Deputy Fire Chief, Administration

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.

What we offer
We offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to meet the needs of our diverse employees. Many of our positions offer:

• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
• Paid personal days;
• Hybrid and flexible work arrangements;
• Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100-per-cent employer matching;
• Extended health and dental benefits, including Health Care Spending Account;
• Employee and Family Assistance Program;
• Parental leave top up program;
• Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance
• Employee recognition programs.

Position Overview

We are currently hiring for the position of Deputy Fire Chief, Administration. Reporting to the Fire Chief/General Manager of Fire Services, this position will be responsible for the administration and continuity of operations of the Fire Services. As a member of the Fire Services management team, you will be responsible for operating and capital budgets, quality assurance and data analysis, personnel matters, managing the implementation of new technologies, and providing guidance and oversight to the Administration, Communications, Fire Prevention, and Mechanical divisions.

We are seeking a progressive and influential leader, who will motivate a diverse team, foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvements. Supporting the Fire Service management team, you are a change agent, and your insights help guide decision-making and relationships at all stakeholder levels, contribute to strategic planning, and implementation of best practices in the Guelph Fire Department and for our community.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Provide visible and positive leadership for all administration and operations, developing and nurturing a work environment that is inclusive, respectful and motivating for staff.
• Develop and recommend the long-term direction and strategic orientation for the fire service that is consistent with the mission, core values, goals, and strategies of the City, working collaboratively with other departments to achieve efficient and cost-effective workflows and business processes.
• Develop and maintain business continuity planning strategies and participate on the City’s 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.
• Manage and oversee general Fire Prevention operations including the integration of data analytics and business intelligence into the department’s public education strategies.
• Lead change management efforts and 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and requirements

• Considerable experience related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through the completion of post-secondary education in a related field, and progressive responsibility and experience within the fire services.
• Leadership skills acquired through considerable experience leading, engaging and motivating staff.
• Analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills both long term and under pressure.
• 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.
• 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.
• Experience with the incident management system (IMS) within an emergency operations centre is an asset.
• Experience with modern multi-jurisdictional dispatch operations is an asset.
• Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Hours of work

The regular work week will consist of 40 hours, Monday to Friday. The successful candidate must be available to be on call and provide after-hours response on a rotating schedule.

Pay/Salary
Non-union Grade: 9: $146,891.89- $183,614.86