Division Chief

Located within the traditional land of the Anishnaabek, Haudenosaunee and Wendat-Wyandot-Wyandotte peoples, the Town of The Blue Mountains is a four-season community with stunning natural features, including the Niagara Escarpment, Beaver Valley and the Georgian Bay shoreline. Internationally recognized as a four-season tourism destination, The Blue Mountains offers a high-quality lifestyle that caters to families looking to build a solid foundation, adventurers looking to go off the beaten path and relaxation seekers taking in and experiencing the very best the area has to offer.

The Town is looking for people with a shared commitment to building a sustainable community, as well as shared values of integrity, inclusivity, excellence, accountability, and stewardship for the well-being of our residents.

Come gain a unique experience in the 2nd fastest growing municipality in Canada!

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Fire Chief, this new role, revised from the former Chief Fire Prevention Officer position, involves assisting the Town in achieving higher performance and maintaining its reputation by implementing innovative solutions and initiatives. The Division Chief is responsible for ensuring the provision of a comprehensive fire prevention and public education program. This program must align with established procedures, policies, and guidelines, and comply with municipal by-laws, provincial and federal legislation, and other relevant government regulations. Additionally, you assist the Deputy Fire Chief in organizing and administering training and specialized training programs that meet departmental requirements and standards related to the services provided by the fire department.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Promotes a high standard of customer service to the public and to all internal customers. 
• Promotes the 3 lines of defense of the Ontario Fire Service with a direct focus on public education and the prevention of fires in the Town of the Blue Mountains.
• Manage the overall activities of the Fire Prevention and Public Education Division and to follow the approved Town of The Blue Mountains Fire Prevention Policy as an appointed Chief Fire Official.
• Ensure fire and life safety inspections are conducted so that the premises meet the requirements of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, the Ontario Fire Code, and other relevant legislation and an acceptable degree of building and life safety is achieved.
• Evaluate, approve and enforce fire safety plans so that compliance with the Ontario Fire Code is ensured.
• Develop and evaluate public education programs using community risk and needs assessments so that the incidence of fire, injuries and the loss of life and property are reduced.
• As assigned by the Fire Chief examine fire scenes as authorized by The Fire Protection and Prevention Act using accepted fire investigation techniques so that the origin of the fire is determined, the effectiveness of occupant behaviour is assessed.
• Evaluate development proposals such as site plans, subdivision plans, zoning applications and official plans using relevant legislation and municipal policy, so that adequate fire protection measures are provided for in municipal legal agreements.
• Evaluate AGCO applications and approve as required.
• Initiate and participate in the prosecution of offenders of fire legislation so that all relevant evidence is presented in a professional manner and is admissible, accurate and complete.
• Perform public relations using promotional materials and displays so that fire prevention and fire survival behaviors are promoted, and the professional image of the fire service is maintained.
• Maintain and promote professional competency so that the staff of the fire prevention division remains current with new and existing legislation, codes and standards, 
• Maintain and promote an environment where personal development is valued and undertaken, departmental fire safety standards are met, and professional competence is maintained.
• Conducts research for policies, procedures, techniques, and equipment and assists in the preparation of yearly Fire Prevention & Education/Suppression Training budget proposals for approval by the Deputy Fire Chief.
• Provide guidance and refer additional help as necessary to Juvenile fire setters utilizing the guidelines of the TAPP-C program.
• Assist the Deputy Chief and Training Officer with the overall development, implementation and review of the strategic training plan for all staff.
• Actively participate in firefighter recruitment, promotions and career development.
• Perform emergency operations within the TBMFD incident command structure including alarms, fire and explosions, medical calls, motor vehicle collisions, specialized rescue and other emergencies as assigned.
• Builds and maintains respectful, positive working relationships with staff, supervisors, outside agencies and the public using principles of good customer service. 
• Assume command of emergency situations as deemed necessary.
• Act as Alternate Fire Coordinator for Community Control Group if required.
• Personally comply with all health and safety practices as it relates to work, standard operating guidelines, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Section 21 Guidelines.

Job Details:

Hours of Work: As outlined in Article 7 of the Collective Agreement

Direct Reports: 1, Fire Prevention Officer, .5 Training Officer

Overtime: As outlined in Article 7 of the Collective Agreement

Driver’s License: Required: Yes Class: DZ

What you will need:

Minimum Education / Certification Requirements:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma, and completion of a formal program in Fire Protection and or Firefighting at an accredited Ontario College.
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Public or Business Administration (or working towards) and formal Fire Protection training or a combination of extensive fire services training and progressive fire services experience is preferred. 
• NFPA 1021 - Fire Officer level 2
• NFPA 1031- Fire Inspector Professional Qualifications Levels 1 & 2, including Ontario Specific Courses and/or working towards completion, or equivalent combination of post-secondary credentials and extensive career experience.
• NFPA 1035 - Public Fire and Life Safety Educator Professional Qualifications or equivalent combination of post-secondary credentials and extensive career experience.
• NFPA 1041 - Fire Service Instructor level 1
• NFPA 1521 - Incident Safety Officer

NFPA Certifications Considered an Asset:

• NFPA 1021 - Fire Officer Level III or ability to obtain within 24 months of hiring. 
• NFPA 1033 - Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator.
• NFPA 1041 - Fire Service Instructor Level II or ability to obtain within 24 months of hiring.

Career Experience:

The ideal candidate will have the following qualities as well as a proven record of progressive fire prevention and firefighting experience.

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in a municipal fire service, with a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience at a supervisory level.
• Three (3) to five (5) years experience in fire prevention, developing and delivering all aspects of fire prevention programs.
• At least five (5) years in the role of a career training officer, or eight (8) years of continuous experience in a composite / volunteer department as a training officer.
• Experience leading in a unionized environment.
• Working knowledge of all applicable legislation including the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Ontario Fire Code and Ontario Building Code. 

Additional Details:

The submission deadline for applications is 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 and may be extended until filled. 

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), please advise the Human Resources Department to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated throughout this process. Personal information provided by the applicants is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 and will be used for the purpose of candidate selection.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.