Town of Midland is seeking a Director, Fire Services/Fire Chief to join our team! The Director of Fire Services/Fire Chief will be responsible for the overall operation of the Fire Services department including fire prevention, inspection, training and suppression. This includes planning, coordinating, and effectively delivering Fire Services in accordance with Federal, Provincial and Municipal regulations and legislation and as per Council’s direction. The Director, Fire Services/Fire Chief oversees the development and implementation of the Emergency Plan.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract, in accordance with the duties of this position.

This position offers competitive total compensation including a wage of $117,101.07 to $146,376.33, 35 hours per week. 

This posting closes on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 @ 11:59 p.m.

Fire Services

• Perform the statutory duties of a Fire Chief under the Fire Protection & Prevention Act, the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
• Prepare departmental budgets (operating and capital) including forecasting, in accordance with the direction from Council and the needs of the department.
• Responsible for the strategic planning of the department’s staffing and resource requirements including apparatus replacement and recommending appropriate Fire department policies to Council.
• Assess building stock and community risk; coordinate the preparation of Master Fire Plans; prepare long-term and annual business plans necessary for assuring adequate and timely emergency response coverage and accommodating growth in accordance with the Town’s Community Based Strategic Plan.
• Direct the development and update of Town Fire Prevention and Inspection standards.
• Oversee the development and delivery of Fire Prevention and Public Education Programs throughout the community; ensure special/high risk groups are identified and program/measures are in place to promote fire safety and evacuation.
• Regularly review and evaluate departmental administrative and service delivery processes with a view to streamlining/updating practices and fostering excellence in service delivery.
• Oversee the development and delivery departmental policies and procedures with respect to the Fire service.
• Provide advice/guidance on fire protection, fire prevention, inspections, communications, and other fire- related issues, strategies and new or pending legislation and regulatory guidelines.
• Coordinate the Fire Training Program for career and volunteer staff to ensure that all staff is trained to approved standards.
• Review plans and sites of new construction and renovations of buildings to ensure that the life safety issues are addressed at the planning stage.
• Prepare reports, make recommendations/presentations, and attend Council/Committee, Senior Leadership, community group, public and/or other meetings and events, as required.
• Oversee Fire Suppression/Emergency Response operations; command at major incidents; assist the Fire Marshal’s Office with fire investigations; ensure appropriate reporting and follow-up to incidents.
• Respond to inquiries from and/or liaise with the general public, residents, community groups and internal staff; monitor and liaise with the County of Simcoe on Paramedic Services.
• Responsible for the Community Emergency Management Program and committee. Develop the Emergency Management Plan and prepare policies and procedures relating to the plan.

Department Leadership

• Plan, develop, and implement division goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; review and evaluate work methods and procedures for improving organizational performance, enhancing services, and meeting goals; ensure that goals are achieved.
• Ensure proper and effective staffing through recruitment and selection, learning and development processes, as well as provide direct supervision, mentoring, coaching and development of the team.
• Evaluate the performance of and provide training and development opportunities for the team.
• Manage and coordinate the professional services that are purchased by the Department including independent contractors and service providers.
• Develop and effectively manage the Fire Services budget, programs, and services.
• Champion continuous improvement within the department for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Work in compliance with and ensure the team is knowledgeable of and in compliance with, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, WHMIS, applicable legislation, regulations, statutes, departmental policies/procedures/practices, operational guidelines, and performs safe work practices.

Team Member

• Work as a team player promoting a positive and professional work environment and conduct role with integrity and respect.
• Uphold the Town’s values of integrity, accountability, empowerment, purposefulness, and service excellence.
• Collaborate with other departments to support service delivery and strategic initiatives. Act as an Ambassador throughout the community, positively representing the Town.
• Abide by the policies and procedures of the Town.
• Abide by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and work in a manner that is safe, reporting incidents immediately to direct supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned in order to meet the overall goals and objectives of the Town.
• Operate within the culture and core values of the organization.
• Maintain knowledge and expertise in relevant fields.

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Fire Services, Public Administration, Business, or related field required.
• Thorough knowledge of modern techniques and methods as applied to the administration of fire prevention, firefighting activities and related by-laws, legislation, standards and regulations through seven (7) to ten (10) years of experience as a Senior Officer.
• A valid Class DZ driver's license in good standing is required.
• Completion of the following certifications required:
  • NFPA 1021, Fire Officer III
  • NFPA 1521, Incident Safety Officer
  • Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) certification
  • NFPA 1041, Fire Service Instructor
  • NFPA 1031, Fire Inspector Level I
  • First Aid and CPR
• NFPA 1033, Fire Investigator certification is an asset.
• Comprehensive knowledge of emergency incident management, including significant experience in the role of Incident Commander.
• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation: Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ontario Building Code (as it relates to fire matters), Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, Ontario Municipal Act, Environmental Protection Act.
• Advanced working knowledge of fire protection and prevention methods, rescue and first aid procedures, safety procedures, rules, and equipment. Thorough knowledge of the operating of all apparatus and equipment and methods in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to interact between government and the private sector.
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and efficiencies and to adapt to and manage change and ambiguity effectively.
• Solid and demonstrated leadership skills with an ability to engage staff and create trust and positive working relationships.
• Strong team player with a commitment to quality customer service and well-developed public relations skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.