JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Fire Chief, the Corporation of the City of Orillia has an opening for the full-time position of Deputy Fire Chief with a commencement date of January 1, 2025, due to the promotion of the incumbent.

DUTIES

• Manage and direct divisional operations using policies and standard operation guidelines to ensure personnel performance and morale levels are established and maintained, fire department policies and guidelines are followed, employees project a professional image, and operational readiness of divisions are maintained.
• Directly oversee the position of Captain in the Fire Suppression Division and the Communicators in the Communications division.
• Manage and ensure adequate maintenance of fire service equipment, apparatus/vehicles and premises using relevant legislation, and documentation so that apparatus/vehicles and premises are in a condition that allows them to perform to their design function, equipment operates properly and safely, and the premises are clean and accessible.
• Evaluate emergency operations by receiving and reviewing relevant information, ensuring a strategic plan is in place which can respond to changing conditions and that appropriate reports are provided as required so that the incident is brought under control at the earliest instant thereby minimizing loss of life and property.
• Perform incident command as required at emergency scenes by gathering pertinent information and developing the appropriate strategy assessing the staffing and apparatus requirements, requesting support from external agencies when required, assigning a safety officer and taking other actions to ensure a high degree of safety within the scope of the existing legislation.
• Administer, manage and monitor capital and operating budgets, initiate payments and oversee capital initiatives, monitor expenditures and investigates variations so that the divisional/departmental operating and capital budgets are implemented in accordance with Council’s budget allocation.
• Maintain labour-management relations by ensuring compliance with the collective agreement through consistent interpretations, supporting the negotiation process.  Provide advice and assistance to the municipal negotiator so that the best interests of the municipality and the employees are considered, and good labour-management relations are promoted and effective.
• Responsible for the Communications Division, including the 9-1-1 CERB, training of communicators, and ensuring all communications equipment is maintained and operational.
• Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Legislation by participating as a management member of the health and safety committee, ensuring employee awareness of and training in safety matters and taking measures to ensure compliance so that employee safety is promoted, situations that contravene the Occupational Health and Safety legislation are identified and corrective actions are taken to resolve health and safety concerns.
• Ensure compliance with fire code, building code and municipal by-laws by promoting and facilitating the application of codes, standards, regulations and by-laws, implementing policies and standard operating guidelines.
• Ensure that comprehensive training records and reports are up-to-date and available on request and that safety is a priority in the fire service.
• Perform other duties as assigned in accordance with corporate objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree or diploma from an accredited college or university in the study of fire science/technology, business administration or a related field.
• 5 to 10 years of experience in a leadership role within the fire service in a unionized environment.
• Certified to NFPA Fire Officer II.
• NFPA Fire Officer III would be an asset.
• NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator would be an asset.
• CEMC would be an asset.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of fire fighting activities, fire prevention regulations, fire science technologies, and emergency management planning.
• Knowledge of related legislation/regulations, Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Ontario Fire Marshal/National Fire Protection Association standards/ guidelines, Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, Section 21 Guidance Notes (Fire), Ontario Fire Code, and Ontario Building Code.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, analytical, coaching, time management, strategic planning and supervisory skills.
• Strong computer skills using MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, e-mail and the internet.
• Possess a valid Ontario Class ‘DZ’ driver’s licence with an acceptable Driver’s Abstract.
• An acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check is required for this position prior to the commencement date, at the incumbent’s expense.

Compensation for this position is $134,465 to $157,305, plus a comprehensive benefits package. Interested applicants are invited to submit their application by September 23^rd, 2024, at noon.

Applications will only be accepted by applying online. Please visit https://careers.orillia.ca/.

We thank all applicants that apply and advise that only those to be interviewed will be contacted. The City of Orillia is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free environment. Accommodation will be provided in all steps of the hiring process.  Please advise the City of Orillia Human Resources Department if you require any accommodations to ensure you can participate fully and equally during the recruitment and selection process. In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection and Privacy Act, personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, and will be used for the purpose of candidate selection. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Freedom of Information Coordinator, 50 Andrew St. S., Suite 300, Orillia ON L3V 7T5 or call 705-325-1311.