Fire Chief

Opening Statement

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah-nish-nah-beg), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government.

At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people's lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you'll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you'll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Commissioner, Corporate & Emergency Services, the Fire Chief provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the Kingston Fire & Rescue department with a mission to deliver fire protection services and provide a range of programs to protect the lives and properties of the citizens of Kingston from the adverse effects of fire, accidents, sudden medical emergencies, exposure to dangerous goods, or conditions created by humans or nature. The Fire Chief may assume overall incident command in emergency situations and directs and makes decisions regarding the appropriate and safe emergency response as required.

The Fire Chief is responsible for the overall leadership, operation and administration of the Fire & Rescue department including fire suppression, fire prevention and public education, training, mechanical/apparatus, and communications/dispatch divisions.

As a corporate leader, this position is responsible for integrating strategic planning, operational activities, and interests and needs of stakeholders. The Fire Chief ensures fair, ethical, and responsible decision making, and appropriate management of resources ensuring the City’s mission, vision, and values, and Council and corporate goals and objectives are incorporated into strategic and operational activities and services.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure community and responder safety by reducing risks though the safe, efficient, and effective delivery of fire protection services. Make effective recommendations for the establishment of new initiatives to improve emergency service levels for the area served in accordance with the approved community risk assessment and legislated requirements for the provision of fire protection services across the geographic area of responsibility.
• Oversee the talent and financial resources for the department to ensure they are being used effectively, including:
• Preparation and oversight of budgets and related programs
• Management of direct reports by monitoring progress toward goals with sustainable results, developing successors, and resolving problems in alignment with the organization’s vision and strategic plans
• Ensure policies are in place for a safe working environment for fire & rescue members, enforce provisions of applicable legislation and execute the responsibilities of the Fire Chief as an appointed statutory official.
• Attend Council and community meetings, act as spokesperson for the municipality, and respond to resident inquiries; negotiating and resolving issues as required. Acts as a spokesperson for matters of fire protection services.
• Prepare annual compliance reports, fire risk assessment updates and other studies by maintaining currency on the latest changes in Fire Service legislation in order to ensure Kingston Fire and Rescue’s enforcement of codes, by-laws, fire control activities are in compliance with applicable legislation.

Qualifications, Competencies

• College Diploma in fire services administration/management, public or business administration or related program
• 7-10 years recent and progressive experience in a municipal Fire Services organization, preferably in a unionized environment
• Five (5) years’ experience as a senior officer with relevant labour relations experience
• Experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and implementation of plans and policies
• Completion of NFPA-aligned Ontario Fire College certifications (e.g., Fire Officer I/II) or equivalent training

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

• Sound knowledge and awareness of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, the Ontario Fire and Building Codes, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and other relevant legislation.
• Proven experience in the use of communications system, equipment, and modern technologies.
• Proven Fire Command experience and formal training in Fire specific regimens (e.g. Incident Command System).
• Excellent communication and public relations skills.
• Demonstrated political acumen and the ability to build business relationships, resolve conflicts, negotiate, mediate, facilitate, and deliver information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to build trust and credibility in a politically sensitive role with competing demands and priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage financial, human, and physical resources.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to coach, motivate and develop employees.
• Knowledge of, and demonstrated ability in, change management design, process, and implementation strategies to optimize both quality and cost effectiveness of service delivery.
• Strong computer skills particularly with Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively research and analyze, and effectively respond to emerging opportunities and risks.

Candidates are required to obtain a satisfactory criminal record check.

Closing Statement

Please inform us of any accommodations we need to make to ensure a barrier-free recruitment experience. Accommodations are available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC)and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) at any stage in the recruitment process. We’re happy to provide more information if you email us at HRCity@cityofkingston.ca.