Director of Fire and Emergency Services/Fire Chief

The Fire Chief is the head of the Severn Fire Department and is directly responsible for its efficient operations. Supervise, regulate, and manage the department, and have control of its personnel, activities, and fire investigations/inspections, including fire safety education, fire protection, emergency medical services, and administration. Provides sound leadership and vision in ensuring that the department well well-positioned to serve the municipality.  Serves as the Township’s Emergency Management Coordinator.

The Severn Fire Department consists of 70 Volunteer Fire Firefighters, Full Time Deputy Chief, a Fire Prevention Officer, and a Training Officer.

Rate of pay

The rate of pay for this position is $115,566 to $135,196 annually.

Major Duties

This role will require you to:

• Provide leadership to the fire department by developing a competent management team, using current and recognized management techniques, and incorporating measurable and performance indicators so that the fire department responds readily to changing conditions, meets the performance expectations of the community, and demonstrates an economical, efficient, and effective use of resources.
• Ensure appropriate interpretation and application of legislation, codes, and bylaws by establishing policies and standard operating guidelines; review and modify fire department plans so that staff is aware of requirements of legislation, regulations, standards, codes, and bylaws and the reasonable and diligent application of the legislative intent is accomplished.
• Ensure fire department systems and programs are developed and implemented by assessing community and departmental needs; develop standard operating guidelines. Develop networks, partnerships, and collaborative relationships and establish information, accountability, and evaluation systems so that the loss of life, property, and damage to the environment is minimized, the level of risk is acceptable to the community, and economical, efficient, and effective use of resources is demonstrated. 
• Advise Council on strategic issues associated with emergency and related services to ensure the Council can make informed decisions on the level of service that is appropriate for the municipality.
• Promote and facilitate public education and media relations by making presentations; participating in special events; demonstrating professionalism and leadership abilities; and demonstrating a commitment to public education. Facilitate the involvement of staff in community initiatives and media relations to ensure the goals of educating the public in fire safety are met and public confidence in the fire department is maintained.
• Responds to major incidents and those as deemed appropriate by the Fire Chief. Command of emergency incidents. Responsible for instructing/advising firefighters.  Management and control of municipality-owned fire and rescue facilities and property. 
• Ensure all incidents of arson and fire causes are investigated through a coordinated effort with local law enforcement and the Fire Marshal’s Office.  May be required to present evidence in court about such investigations.
• Emergency Management Coordinator in charge of the Emergency Control Group, coordination of the Emergency Response Plan. Coordinate with other agencies regarding disaster management, planning, training, and response.  Facilitate mock disaster planning sessions.
• Conduct long and short-term financial planning for the development of capital and operational budgets by reviewing current and previous years’ budgets, planning, prioritizing, and costing of capital initiatives and operating requirements.

Education, Experience, Skills, and Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) year community college diploma in fire rescue or equivalence
• Minimum five years experience as a Deputy Chief or a combination of Deputy Chief and volunteer experience in a municipal fire department; or minimum 10 years experience as a full-time experience as fulltime firefighter with 5 of those being in a Senior Officer Role.
• Possession of an unrestricted valid Ontario “G” Class Driver’s license, a DZ would be an asset.
• Demonstrated leadership skills including the ability to take full command at a fire scene, time, and stress management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of fire fighting activities, fire prevention regulations, and fire science technologies.
• Knowledge of related legislation/regulations, Ontario Fire Marshal/National Fire Protection Association standards/guidelines, Ontario Fire Code, and Ontario Building Code.
• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, coaching, time management, strategic planning, and management skills.
• Strong computer skills using MS Office applications.

We're committed to an inclusive, barrier-free environment. Accommodation will be provided in all steps of the hiring process. Please contact us if you require any accommodations to ensure you can participate fully and equally during the recruitment and selection process.