Fire Chief

The Township of Puslinch is seeking a permanent, full-time Fire Chief! Reporting to the CAO, the Fire Chief is a member of the senior leadership team and provides strategic leadership, direction, and coordination in the delivery of essential fire rescue services for the Township of Puslinch. The Fire Chief ensures that the public safety education, fire prevention, life safety code enforcement standards and regulations meet the policies of the Township and the Solicitor General of Ontario. Oversight for the fire suppression and rescue services, including staff, fire station and equipment, ensuring needs are met, and circumstances of the community are addressed as directed by Township Council. Work requires a high level of responsibility and authority for the welfare of staff and the public. Provide leadership, direction, and maintain effective working relations with all departments and staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Administration

• Performs the statutory duties of Fire Chief under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
• Analyzes and accountable for discharging the applicable requirements of Provincial Codes, regulations, standards and communiques for action items effecting Puslinch Fire and Rescue Services (PFRS) and Township.
• Develops, authorizes and implements policies, including Standard Operating Guidelines, Policies, Rules and Standing orders for staff.
• Manages the overall administration, operations, and special project activities of PFRS.
• Leads the development, management and administration of the Department's annual and multi-year business plans and budgets, while ensuring alignment with council's priorities and corporate strategic and operational goals.
• Assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates methods and procedures; meets with Department management team on a regular basis to identify and resolve problems.
• Ensures the chain of command is identified with and adhered to by fire department staff.
• Plans, organizes, coordinates, prepares, administers, and monitors the department budget.  Adheres to corporate procurement policies. Conducts research, prepares specifications and or recommends the purchase of major apparatus, equipment and facility repairs and maintenance.
• Enforces corporate Health and Safety policies/procedures and department Operating Guidelines.

Operations

• Responds to emergency and non-emergency incidents to direct activities and communications in fire and/or emergency situations; takes action to mitigate hazards; makes decisions affecting life and property under emergency circumstances; develops tactics and strategies for major critical incidents. Must be able to attend emergency scenes in a reasonable period of time and takes command of scenes when required or necessary.
• Supervises the Deputy Fire Chief(s), and directs the Chief Training Officer, Public Fire and Life Safety Educator, Chief Fire Prevention Officer, Training Health and Safety Officer, Captains and Firefighters directly & indirectly as required.
• Maintains technical knowledge, certifications and be able to perform all firefighting activities, complex rescues and other related emergency services.
• Fire/Township media spokesperson during emergencies as required.
• Establishes rules, regulations and procedures for efficient fire service and rescue operations in accordance with municipal by-laws, provincial and federal legislation and in accordance with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management; consults with appropriate authorities and stakeholders regarding major policy determination.
• Develops annual and long term business plans for assuring adequate and timely emergency response coverage for current and projected demographics.
• Continually looks for opportunities to enhance service delivery, control costs, explore revenue generating opportunities and streamline processes.
• Attends Council and committee meetings to represent the Department, make recommendations as appropriate, respond to enquiries and provide professional advice.
• Ensures timely responses are provided to department inquiries from Council and the public.

Leadership

• Works to achieve a high level of morale, team development, community service in staff including paid on call firefighters and officers by inspiring and influencing staff with excellent communication and leading by example.
• In conjunction with Human Resources resolves employee disputes and disciplinary matters as they arise, and assists with Fire Associations negotiations.  Responsible for approving payroll, developing hiring selection process and testing methods for new recruits, approves all promotions, demotions and employment status changes for PFRS department, adhering to corporate Human Resources policy and guidelines.
• Promotes, builds and maintains strategic relationships between the municipality and external entities including surrounding municipal, provincial and federal agencies, the public and service providers.
• Provides leadership and communications through regular meetings and appropriate delegation with department personnel.
• Ensures effective and efficient utilization of human resources within the department.
• Makes certain that information is shared appropriately within the department, within the corporation, and with the public.
• Regular meetings and communications with peers, other provincial / municipal government agencies and municipal staff.
• Coordinates compliance of the Health & Safety Act.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• National Fire Protection Association Fire Officer IV.
• Post-secondary education in Fire Service administration or related field, preferably holding Fire Service Executive Management Certificate. A combination of relevant education and experience will be considered.
• A diploma or degree in Business or Public Administration or other related discipline is preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive Fire Service Experience with minimum 5 years in a Senior Officer position.
• Emergency Management Certificate.
• Occupational Health and Safety Certificate.
• Certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Valid DZ driver’s license and maintain a clean driver’s abstract with a good driving record.
• Acceptable Police Information Check.

This position offers a comprehensive benefit package and an annual salary range of $105,913.60 to $123,905.60.