Deputy Fire Chief

Come join our team! We are looking for a candidate that shares our corporate values of Honesty, Excellence, Team, Fun, Creativity and Respect. These values are second nature for the successful candidate and are demonstrated in their work and interactions with colleagues and the community.

Reporting to the Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services and serving as a member of the Fire Management Team, the Deputy Fire Chief is responsible for leading and advancing the department by supporting the Suppression, Specialized Rescue, and Training Division. By setting a positive example, this role is instrumental in the ongoing improvement of the department’s culture, strategic direction, and the overall quality of service delivery to the community.

Accountabilities:

• Acts on behalf of the Fire Chief in their absence, undertaking all delegated responsibilities as required.
• Provides administrative, strategic, and technical guidance to the Fire Chief on operational issues, including departmental policies, procedural guidelines, by-laws, and regulations. Offers recommendations concerning customer service, risk mitigation, operational efficiency, and corporate interests.
• Provides leadership and management for division personnel, overseeing full-time and part-time operational staff, fostering positive working relationships, and ensuring alignment with departmental objectives. Supports recruitment, selection, promotion, performance evaluations, and operational discipline, while advancing professional development and succession planning throughout the department.
• Prepares formal reports for Council and attends Council meetings as required.
• Represents or organizes departmental participation at meetings, including Council, Senior Management Team, JESOAG, mutual aid, and other forums of municipal significance.
• Contributes to the development and monitoring of the departmental budget, regularly assessing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and reviewing results with front-line officers and crews on a monthly basis.
• Develops and sustains effective working relationships with municipal departments, government agencies, and external organizations, including the Halton Regional Police Service, Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal, and Dispatch Provider.
• Participates in the On-Call Duty Chief program, providing leadership and critical decision-making during major incidents.
• Evaluates emergency responses and incident investigations to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Directs and manages all aspects of emergency operations—including specialized rescue activities, training, staff development, equipment, procurement, and annual evaluations of contracted rescue services—offering recommendations for enhancements.
• Oversees the department’s Incident Command System training and development, ensuring ongoing improvement and excellence in fire ground operations.
• Performs additional related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Post‑secondary degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Education, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable legislation, including the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Ontario Fire Code, Ontario Building Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, and relevant NFPA standards.
• Minimum three (3) years’ experience at a senior leadership level within a Fire Department.
• Demonstrated experience providing leadership in emergency operations, people management, budget oversight, and complex stakeholder environments.
• Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) designation, or the ability to obtain within the first year of employment.
• NFPA certifications including Firefighter I & II, Fire Officer IV (or ability to attain), Fire Inspection, Fire Investigation, Fire Instructor, Hazardous Materials, and Technical Rescue, or equivalent combinations.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Valid Class G driver’s license with an acceptable driving abstract.

Compensation:

The salary for this position (35 hours per week) is $167,628-$199,556 annually.

Position Details: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Location:

This position allows a blend of working onsite and remotely based on the needs of the business, in accordance with the Town’s Work from Home Policy, and as subject to change. This position will also require some flexibility in the incumbent’s availability and work schedule.