Assistant Fire Chief

Basic Function:

To manage the Operations, Health and Safety Bureau and Training Division of Norfolk County Fire Department, have responsibility for overall planning and delivery of professional development and safety programs, and respond to and command emergency incidents as required.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated the following personal attributes: time and priority management, personal accountability, decision making, project management, conflict management, employee development and coaching, teamwork, goal orientation, planning and organizing and leadership.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Post-secondary education in public/business administration, fire sciences, or equivalent.
• No less than ten (10) years of previous fire suppression experience.
• Five (5) years or equivalent experience at the Officer rank is necessary to perform the duties of Assistant Chief.
• Possess NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II or equivalent certification from Ontario Fire College.
• Possess NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor II or equivalent certification from Ontario Fire College.
• Possess NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator certification, or willing to obtain in 2 years.
• Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act Certification and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act certification are considered assets.
• Experience operating in the Incident Management System (IMS) is considered an asset.
• Successful completion of IMS 100, 200, EM 200, and EM 300, or the ability to obtain them in 2 years.
• An Advanced Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) licence is considered an asset, or is willing to obtain it in 6 months.
• Experience with hazardous materials response, carbon monoxide alarm response and technical rescue response, necessary to develop a proper understanding of fire service operations.
• Working knowledge of the FPPA and the Ontario Fire Code.

Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of all firefighting operations, tactics, equipment and technology, including trending issues.
• Extensive knowledge of firefighter professional guidelines, standards, procedures, health and safety legislation, guidelines and best practices.
• Proven leadership and motivational abilities.
• Current facilitation and presentation skills, as outlined in NFPA 1041.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform all necessary duties.
• Good communication, both oral and written skills.
• Experience in developing and delivering training on Health and Safety programs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Valid province of Ontario Class “DZ” license and access to a reliable vehicle, including the ability to provide a driver's abstract when requested during the recruitment process.
• Computer expertise in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office) and department-specific software (First Due) to enter and search data, and create and modify Word documents.

Position Description:

• To ensure accountability for enforcing legislative requirements specific to the Fire Department.
• Act as an Assistant to the Fire Marshal.
• Act as a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer.
• Lay charges to prosecute offenders in violation of Fire Protection and Prevention Act and applicable Norfolk County bylaws.
• Conduct cause and origin investigations at fire scenes when acting in the capacity of Duty Officer following the NFPA 921 standard.
• Duty Officer – On call 24 hours for 7 days, on a rotational basis. 
• Remain current on all applicable legislation, requirements, and evidence-informed practices, encouraging fire staff to accept continuing change.
• Perform administrative duties to ensure archival and statistical data are collected and stored, and equipment is maintained in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Guidelines, reviewing and updating them on an ongoing basis as procedures evolve.
• Ensure quality assurance through regular auditing of SIR (Standard Incident Reporting) and ensure that all incident reports comply with OFM (Office of the Fire Marshal) requirements.
• Supervise the departmental Learning Management System (LMS).
• Supervise the departmental Records Management System (RMS).
• Manage the department's RPAS response team and departmental RPAS program.
• Oversee the development of the annual training plan and learning outcomes to meet NFPA standards, the Ministry of Labour, and Section 21 guidelines.
• Oversee and ensure delivery of training initiatives for Department staff and volunteer firefighters, which meet and maintain the performance levels established by the department.
• Act as the Communicable Disease Coordinator.
• Lead the Critical Incident Stress Management Team.
• To provide approved levels and standards of service through effective management of human, physical, information and financial resources of the Department.
• Responsible for updating and ensuring the accuracy of the Norfolk County Fire Department's respiratory program.
• Responsible for the management of strategic water supply operations, including pump testing, dry hydrant testing, dry hydrant installation, maintenance and repairs.
• Create lease agreements with property owners who are hosting dry hydrants on their property.
• Coordinate training for Communicable Disease Officers.
• Coordinate, evaluate and implement all aspects of emergency response operations.
• To promote fire safety and the professional image of the Department internally. 
• Champion an environment of collegial, safe working relationships within the volunteer firefighter culture, which contributes to a productive working environment.
• Supervise the implementation, coordination and evaluation of training programs for all volunteer firefighters across Norfolk County.
• Maintain training programs to ensure all Fire Department employees are able to meet and maintain the performance levels established by the department.
• Investigate incidents within the Fire Department to avoid similar incidents from occurring and minimize loss of human resources and municipal assets. Assess and mitigate risk management within Operations.
• To have current and in-depth knowledge of all processes, policies, regulations, and evidence-informed practices related to fire services in order to deliver quality, effective, and efficient service to the Department.
• Support the Fire Chief and Deputy Chief as third-in-command.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and direction to direct reports.
• Act as an alternate of the Emergency Control Group.
• Conduct post incident analysis reviews (PIAR) of all significant incidents to assess fire ground effectiveness and modify operating guidelines, training curriculum and procedures based on findings, as required.
• Schedule yearly equipment testing.
• Ensure compliance of all staff with the Occupational Health and Safety Act so that a safe working environment is maintained and standards as established in the act are met. 
• Review and investigate all Fire Department Workplace Safety Insurance Board claims, as legislated by the Ministry of Labour.
• Act on behalf of the Department as the management liaison for the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee, and chair quarterly H&S meetings with suppression staff representatives.
• Responsible for Health and Safety programs within the Fire Department.
• Responsible for personal protective equipment and all other equipment maintenance and replacement, firefighter tactics, and firefighter health and safety.
• Provide technical support for the fire staff.
• To assist in the research and provide technical input for the development of apparatus specifications.
• Responsible for volunteer firefighter recruitment, monitoring probationary performance, and taking corrective action where required.
• Respond to various alarms and attend major incidents as required.
• Participate in community events, attend public functions to represent and promote the Division.
• Other duties as assigned

The Corporation of Norfolk County is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

Successful applicants are required to provide the Employer with a current Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector where required, and verification of education; transcripts are preferred.

Thank you for your interest in this position. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted.