Deputy Chief, Operations Support

As the Deputy Chief, Operations Support you will be responsible for leading and managing the safety, logistics, training, planning and materials management of the Emergency Services Department. You will lead and coordinate the provision of services that support the delivery of operations.  

As a member of the Emergency Services Management team, you will be integral to providing strategic and fact-based advice, contributing to corporate goals, leading, translating and finding fit and clear purpose for those they lead, actively participating as an integral part of a cohesive department leadership team and acting as a representative to citizens and stakeholders on public safety matters.  

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of safety, logistics, training and materials management to support the delivery of operational service 
• Support the management of safety through the provision of appropriate resources and the encouragement of an organizational culture that fosters safe practices and enables continuous improvement relative to effective employee safety 
• Ensure necessary and suitable equipment is available for operations in a timely manner, while ensuring lifecycle, costs and inventory are managed appropriately  
• Identify trends and recommend improvements, review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids 
• Lead recruitment and training functions to ensure staff are available and prepared for current and projected community demands 
• Lead planning efforts related to workforce and station planning 
• Liaise with internal partners such as Human Resources, Fleet Services, Information Technology Services and Facility Services in order to coordinate service delivery requirements for Emergency Services 
• Plan and manage the operational environment to ensure program quality, effectiveness and efficiencies 
• Positively affect the achievement of corporate/department goals promoting a healthy and safe community, review opportunities outside the organization to ensure best practices are reviewed and implemented where possible 
• Proactively translate priorities and strategies into deliverables and outcomes by planning and/or providing input for Emergency Services 
• Develop work plans and utilize diverse resources to effectively deliver services on time and on budget in a changing work environment 
• Provide cohesive and positive leadership up (providing best advice, contributing to corporate goals), down (leading, translating and finding fit and clear purpose for those they lead), across (an integral part of a cohesive department leadership team and out (a representative to citizens and stakeholders on public safety matters 
• Participate in regional, provincial and national discussions on trends and best practices in Emergency Services 
• Respond to large, complex, or multiple emergency incidents fulfilling incident management roles; formulate response strategies in accordance with predetermined standards; determine the nature of the incident and facilitate the plan of action; liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including area emergency response entities 

Skills and Abilities 

• Must be self-directed, motivated and have the initiative and ability to identify strategic business issues and develop effective solutions 
• Excellent leadership skills to motivate and mentor staff in a dynamic environment 
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage a variety of projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills demonstrating political acumen when dealing with different stakeholder groups 
• The ability to work under pressure, manage a variety of projects simultaneously, establish priorities, to set and achieve goals and objectives, and meet tight deadlines 
• The ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and make recommendations in support of department/corporate goals and objectives 
• Capable of commanding or leading emergency situations requiring accurate and prompt decision making 

Qualifications 

• Minimum of a University degree or working towards a degree in Management and/or Business Administration, Public Administration, Fire Science, or a related field 
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in emergency services or a related field along with 5 years of experience in a leadership/supervisory capacity  
• Demonstrated skills in successfully leading change management processes, building corporate capacity and partnerships, and developing effective relationships internally and externally 
• Extensive background and experience in incident command, emergency management planning, emergency communication systems and occupational health/safety policies and systems 
• Strong understanding of union and non-union environments and the ability to lead in a para-military setting 
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems including ISO9001, Incident Command System, Federal, Provincial and Municipal legislation related to emergency services, community safety and emergency communications 

Conditions of Employment 

• Submission of Satisfactory Criminal Record Check  
• Valid Alberta Class 5 (Class 3 preferred) Driver’s license and submission of a 5-year Driver’s Abstract with less than 7 demerits  
• Ability to fulfill 24/7 on-call coverage on a rotational basis 
• Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered

In addition to providing a dynamic work environment, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.