Deputy Fire Chief

The Township

The Township of Lake of Bays is in the northeast corner of Ontario's "Cottage Country", adjacent to world renowned Algonquin Park. Lake of Bays, being a part of Muskoka has traditionally been one of Ontario's premier destinations for family vacations and summer cottages. The Township encompasses four unique and inviting communities of Baysville, Dorset, Dwight, and Hillside with a permanent population of 3,759 residents increasing to an estimated 11,720 with the seasonal population.

Opportunity

Working closely with the Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief the Deputy Fire Chief (Deputy), is responsible for assisting in the operation of fire services including administration, training, policy development, operating procedures, fire suppression and prevention, investigation, public education, emergency medical responses, community emergency planning and public relations.

Salary:  Wage is $55.02 - $64.37/hour based on experience plus a comprehensive health benefits package and OMERS Pension Plan

Closing Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026

Position Responsibilities

1. Develop training plans and related programs, learning materials and training aids, consistent with NFPA standards and based on departmental needs for members and new recruits.
2. Coordinating and delivering fire services related training programs and the scheduling of training meetings.
3. Ongoing evaluation of training programs with the Fire Chief and Officers to ensure effective, efficient, and progressive training promoting skill development within the department.
4. Ensure the maintenance of permanent training files for all members are prepared.
5. Advise the Fire Chief of recommended changes in procedures or methods necessary to maintain or improve the department fire training programs in relation to technological changes in fire fighting operations.
6. Assist the Fire Chief with public education and fire prevention within the Township.
7. Ensures compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and standards such as the Ontario Fire and Building Codes, Corporate Policies, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Fire Safety Plans, Electrical Safety Authority, Technical Standards Act, Municipal Act, Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and Municipal By-laws.
8. Act as a representative of the Township’s Occupational Health and Safety Committee and ensures proper documentation of the Township’s fire stations respective to inspections.
9. Supervise the maintenance of all property, apparatus, small equipment and assigned inventory.
10. Work with the Fire Chief in the procurement of equipment, supplies, and other operational needs.
11. Assist in the recruitment and hiring process for volunteers, and staff as required.
12. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, community organizations and agencies demonstrating sensitivity and political acuity.
13. Provides leadership and strategic direction to firefighters in a manner that contributes to their motivation, morale, commitment, and contribution to the organization.
14. Responds to public inquires or refers to the Chief or designate as required.
15. In the absence of the Fire Chief and as required, Deputy will assume overall command of the Fire Department.

Skills and Qualifications

1. Minimum of five (5) years’ experience with fire services in a related position with emergency services, management and incidents command.
2. Certifications:
   • NFPA 1001 Level II, NFPA 1002 Operator, NFPA 1072 Hazmat Operations, NFPA 1041 Level II Instructor, NFPA 1021. Current First Aid BLS.
   • Level II Fire Officer, NFPA 1501, NFPA 1033 Investigator, NFPA 1030 responder Inspector or able to obtain.
3. Sound knowledge of related legislation such as Ontario Fire and Building Codes, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Fire Safety Plans, Electrical Safety Authority, Technical Standards Act, Municipal Act, Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
4. Thorough knowledge and experience dealing with equipment inventory, fleet management and materials used in fire services.
5. Demonstrated ability to work within approved budgets.
6. Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to implement long-term planning.
7. Must possess strong leadership, interpersonal and motivational skills to assist in leading an effective department.
8. Strong communication skills to effectively deal with concerns and requests for information from other departments, members of Council and the public while exercising confidentiality, discretion, tact and diplomacy at all times.
9. Thorough knowledge of accounting practices, records management, and excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and office equipment.
10. Must possess a valid Ontario Class DZ driver’s license and abstract in good standing.

Working Conditions

• Position requires extended periods of time working in an office environment performing administrative tasks on a computer, writing reports and preparing documents, responding to emails and phone calls, attending meetings, etc.
• Required to work on call outside of regular business hours.
• Work may require occasional lifting, bending, crawling and moving of equipment. Moderate to heavy physical activity at times.
• Exposure to potentially hazardous environments including fire and motor vehicle accident scenes, water rescue incidents, hazardous materials spills, medical/trauma responses and driving in inclement weather.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

• Comply with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations as it relates to a supervisor and worker.
• Comply with Township Health and Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Take every reasonable precaution to protect themselves and their workers from health and safety hazards and unsafe situations.
• Ensure that employees receive the required PPE and training in the appropriate practices, policies, and procedures necessary to work in a safe manner and to monitor their compliance with corporate health and safety policies.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures. Make recommendations on additional health and safety training.