Fire Chief

The City of Greater Sudbury has evolved into a dynamic and diverse regional capital that functions as the service hub for all northeastern Ontario and is composed of a rich mix of urban, suburban, rural and wilderness environments. While mining remains a major influence on the local economy, the City has diversified significantly in recent years to establish itself as a major centre of financial and business services, tourism, health care and research, education and government. One of the geographically largest municipalities in Canada, with a population of over 162,000, and a booming economy, Greater Sudbury is a warm and welcoming community.

Reporting directly to the General Manager of Community Services, the Fire Chief serves as a key member of the senior leadership team, providing visionary and strategic direction for the Fire Services Division. This executive role is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, responsive emergency services and advancing the Department’s Business Plan in alignment with Council’s strategic priorities.

The Fire Chief leads the Division in delivering safe, timely, and effective responses to a broad spectrum of emergency incidents, including fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials, technical rescues, and large-scale disasters—while also driving innovation in fire prevention, public education, inspection, and enforcement. The role encompasses oversight of operational and capital budgets, development of performance metrics, and implementation of evidence-based strategies to enhance service delivery and organizational resilience. As a statutory officer under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, the Fire Chief ensures compliance with all applicable legislation, including fire codes, municipal by-laws, and occupational health and safety standards. The incumbent plays a critical leadership role in labour relations, workforce planning, succession development, and maintaining 24/7 emergency readiness, including active participation in Incident Command.

The ideal candidate will possess a university degree—preferably in Business or Public Administration—from a recognized Canadian-accredited institution, along with NFPA 1021 Fire Officer IV certification (or the ability to obtain it within one year), and IMS300 training. A minimum of 10 years of progressive senior leadership experience in large, unionized, and complex organizations—eight of which include operational command—is required. The successful candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of municipal governance, intergovernmental relations, and relevant legislation. They will bring a proven track record in strategic planning, policy development, and budgetary oversight, along with exceptional political acuity, communication, and decision-making skills. A commitment to professional integrity, continuous improvement, and fostering a high-performance, inclusive workplace culture is essential. This is an opportunity for a transformational leader to shape the future of fire services, champion innovation, and make a lasting impact on community safety and well-being.