Deputy Fire Chief

March 17, 2023

Employment Opportunity: Deputy Fire Chief - Town of Cobourg, Ontario - Closing Date: April 7, 2023

Job Posting 23-10

The Town of Cobourg is looking for a highly motivated and skilled Deputy Fire Chief who will be committed to providing efficient and comprehensive emergency services to everyone within our community.

The Cobourg Fire Department provides 24-hour emergency services including fire suppression, emergency medical care with defibrillation, awareness level hazardous materials response, entry level ice/ water rescue, vehicle extrication, and response to any other natural or accidental emergency.

The Deputy Fire Chief will assist the Fire Chief in providing leadership and strategic direction to the Cobourg Fire Department through planning, management, budgeting, and administration of major initiatives. The Deputy Fire Chief will also assist in maintaining command structure and discipline throughout the department’s and will assume all responsibilities of the Fire Chief in their absence.

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge in the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, the Ontario Fire Code, the Ontario Building Code, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and other relevant legislation.

Primary Responsibilities:

Responsible for operations and maintaining an effective working relationship within the department.
Supervise Full-Time and Part-Time Fire Fighters.
Prepare, conduct and manage staff performance and regularly conducts staff performance reviews for those under their direct supervision.
Assume the duties of the Fire Chief in their absence and enforce fire service legislation and regulations such as the Ontario Fire Code, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, and the Ontario Building Code.
Supervise the preparation of tender specifications for purchase of apparatus and equipment as per corporate procurement policies.
Act as assistant to the Fire Marshal under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
Carry out the duties of “Chief Fire Official” as defined under Section 1.2 of the Ontario Regulation 67/87.
Assume full command of routine and emergency situations when required.
Supervise the emergency scene to ensure that all Officers and Fire Fighters operate in a manner consistent with the established guidelines and accepted firefighting practices.
Discharge the duties and responsibilities of the Incident Commander at major emergency scenes and other incidents as required.
Meet regularly with the Company Officers to assist with station management and ensure support for operations and training are met.
Provide advice to Council, the Chief Administrative Officer, and Division Directors on emergency related matters when required.
Represent the Cobourg Fire Department on any committees (municipal or other) as required.
Ensure the safety of the Cobourg Fire Department and that all members operate in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 21 Guidance Notes, Highway Traffic Act, and other legislation and Town of Cobourg policies and procedures.
Assist the Fire Chief in administering health and safety policies, including: maintenance of a written health and safety program; conducting employee health and safety education programs; documenting and ensuring compliance with standard safe operating procedures, and the evaluation of health and safety performance.
Member of the Corporation’s Management Team and the Municipal Emergency Control Group.
Participates in Emergency Management planning meetings and exercises.

The successful candidate must have a minimum of seven (7) years of supervisory experience working within a unionized Fire Department. The individual will also possess the following NFPA Certifications:

NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II or equivalent required.
NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor I or equivalent required.
NFPA 1521 Incident Safety Officer required.
NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level II required.
IMS 100 and 200 required.
Willing to obtain NFPA 1021 Fire Officer III and IV within two years of start date.

The successful candidate will have a thorough knowledge of standard public sector or business administration practices, as well as a knowledge of all applicable Federal and Provincial Statutes. This individual will have the ability to assess all emergency responses and incident investigations.

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively in a team environment and to exhibit courtesy, tact and diplomacy in dealing with the public, department officials and other members of staff with the ability to adhere to confidentiality at all times is required. The successful candidate will have strong communication (written, oral and interpersonal), organizational, public relations, and supervisory skills. An excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and other software application systems is required. This individual will be required to be able to work under pressure, multi-tasking on numerous high priority projects simultaneously and produce quality work under short deadlines.

The successful candidate must possess a Class “DZ” driver’s license in good standing, have access to a reliable vehicle for use on corporate business and be able to provide a current acceptable driver’s abstract and a current acceptable vulnerable sector check.

WAGE:

The wage rate for this is $141,301 per annum plus a highly competitive benefits package.

For a detailed list of the position responsibilities and required qualifications please refer to the position description at www.cobourg.ca/jobs. Interested applicants should forward a PDF copy of their cover letter and resume (one document) in confidence to the attention of the Human Resources Department at humanresources@cobourg.ca no later than April 7th at 4:00pm. We thank all applicants however only those selected for an interview will receive a response.

In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act, the information gathered is collected pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended. The Town of Cobourg is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.

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