Division Chief of Communications

DEPARTMENT:  Fire & Emergency Services
POSTING NUMBER:  105428
NUMBER OF POSITIONS:  1
JOB STATUS & DURATION:  Full Time Permanent 
HOURS OF WORK:  40 hour workweek
LOCATION:  Onsite, you will report to the location of 7750 Hurontario Street.
SALARY GRADE:  23
HIRING SALARY RANGE:  $136,429.00 - $153,482.50 per annum
MAXIMUM OF SALARY RANGE:  $170,536.00 per annum
JOB TYPE:  Management and Administration
POSTING DATE:  June 21, 2023
CLOSING DATE:  July 09, 2023

AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Reporting to the Deputy Fire Chiefs, this senior manager is responsible for the overall operational and administrative leadership and management of the BFES Communications Division; the management of existing and new technology and technology-based projects and initiatives within the fire and emergency services; and will be required to assume personal responsibility for the management of the Joint Fire Communications Centre (JFCC), providing service to Mississauga, Caledon and Brampton, in accordance with the JFCC Agreement.

• The Division Chief of Communications shall be in charge of the members in the division and shall report to the Deputy Fire Chief for the management, efficiency and discipline of the division and its members.
• Responsible for the management of the Joint Fire Communication Centre (JFCC), providing cooperative direction, leadership, and management to the JFCC team and for ensuring the delivery of exceptional service to all JFCC customers in accordance with the JFCC Operating Agreement. As per the JFCC Agreement, this position will report directly to the "Management Advisory Panel" for matters pertaining to the JFCC.
• Provide coaching and guidance to motivate the team of a Communications Coordinator, Communications Operators, Communications Officers, a Communications Technician and other support staff.
• Provide leadership and training in the areas of communications and related technology to all other members of the service as required.
• Holds people accountable for delivery of their functional duties, reviews assignments and work schedules and conducts performance evaluations.
• Plan training & professional development opportunities. Ensures HR and BFES practices are implemented and adhered to.
• Prepare, submit, and monitor annual division, and JFCC capital and operating budgets.
• Responsible for all phases of purchasing assets and supplies: from tendering or quoting to shipping & receiving.
• Identify current and future resource requirements.
• Prepare reports as required and may be required to present to Council and/or the "Management Advisory Panel".
• Represent BFES on a variety of City and community-based committees.
• Provide information, presentations, and demonstrations to the other divisions and JFCC partners, as required, ensuring that new and current staff is competent in the area of emergency communications and related technology.
• Work closely with Peel Regional Police and the Ministry of Health in the operation of the JFCC.
• Assume personal responsibility for numerous complex and challenging projects as required.
• Prepare a monthly report of the activities of the Division of Communications and shall compile the yearly activities for inclusion in the BFES Annual Report.
• Build, foster and maintain effective, productive, and professional working relationships with other Platoon and Division Chiefs, working diligently to eliminate inefficiencies.
• When a member is returning to modified duties, develop a rehab plan and have all involved parties sign the plan.
• Where applicable, the Members section of these Rules and Regulations shall also apply.
• Perform such other duties as the Fire Chief may assign.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Demonstrated practical experience in the delivery and/or management of emergency services communications and related technology.
• Demonstrated successful management and leadership experience (preferably in a unionized environment) and proficiency in completing administrative responsibilities, including budgeting and business analysis.
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in complex project management.
• Demonstrated expertise in current and emerging technologies in emergency services communications, dispatch, and the related equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of development and implementation of training programs that include lectures, demonstrations, and training materials.
• Knowledge of Fire & Emergency Services operations.
• Demonstrated ability to provide customer service in a public-sector, highly demanding environment.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Proficiency on computer software, including Microsoft Office.

EDUCATION:

• Formal post-secondary education in business management, fire service management, communications management and/or a related discipline.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated ability to manage and direct Divisional Operations and direct Divisional Personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate the status of Divisional Equipment, Apparatus and Premises.
• Demonstrated ability to perform and review Administrative Activities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with other internal Divisions, Municipal Departments, and other Agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to support and promote public relations and public fire / life safety education.
• Demonstrated personal commitment to continual personal and professional development.
• Demonstrated ability to act strategically and build commitment to Division / Department / Corporate Vision.
• Demonstrated ability to delegate effectively, develop others, make effective decisions and work effectively with Council.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage staff, ability to apply knowledge and skills, communicate effectively, demonstrate flexibility and ability to focus on customer service.
• Demonstrated ability to focus on results, solve problems and work well with others.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a leadership capacity within the Fire Service.
• Demonstrated ability to create and manage various documents and files using the MS Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with various external agencies, clientele, JFCC partners and members of the general public.
• Demonstrated expertise in all aspects of the 9-1-1 system, including the Fire Service Communications and dispatch processes, CAD and all communications related systems and processes.
• Demonstrated expertise in radio, telephone, IT, and related technology as it pertains to the Communications function.
• Demonstrated abilities in asset management as it pertains to radio system and related communications user gear.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage significant projects.

OTHER SKILLS AND ASSETS:

• Stay current and well informed of all new developments in the fields of communications, technology, and other related fire service activities.
• Use industry networks to learn about best practices in terms of service delivery, and keeps ongoing statistics related to divisional activities.

**Various tests and/or exams may be administered as part of the selection criteria.

Alternate formats will be provided upon request.

Interview:  Our recruitment process may be completed with video conference technology.

As part of the corporation’s Modernizing Job Evaluation project, this position will undergo an evaluation which may result in a change to the rate of compensation.  Any changes affecting this position will be communicated as information becomes available.