Supervisor of Fire Prevention & Public Safety

Fort Erie bridges big city entrepreneurial opportunities with small-town charm and lifestyle. Quality of life is incomparable with its strong values, a dynamic work environment and easy access to modern amenities complemented by small-town ambience, warmth and welcome. Along with an array of historical sites, natural beauty and beaches, recreational trails, excellent fishing, birding and cycling, and a gateway to Buffalo via the Peace Bridge, Fort Erie has so much to offer!

The Town of Fort Erie is a diverse and welcoming community.  Come join our team of dedicated, professional and committed co-workers and put your mark on something that is exciting and rewarding.  We are recruiting people who share our values of teamwork, respect, honesty and commitment.  Our mission is to lead and serve Fort Erie by pursuing opportunities, leveraging partnerships and managing our resources to achieve prosperity.

The Supervisor of Fire Prevention will supervise front-line service delivery for Fire Prevention and Public Education, create work schedules for inspectors, assign duties, establish priorities, provide technical direction and operational advice, and coach, mentor, and provide feedback on all aspects of their duties. They will also act as the point of contact for all issues related to fire prevention and public education and oversee fire department inspections of all building classifications and occupancy types, as well as the preparation and issuance of the Orders of Compliance prior to swearing and serving.

The ideal candidate will have successfully completed a post-secondary education in Public Administration, Business Administration or Fire Service Management and continuing education from a recognized fire college or accredited organization, has ten (10) years’ experience in fire prevention activities, fire safety inspections, fire investigations, public education and public relations, and has five (5) years’ previous experience supervising and training staff in the field of fire prevention and protection and/or related area. They should also have their NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I & II, NFPA 1035 Fire and Life Safety Educator I & II, NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator, and a valid first aid and CPR certifications. NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I and an Ontario DZ or higher driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to The Corporation would be an asset.

Compensation includes an annual salary of $102,746 - $123,295 (2025 salary range).

Fort Erie: A Community for Everyone

Department:             Fire and Emergency Services      

Division:                   Public Safety Division

Reports to:               Fire Chief/CEMC

Position Objective

To supervise, perform, oversee and delegate inspections, enforcement and public education activities under the Ontario Fire Code, municipal by-laws and other related legislation.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Supervise front-line service delivery for Fire Prevention and Public Education, create work schedules for inspectors, assign duties, establish priorities, provide technical direction and operational advice, and coach, mentor, and provide feedback on all aspects of their duties.
2. Act as the point of contact for all issues related to fire prevention and public education.
3. Review the Community Risk Assessment (CRA) and update as required.
4. Uses the CRA to develop the division's inspection and education frequency.
5. Oversee fire department inspections of all building classifications and occupancy types.
6. Oversee the Fire Prevention Officers in the review of the Fire Safety Plan.
7. Oversee the preparation and issuance of the Orders of Compliance prior to swearing and serving.
8. Maintain division records in a secure manner.
9. Design and review Division guidelines for approval regarding orders.
10. Review current department policies and procedures and submit proposed changes to the Fire Chief for approval.
11. Create any policies where required.
12. Working with the Fire Chief and Chief Training Officer to train the Inspectors and Officers on any policy and procedural changes.
13. Works closely with the Chief Building Official to coordinate and assist in municipal enforcement activities

Education & Experience

• Post-secondary education in Public Administration, Business Administration or Fire Service Management and continuing education from a recognized fire college or accredited organization
• NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I & II
• NFPA 1035 Fire and Life Safety Educator I & II
• NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator
• NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I would be an asset
• Strong Customer Service experience
• Ontario DZ or higher driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to The Corporation would be an asset.
• Valid first aid and CPR certifications.
• Ability to obtain a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Have ten (10) years’ experience in fire prevention activities, fire safety inspections, fire investigations, public education and public relations.
• Have five (5) years’ previous experience supervising and training staff in the field of fire prevention and protection and/or related area.

Knowledge

• Specific and extensive technical knowledge of building construction types, infrastructure, water supplies, demographics and community risks, related statutes and regulations.
• Applied technical knowledge of the characteristics of fire, fire spread, building material and construction practices, while having a detailed working knowledge of fire alarm systems, suppression systems and other fire protection systems.
• Applied Technical Knowledge of building classifications and the ability to apply fire and life safety to each class.
• Applied Technical knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
• Applied knowledge of accepted training/teaching adult learning techniques
• General knowledge of computer hardware and software applications, including Microsoft office applications, spreadsheet and database programs

Skills & Ability

• Ability to interpret and apply Fire Prevention Act, related legislation and regulations and Standards
• Ability to examine and interpret construction drawings and specifications
• Highly motivated with exceptional skills in administration, presentations, organization and time management.
• Ability to apply safety at varying levels of fire service.
• Capable of demonstrating leadership, strong communication and sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Communication skills
• Planning and organizational skills
• Supervisory skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Judgement and integrity
• Mathematical skills
• Possess the ability to deal with the general public and representatives of the business community in a courteous, tactful and professional manner.
• Possess excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office) and writing skills with the ability to compose detailed reports, letters and court documents.
• Be attentive to detail, mental concentration and alertness to ensure the safety of others.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Supervision

• Supervises the Fire Prevention Officers, Fire Prevention Inspectors and Public education activities.
• Responsible for scheduling and/or coordinating the work of the department
• Responsible for the performance of the Inspectors, Officers and Public Education
• Functional advice provided on a regular basis, such as structural requirements, fire resistance ratings, may coordinate outside contractors or independent groups.

Work Demands

• Variable demanding work schedule, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.  Work is performed in the office and field environments
• Exposure to behaviorally difficult clients
• Concentration required for observation, report writing and listening to clients
• Supervisor is available for professional/technical matters
• Incorrect or inappropriate decisions/actions have major, long-term effects, substantial financial implications and public safety implications.
• Undertakes a number of assignments simultaneously
• Must work harmoniously with all personnel