Deputy Fire Chief

Opening Statement

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah-nish-nah-beg), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government.

At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people's lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you'll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you'll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief, will provide vision, leadership and strategic direction to ensure compliance with legislation, municipal by-laws, departmental rules and regulations. The Deputy Fire Chief manages Kingston Fire & Rescue personnel from all divisions within Kingston Fire & Rescue, which includes maintaining effective labour/management relations. This role will lead all support service and suppression functions – training, prevention, communications, and mechanical divisions.

As a corporate leader, this position is responsible for integrating strategic planning, operational activities, and the interests of stakeholders into the delivery of fire protection services. The Deputy Fire Chief will ensure the City’s mission, vision, values, and Council/corporate goals and objectives are incorporated into strategic and operational activities and services. The Deputy Fire Chief will assist in ensuring policy compliance for department staff as well as assist other City initiatives (e.g. continuous improvement initiatives like accreditation). This position will also evaluate emergency operations and perform incident command when required.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide operational decision making and leadership by:

• Developing and monitoring annual plans, objectives, performance measures and budgetary controls for area and leading department strategic planning which is aligned to Corporate vision, and strategic planning.
• Recommending adjustments to the annual public and life and safety education programs.
• Determining priorities; obtain, deploy and optimize fiscal, human and material resources.
• Ensuring the completion of business and service plans and expectation in accordance with corporate priorities.
• Responsible for operating and capital projects and related expenditures.
• Act as Fire Chief and represent the fire service when the Fire Chief is absent/unavailable.
• Develop, implement and/or act in accordance with appropriate policies, standards, systems, procedures and agreements to meet objectives and to comply with legislative requirements.
• Support and ensure the delivery of training and development needs across all divisions.
• Identify opportunities and take action to build strategic partnerships within and between one’s service areas, across departments, teams, and with external stakeholders to help achieve corporate priorities and objectives.
• Advances community risk reduction strategies aligned with evolving community needs.
• Translate strategic priorities into operational reality by aligning departmental plans, initiatives, measures, and targets, to the corporate strategy and rigorously monitoring progress toward achieving corporate priorities with sustainable results.
• Monitor KPI’s and report on relevant to areas of responsibility.
• Leads modernization initiatives, including data analytics, technology integration, and service innovation.
• Provide timely feedback, instruction, and development guidance to help others excel in their current or future job responsibilities.
• Plan and support the development of individual skills, competencies, key accountabilities, and learning and development plans.

Qualifications, Competencies

• Certificate/diploma in Fire Services, Fire Sciences or Emergency Services Management preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Incident Management System (IMS) principles, with experience applying IMS in emergency response environments. Completion of IMS training (e.g., IMS 100, 200, etc.) is considered an asset.
• 5- 7 years of experience in the day-to-day operations of fire and rescue services with 3 years of experience in a supervisory and leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated experience working within a composite fire service model, including oversight of both career and volunteer firefighters.
• Ontario Fire College Certification.

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

• Demonstrated political acuity and ability to effectively navigate a municipal governance environment, including interactions with Council, senior leadership, media, and community stakeholders
• Proven ability to lead through ambiguity, complexity, and organizational change, including modernization and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong labour relations expertise, including interpretation and application of collective agreements, grievance management, and fostering positive union-management relationships.
• Ability to frequently complete courses for certification within the occupational field.
• Demonstrated ability to perform as a Senior Fire Command Officer during major emergencies under the direction of the Fire Chief.
• Participate as a management representative on the Joint Health & Safety Committee and assume the role of Mutual Aid Coordinator as required.
• Valid Class “G” Ontario Driver’s Licence.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check as a condition of employment.