Deputy Fire Chief

The Town of Hanover is seeking an experienced and community-minded fire service leader to join the Hanover Fire Department as Deputy Fire Chief. As a key member of the department's leadership team, the Deputy Fire Chief will help guide the delivery of essential fire protection and emergency services while supporting a culture of professionalism, preparedness, and continuous improvement. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the department's ongoing success through operational leadership, service and firefighter development, and a steadfast commitment to community safety.

Position Summary

The Deputy Fire Chief serves as the second-in-command of the Hanover Fire Department (HFD), providing leadership, operational oversight, and administrative support under the direction of the Fire Chief. The role is responsible for asset maintenance, emergency operations, fire prevention and community risk reduction. The Deputy Fire Chief supports the delivery of municipal and contracted fire protection services, specialized technical rescue services, and a comprehensive firefighter training and certification programs to maintain operational readiness, compliance, and competency across all service areas.

A comprehensive position description detailing the role, responsibilities and functions is available at www.hanover.ca/careers.

Experience, Skill and Ability Requirements

• Minimum eight (8) years of progressive firefighting and fire operations experience required
• Minimum five (5) years of fire officer experience preferred
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive leadership and management experience
• Experience with OFM certification testing and programs, and managing training, technical rescue and municipal emergency programs
• Experience conducting inspections, and fire prevention and public education activities
• Knowledge of all applicable federal, provincial, and local laws, codes and regulations governing fire and rescue operations and related activities
• Progressive, continuous improvement mindset with the ability to effectively organize competing priorities, make well-informed decisions, and manage outcomes
• Well-defined sense of diplomacy with strong communication (written, oral and interpersonal), public relations and customer service skills
• Proficient analytical, time-management and organizational skills with ability to respond and adapt quickly in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Political acuity with effective ability to build credibility and develop meaningful relationships internally and externally
• Computer proficiency, including MS Office and Adobe Acrobat, with ability to learn new programs; experience with databases such as FirePro, Stillwater, and financial software is an asset
• Ability to effectively lead, coach, and motivate diverse teams
• Must be physically able to execute the bona fide occupational requirements of the position, including achieving required physical standards for testing, certification and executing emergency response activities.

Education / Certifications / Licenses

Required:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid Ontario DZ Driver’s License with Z endorsement in good standing
• Valid CPR, AED, First Aid, and medical response qualifications
• NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I and II
• NFPA 1002 Driver/Operator or equivalent
• NFPA 1021 Fire Officer Level I and II
• NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor I and II
• NFPA 1521 Incident Safety Officer
• NFPA 1030 First Responder Inspector and Fire Inspector (or willing and able to achieve as quickly as possible).
• NFPA 1035 Fire and Life Safety Educator Level I (Level II is an asset)
• NFPA 1072/470 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations
• NFPA 1006 Ice Water Rescue Technician
• NFPA 1006 Surface Water Rescue Technician
• NFPA 1006 Swiftwater Rescue Technician
• NFPA 1006 Rope Rescue Technician
• NFPA 1006 Common Passenger Vehicle Extrication Technician

Preferred:

• NFPA 1021 Fire Officer III
• NFPA 1033 Fire Investigation
• NFPA 1026 Incident Command
• Experience with OFM certification testing
• Experience managing technical rescue programs
• Experience with municipal emergency management

Additional Requirements

• Must reside within 5km of the Hanover Fire Station in accordance with municipal by-laws
• Vulnerable Sector Check, Driver Abstract and CVOR yielding results satisfactory to the Town
• Must be willing and able to act as a responding on-call firefighter, with flexibility to accommodate irregular hours as required for emergency response, training, and/or other department activities

Compensation and Benefits

The Town of Hanover offers a comprehensive compensation, pension, benefits and wellness package. Anticipated salary range is $78,260.00 to $91,000.00 based on a 35 hour work week.