Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief

The Township of Lake of Bays is pleased to announce the recruitment of a Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief as the municipality prepares to move forward as an independent fire department following the transition period ending a shared Fire Department Administration Service Agreement.

The appointment of Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief is a critical and pivotal step in establishing our new independent fire department. This individual will serve not only as the head of emergency operations but also as a foundational leader, shaping the department’s culture, capabilities and relationship with our community.

The Township’s three (3) fire stations are comprised of our most critical asset, our volunteer fire fighters, who exhibit the skills, qualifications and expertise to make this transition to an independent department seamless and successful. It would be remiss to not recognize the dedication and commitment that our members make day in and day out.

We seek a leader with proven experience in administration, budgeting and personnel management, particularly in a volunteer/hybrid department. The successful candidate will support our fire fighters, recruitment and retention and the overall well-being of our members. Advocating on the department’s needs while communicating transparency with the community and local government. This leader must exhibit a deep sense of service with adaptability, integrity and decisive leadership.

During the transition period the Fire Chief will lead and assist with the recruitment of a Deputy Fire Chief and Administrative Assistant as we work towards building the department with the necessary resources and critical administrative and leadership roles.

“The Lake of Bays Fire Department is committed to making our community safer through public education, fire suppression and rescue duties.”

The Township

The Township of Lake of Bays is in the northeast corner of Ontario's "Cottage Country", adjacent to world renowned Algonquin Park. Lake of Bays, being a part of Muskoka has traditionally been one of Ontario's premier destinations for family vacations and summer cottages. The Township encompasses four unique and inviting communities of Baysville, Dorset, Dwight, and Hillside with a permanent population of 3,759 residents increasing to an estimated 11,720 with the seasonal population.

Opportunity

As a valuable member of the municipal leadership team and reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief (Chief) is responsible for the overall operation of fire services including administration, policy development, operating procedures, fire suppression and prevention, investigation, public education, emergency medical responses, community emergency planning and public relations while overseeing all aspects from personnel management to budget control and fleet/asset management.

The Chief is responsible for overseeing the functions and duties of the Fire Department consisting of three (3) fire halls ensuring compliance with the Ontario Fire Code, Municipal By-laws/policies, Provincial and Federal legislation.

Salary:  Annual Salary is $143,803 plus a comprehensive health benefits package and OMERS Pension Plan

Closing Date: Monday, October 13, 2025

Position Responsibilities

Is the department head for fire services on the leadership team, collaborating effectively with other directors and the CAO to provide corporate leadership to the municipality.

Develops, leads, and implements the strategic leadership and efficient delivery of the municipality’s fire services portfolio.

Prioritizes goals and plans to ensure fulfilment and completion of the Township’s organizational and strategic goals and objectives.

Ensures quality assurance and performance measurement programs are in place and all operations adhere to provincial regulations, standards, and principles.

Develops and negotiates solutions to challenges in any service area along with responding to existing and emerging issues.

Assesses needs and prepares plans and programs for fire prevention/suppression, investigation, public education, emergency medical responses, training and community emergency planning.

Implements and ensures compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and standards such as the Ontario Fire and Building Codes, Corporate Policies, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Fire Safety Plans, Electrical Safety Authority, Technical Standards Act, Municipal Act, Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and Municipal By-laws.

Implements and maintains the Master Fire Plan for the Township and reviews, updates and maintains the Fire Establishment and Regulating By-law for the Township.

Develop, maintain and evaluate long range plans, programs and capital project planning.

Prepares and presents reports and recommendations for Council’s review with regard to Fire Services.

Direct all fire prevention activities from inspections to complaints and requests identifying the need for programs aimed at reducing threats to life safety, property and/or the environment.

Responsible for the direction, preparation, submission and control of the Fire Departments budget as approved by Council and ensuring the Asset Management Plan and long-range capital program information is current for the assets within the department.

Acts as the Community Emergency Management Coordinator leading the Township’s emergency planning process including emergency control training and exercises.

Leads by exhibiting excellent interpersonal, project/time management, organizational, analytical, research, communication, presentation, problem-solving, and staff development skills with the ability to develop strong teams, leaders and talent.

Respond to emergencies, critical or extraordinary situations and to attend special or unplanned meetings with Council, Committees, Staff, Other Agencies and the public as required.

Acts as the spokesperson for the Fire Department, working in consultation with the Communications Department to manage media relations and communicating timely and accurate information to the public and media as required.

Establishes and maintains effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, community organizations and agencies demonstrating sensitivity and political acuity.

Skills and Qualifications

Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience with a fire department including five (5) years’ experience in a senior officer rank position.

Certifications: NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level II; NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I and NFPA 1021 Fire Officer 1 (or willing to obtain).

Knowledge of all Fire Codes, Acts, By-laws and Legislation pertaining to Fire Prevention.

Must be certified (or willing to obtain) with experience as a Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC).

Knowledge of all Fire Codes, Acts, By-laws and Legislation pertaining to Fire Prevention.

Proven leadership experience overseeing staff and administrative processes with excellent organizational, analytical, investigative, problem-solving, report writing, communication, presentation and public speaking skills.

Ability to act strategically and analyze complex fire and emergency response issues and problems, evaluate alternate solutions, and develop sound conclusions, recommendations and action plans.

Strong communication skills to effectively deal with concerns and requests for information.

Politically astute with a commitment to customer service excellence and a strong knowledge of best practices in municipal emergency services.

Ability to work with Council, the public, and the development community and balance their needs with operational requirements.

Must possess a valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license and abstract in good standing.

Working Conditions

Position requires extended periods of time working in an office environment performing administrative tasks on a computer, writing reports and preparing documents, responding to emails and phone calls, attending meetings, etc.

Required to work on call outside of regular business hours.

Work may require occasional lifting, bending, crawling and moving of equipment. Moderate to heavy physical activity at times.

Exposure to potentially hazardous environments including fire and motor vehicle accident scenes, water rescue incidents, hazardous materials spills, medical/trauma responses and driving in inclement weather.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

Comply with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations as it relates to a supervisor and worker.

Comply with Township Health and Safety Policies and Procedures.

Take every reasonable precaution to protect themselves and their workers from health and safety hazards and unsafe situations.

Ensure that employees receive the required PPE and training in the appropriate practices, policies, and procedures necessary to work in a safe manner and to monitor their compliance with corporate health and safety policies.

Develop and implement standard operating procedures. Make recommendations on additional health and safety training.

Participate in a culture of safety which encourages prevention, reduces errors, and safeguards employees and the public from harm.