Fire Chief - East Sooke

Position Purpose

The Fire Chief reports to the Manager, Fire Services, Capital Regional District and is responsible for administering, planning, and directing the local service area fire department including administration, fire suppression, fire prevention and rescue activities of the department. The Fire Chief will also administer applicable local, provincial and federal fire regulations.

Key Accountabilities/Position Outcomes

• Reviews, adheres to, and directs the adherence to safe work procedures in the workplace and Fire Department, and generally promotes a safe work environment.
• Responsible for all operational and administrative activities of the Department directly, and through subordinate officers, and advises on all matters relating to fire protection and emergency response including medical first responder and rescue, and fire prevention services.
• Responsible for administering applicable Capital Regional District (CRD) bylaws and policies, provincial and federal legislation, regulations, and operating guidelines related to fire services and fire safety.
• Provides recommendations to the Manager, Fire Services in respect to work standards and staffing levels. Responsible for the effective recruitment, training, supervising, and evaluation of subordinate positions and volunteer members of the Department.
• Ensures all volunteer firefighters and staff have appropriate and adequate training, and that all members of the department are trained consistently regarding all procedures and the scope of work.
• Oversees the appointment of Captains and Lieutenants in accordance with CRD Policies.
• Assigns and delegates tasks and responsibilities in accordance with the firefighters’ levels of training and qualifications.
• In consultation with the Manager, Fire Services and CRD Human Resources, disciplines and addresses personnel and labour related matters in accordance with CRD policies and procedures.
• Develops and implements personnel succession planning programs for the Fire Department.
• Encourages and maintains an environment of high morale among members and complies with all relevant legislation, prioritizing volunteer and personnel safety.
• Responds to employee complaints and health and safety concerns related to the operations, in consultation with the CRD Manager, Fire Services.
• In consultation with the Manager, Fire Services develops and maintains an annual budget and capital plan, for approval by the CRD Board. Determines and authorizes the purchase of all equipment, supplies and services, necessary for the operation and maintenance of the department in accordance with CRD policies and asset management principles.
• Ensures all records related to department operations, including personnel and maintenance of equipment are maintained.
• Monitors firefighting and rescue activities and attends or assumes command if required, including while off duty if available.
• Prepares reports and attends committee and board meetings as required.
• Responds to planning and land use referrals and provides guidance and information regarding development implications for firefighting as part of the development approval process.
• Establishes and maintains positive, effective working relationships with CRD departments, neighbouring fire departments including mutual or automatic aid agreements, government agencies, community groups and other stakeholders.
• Supports the implementation of fire prevention education and awareness programs with the public as appropriate.
• Ensures that inquiries regarding the Fire Department’s activities or responsibilities are handled promptly, efficiently, effectively, and with courtesy.
• Participates in local and regional emergency planning processes.

Additional Information

Key Accountabilities/Position Outcomes (Continued)

• In an emergency that requires the activation of the CRD’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), may be called upon with other CRD employees and assigned a role and/or tasks to support the EOC. Courses and/or workshops may be offered by the CRD to support this role.
• Accepts the designation by the CRD and performs the duties of an Inspector and Investigator per the Fire Safety Act.
• Expected to be on-call, participating in duty rotations, working a flexible schedule to meet operational requirements, including holidays, weekends, and evenings.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Certifications

Role Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The ability to exercise sound decision making with considerable independence.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective internal and external working relationships, efficiently and effectively serving the public on an ongoing basis.
• Demonstrated ability to manage, plan, implement, organize and problem solve, in a complex environment.
• Knowledge of the NFPA 1001 and 1002 firefighter training standards and NFPA 1021 fire officer training standards.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex incidents and delegate command functions to remain within the span of control.
• Experience recruiting, supervising, leading, and mentoring volunteers; with proven team building and demonstrated volunteer retention skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Required to maintain current knowledge of the requirements and standards established by local, provincial, federal, and standard developing agencies, e.g. Local Government Act (“LGA”), Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (“FOIPPA”), British Columbia Fire Code, Dangerous Goods Emergency Response Guide, National Fire Codes, British Columbia Fire Service Minimum Training Standards for Firefighters & Officers, Fire Safety Act, BC Fire and Building Codes, CRD Bylaws, Wildfire Act and Regulation, WorkSafe BC and Operational Guidelines, and policies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable computer programs, including Microsoft Office Suite required, experience with First Due and SharePoint considered an asset.
• Mechanical acumen (emergency vehicle operations, preventative maintenance, drafting operations, and apparatus maneuvering etc.).
• As well as knowledge in municipal water systems and rural tender operations.

Leadership Profile

Leaders at this level generally coordinate and oversee the technical, production or business support activities of a specific function within a department, setting priorities and coordinating the work of the unit with others.

Leadership Competencies