Fire Chief - Municipality of Meaford

This position reports To: Chief Administration Officer (CAO)

Directly Supervises: Volunteer Firefighters (including Captains & Lieutenants), Fire Prevention & Training Officer, Protective Services Coordinator

Indirectly Supervises: Students

Status: Full Time Permanent

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Range: $93,584.47 - $113,752.46

Management and Leadership:

• Provide overall leadership and management of direct reports and human resources administration which includes;
  • work planning, scheduling and assessment of staffing needs;
  • hiring/promotion, staff development, coaching/mentoring and conducting performance management reviews;
  • conflict resolution, discipline and termination recommendations;
  • authorizing overtime and leaves of absence;
  • promote team goals and harmony among team members.
• Accountable to ensure all staff are knowledgeable of applicable health and safety legislation, policies and procedures, perform good health and safety practices; are trained to act appropriately in emergency situations, practice safe program delivery and operate equipment and materials safely utilizing safe work practices; ensure that documented procedural information is available, and that necessary reports/follow-up to such incidents are completed and reported accordingly.
• Provide input on departmental/organizational planning and strategic initiatives, lead and/or participate on project teams and contribute to departmental business planning.
• Responsible for the preparation and management of the Meaford & District Fire Department’s annual budget (operating and capital) and quarterly reports.
• Research, develop, maintain and implement standard operating guidelines for the effective and efficient operation of the fire department in conformity with the Meaford & District Fire Department By-law, Section 21 guidelines and applicable National Fire Protection Association standards.
• Identify best practices and trends in the fire services and liaise with regulatory officials/agencies and other strategic partners. 
• Provide leadership to the Fire Prevention and Public Education Officer related to the development and implementation of public education/programs and awareness with regard to fire prevention.
• Contribute to the formulation of corporate policies, programs and services as they relate to fire and fire prevention.
• Designate when necessary an Acting Chief to act in his or her absence.

Operational Management:

• Maintain a Master Fire Plan, relevant By-laws and Fire Services Agreements for the Municipality of Meaford by forecasting the Municipality’s needs and the on-going identification of potential risks and safety hazards.
• Develop in collaboration with other Municipal Departments and maintain a preventative (life cycle) maintenance program for the buildings, facilities, fleet and equipment used by the Meaford & District Fire Department.
• Ensure all firefighting personnel are appropriately trained through the development, arrangement, delivery and tracking of training and education. Attend conferences and training as required and within budget.
• Ensure inspections are conducted in according to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act and Fire Code for different building classifications and occupancy types.
• Act as Incident Commander, where and when necessary, at emergency and disaster scenes within the geographic coverage area of the Meaford & District Fire Department, and serve as a member of the Corporation’s Emergency Control Group.
• Maintain regular fire loss statistics and inspection reports.  Prepare and submit statutory reports to the Office of the Fire Marshal. Provide a high standard of customer service while responding to enquiries and resolving complaints from the public, staff, Council, and government ministries.
• Provide and maintain a high degree of confidentiality and security of information at all times. Where information is developed prior to staff/public release, ensure confidentiality of information provided to produce content for Council and other sensitive information sources.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned in accordance with department and corporate objectives.
• Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and other applicable legislation, department policies/procedures/practices, operational guidelines, and perform safe work practices.

Education, Skills and Experience:

• Relevant degree and/or diploma in a fire service discipline, plus related courses and advanced working knowledge of fire and prevention functions.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in fire services with a minimum of 5 years’ progressive experience in management and supervision of volunteer firefighters.
• Thorough knowledge of firefighting and emergency response, first aid, first response medical procedures, applicable legislative/regulatory standards, budget formulation, local government functions/responsibilities, health and safety and employee relations principles and practices.
• Highly developed collaborative skills, a strong sense of public service, and a demonstrated ability to direct, manage, and control a fire services operation.
• Strong communication (written, oral and interpersonal), analytical, report-writing, problem-solving, presentation, public relations, strategic planning, organizational, project/time management, leadership and supervisory skills.
• Working knowledge and application of record keeping practices and computer software, financial information systems, and associated evaluative techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate tact and discretion in handling matters of a confidential or politically sensitive nature, and cooperative working relationships.