Deputy Fire Chief, Training and Compliance

Opportunity

This role is responsible for coordinating and directing the training activities, with a focus on compliance with health and safety regulations, standards, and best practices of the Fire Department.

Responsibilities

• Perform the statutory duties of Deputy Fire Chief under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA), associated regulations and/or as directed by the Office of the Fire Marshall.
• Supervision of the annual training plan including all in-house training and goal setting to achieve compliance with the fire department development objectives. Oversee/conduct as required training for all fire protection services, including arranging for instruction from reputable agencies to ensure compliance with provincial regulations and departmental Standard Operating Guidelines.
• Design and implementation of training programs.
• Conducting hands-on training sessions, classroom sessions, practical exercises, proper use of firefighting equipment, etc.
• Assessing firefighter performance during training.
• Train and mentor other firefighters to become instructors.
• Coordinate training initiatives with other emergency response agencies and community organizations.
• Assist with the development and ongoing monitoring of the operating and capital budgets.
• Supervision of the Emergency Operations function, including supervising the activities of operational staff at fires and other emergencies and assuming the role of Incident Commander when warranted.
• Under the direction of the Fire Chief, and with the fire service Officers, plan, organize and assign work by providing leadership and assisting with performance evaluations, training and development, and health and safety.
• Responsible for ensuring volunteer firefighting staffing levels are maintained by coordinating and managing the annual recruitment process in conjunction with ongoing internal development and promotion processes.
• Assists in the development of strategic plans and special projects for the department, chairing various Fire Department-related committees as required.
• Maintain accurate records for all training conducted to ensure that records are managed in accordance with provincial standards.
• Prepare reports to Council under the direction of the Fire Chief.
• Provide input for the development of and directly enforce the Township of Muskoka Lakes Fire Prevention Policy/By-law including conducting public education programs
• Foster a team environment by role-modeling leadership behaviours, empowering employees and building team capacity.
• Along with the Deputy Fire Chief, Operations and Readiness, may be delegated to assume the duties of the Fire Chief in their absence.
• Maintain current knowledge of all relevant legislation, regulations, codes, standards, and best practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Fire Service Administration or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3 to 5 years of management or supervisory experience as a fire officer.
• 8 years of progressive firefighting experience.
• Thorough working knowledge of the Ontario Fire Code, The Fire Prevention and Protection Act, Ontario Building Code, the Occupation Health and Safety Act, NFPA standards and contemporary management practices.
• Must have current certification in First Aid and CPR level C.
• Valid class DZ Ontario driver’s license and ability to maintain a satisfactory abstract.
• Maintain an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Criminal Reference Check.
• NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator or willingness to obtain within the first year.
• NFPA 1021 Fire Officer level 2 &NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructors level 2, NFPA 1521 Incident Safety Officer, NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I, NFPA 1035 Public Educator an asset.
• JHSC Part 1 & 2 Fire Specific, an asset.
• Strong political acuity and the ability to build relationships with staff, the public, contractors, and elected officials.
• Strong technological ability; utilizing Microsoft Office, fire suppression systems (i.e. Fire Pro), learning management systems, asset management systems, GIS and other database software.

The salary range for the position is $88,284 - $103,298 depending on education and experience.