, Prosperity

Working within our Strategic Plan, Cambridge Connected, and committing to our values of Integrity, Respect, Inclusiveness and Service, the successful candidate will work together to help the City of Cambridge achieve our vision: A place for people to prosper – alive with opportunity.

Who is eligible to apply

Individuals with demonstrated leadership capabilities and consistent professional development attained through significant experience and progression of roles and responsibilities are invited to apply.

What the process is

Select candidates will be invited to interview for the position. Documentation will be required to verify possession of required qualifications and any additional credentials prior to interview.

What you will be doing

Under the direction of the Chief Fire Prevention Officer, the Captain is responsible for overseeing and providing direction in fire safety inspections and investigations. Specifically, this position is responsible for contributing to the direction, responsibilities and targets of the Fire Prevention team. Additionally, this position assists in overseeing investigations and enforces compliance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, City of Cambridge by-laws and other applicable legislation and takes necessary enforcement action where required. Lastly, this position will also be responsible for preparing reports, reviewing Fire Safety Plans, initiating prosecutions and giving evidence in Court. Overall, this position plays an integral role in ensuring the safety of the residents and customers of the City of Cambridge.

• Conducts, assigns and monitors the workflow of the Fire Prevention Division;
• Enforces and causes to be enforced the Ontario Fire Code and other applicable provincial codes and any authorized municipal by-laws;
• Prepares prosecution briefs, attends Provincial Offenses Court and testifies in the prosecution of offences under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997;
• Evaluates, approves and enforces fire and life safety plans;
• Coordinates, approves and observes fire evacuation drills;
• Assists in the delivery of public education programs;
• Performs public relations, liaises and collaborates with other city divisions, partner agencies and community organizations;
• Coordinates and assists in the delivery of arson prevention programs for children;
• Assigns, oversees and assists in the delivery of internal training to department personnel to deliver high quality public education and fire prevention programs and activities;
• Conducts, assigns and monitors fire investigations, documents fire scenes and reports on origin, cause and circumstances;
• Notifies OFMEM of reportable incidents, as prescribed;
• Assists OFMEM and WRPS fire investigation teams with investigations under their jurisdiction within the city;
• Reviews, assigns and monitors development proposals and building plans for compliance with relevant codes and standards;
• Issues plans approvals for compliance equivalencies;
• Provides technical support and other assistance to fire department personnel to facilitate their follow-up and resolution of fire and life safety matters;
• Performs administration duties, conducts research, compiles data and prepares reports;
• Maintains professional competency and ensures the competency, currency and professional development of the Prevention team;
• Required to attend, and successfully complete, any training required by the Fire Chief or designate which may be internal, off site or out of city;
• Performs after-hours fire prevention programs, fire investigations and public education activities, as required; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Possess a satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (external candidates);
• Must have a valid Ontario Driver’s License (minimum Class “G”) with a clean driver’s abstract;
• Intermediate computer literacy utilizing Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), Telestaff, X, Amanda, and the internet and the ability to develop proficiency in other corporate solutions;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Physical ability to wear SCBA and respirator mask while performing work for long periods of time;
• Fire Prevention, Public Education and Fire Investigation certifications in:
  • NFPA 1031 – Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner Levels I and II, includes all Ontario Fire College supplemental courses: Part 4, Part 9, Parts 2 and 6, Parts 3 and 5, Courtroom Procedures and Commercial Cooking
  • NFPA 1035 – Fire and Life Safety Educator Levels I and II and PIO
  • NFPA 1033 – Fire Investigator and/or NFPA 921 Fire and Explosion Investigator
• Knowledge of the Ontario Building Code Act and regulation with certification in:
  • Administration/Legal Process
  • Fire Protection

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• NFPA 1041 – Fire Service Instructor Level I
• IMS 100, 200
• Experience with preparing prosecution documents and providing testimony as a witness would be considered an asset

We actively seek candidates who possess the knowledge, skills and abilities that are over and above our minimum requirements.

Additional courses, education or training that are related to fire science, public education, fire prevention or emergency services would be considered definite assets. These include post-secondary education, trades qualifications, civil engineering programs, architectural programs or fire protection engineering programs. We value skills or experiences such as previous firefighting, teaching, inspection, plans examination or emergency service experience, coaching and volunteer work. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work, both independently and in a team environment, are very important.

Your compensation

This position has an annual salary of $135,844.00 (120% of 1st Class Fire Fighter Rate) (2024 Rates).

Hours of work

This position requires working a 4-day compressed work week (10-hour shifts), Tuesday to Friday. Emergency Call-In is a requirement of this position.