Deputy Fire Chief, Administration (Temporary)

Why Guelph

When you join the City of Guelph, you join a team of over 2000 employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. As a single tier municipality, we offer a variety of occupations and career specialities within our organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the Future Guelph: Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

Position Overview

Reporting to the General Manager of Fire Services, the successful candidate will be responsible for administration of the Fire Service and continuity of operations of the Fire Services, on a temporary basis (for up to 6 months). As a member of the Fire Services management team, this position will also be responsible for operating and capital budgets, quality assurance and communications/dispatch services, personnel matters, and providing supervision and direction to Fire Prevention and community engagement initiatives. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City of Guelph Corporate Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Provide visible and positive leadership to quality assurance, dispatch and administration staff, consistent with the commitments of the City’s Leadership Charter, developing and nurturing a work environment that is inclusive, respectful and motivating for staff.
• Provide guidance and oversight for the Fire Prevention Bureau and coordinate community engagement opportunities on behalf of Fire Services.
• Participate in the Emergency Management Program Committee as required.
• Oversee the administrative management of the Fire Services department including issues related to strategic plans, legislative compliance, information technologies, communications and corporate (City) initiatives.
• Prepare annual operating and capital budgets for the department; monitor, manage and work cooperatively with Finance staff, identify requirements and variances; apply for and manage grant funding opportunities as required.
• Manage and oversee general dispatch operations including the management of third-party contracts and direction and support to the Manager of Fire Communications.
• Oversee all processes associated with providing continuous quality improvement and enhancement of service delivery to the community and the department.
• Represent the department as necessary before Council and Committee meetings of the City and with other stakeholder organizations.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with all stakeholders including customers, the Mayor and members of Council, city staff, the Executive of the Guelph Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, community partners and associations, suppliers, vendors, contractors and municipal, provincial and federal counterparts.
• This position is part of the Fire Services Senior Management Team, and the successful candidate must be available to be on call and provide after-hours response and guidance on a rotating schedule.
• The successful candidate must be able to work flexible hours as required; this position will be required to carry a cell phone and will be required to answer and respond as required outside normal business hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and requirements

• Considerable experience related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through progressive responsibility and experience within the fire services.
• Leadership skills acquired through considerable experience leading, engaging and motivating staff.
• Experience with the incident management system (IMS) within an emergency operations centre is an asset.
• Analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills both long term and under pressure.
• Experience with modern multi-jurisdictional dispatch operations is an asset
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of related legislation and regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and written with the ability to communicate with all levels of staff, stakeholders and the general public.
• Ability to deliver presentations and provide training to others.
• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Understanding and ability to interpret Collective Agreements.
• Ability to manage in a unionized environment.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite and other applicable software.
• Familiarity with Computer Assisted Dispatch systems and their capabilities
• Familiarity with Records Managements Systems and their capabilities
• A class “G” Ontario Drivers License, with an acceptable driver’s abstract record in accordance with City of Guelph vehicle policy.
• The successful candidate must provide and maintain a Criminal Reference Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening check.

Pay/Salary
$70.62 - $88.28 per hour