Fire Chief

Appointed by Council and reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Fire Chief is a member of the Town’s Senior Management Team and holds a critical leadership role, requiring visionary leadership and the ability to pivot between collaborative and command and control approaches.  This position has overall responsibility for the efficient and effective administration and operation of the Town’s composite (25 career and approximately 60 paid-on-call) Fire and Emergency Services Department, including the delivery of fire prevention and education services, fire suppression services, emergency planning and first response medical services. 

This role calls for a commitment to community, political acuity and the exercise of good judgment within the established policies, procedures, industry standards, and best practices. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership to the Department in the ongoing identification of best practices, supports a culture of belonging and continuous improvement, including the adoption of the latest technology in fire prevention/protection and emergency response;
• Oversee the day-to-day operations and activities of the Fire Department; develop, implement, and maintain the Department’s policies, and Standard Operating Guidelines/Procedures and ensure they are followed;
• Facilitate progressive and constructive communication with the East Gwillimbury Professional Firefighters Association and its members; participate in the Labour Management Committee, Collective Bargaining negotiations, and in the grievance process (when necessary).
• Oversee the department’s procurement, budgeting, maintenance, and personnel training programs.
• Prepare annual operating and capital budgets including forecasting; plan for the orderly addition/replacement of facilities, fleet and equipment relating to use, age or community growth;
• Develop, implement, and maintain the Master Fire Plan which connects Fire and Emergency Services with the Council approved Strategic Plan;
• Conduct Community Risk Assessments to determine community needs and circumstances for making decisions on service levels of the Department;
• Act as the Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) for the Town;
• Participate as managerial co-chair for the Department’s Joint Health and Safety Committee.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 8 years progressive experience at a senior level along with a post-secondary education in emergency management, fire protection, fire sciences, public or business administration, leadership or related field. Other requirements include:

• NFPA Standard 1001 – Firefighter I and II;
• NFPA Standard 1041 – Fire Instructor I and II;
• NFPA Standard 1021 – Fire Officer lV
• Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC);
• Previous experience leading in a composite fire department;
• Knowledge of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, NFPA standards/guidelines, and the Ontario Fire Code;
• The incumbent must provide a Vulnerable Sector Check;
• Valid Ontario G Driver’s licence in good standing;
• Clean Driver’s Abstract;
• Valid Standard First Aid/CPR with AED certification;
• Availability to work a flexible schedule as hours of work may vary; on-call for emergency situations; attending department training/meetings, and Council meetings as required.

Salary: $155,610- $183,068 (Band 12)