Fire Protection Adviser

The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is seeking Fire Protection Advisors to provide consultative expertise, leadership, advice, issues resolution and training on a range of fire and life safety matters, fire related legislation and other services to local municipalities, other levels of government, fire departments, unincorporated communities and internal/external stakeholders.

The Ministry
The Ministry of the Solicitor General is responsible for the safety and security of communities across Ontario through effective policing, correctional services and emergency services programs. The ministry promotes policing excellence by communicating with and providing advice to the police community, as well as through training, developing professional standards and establishing new programs. The Ontario Provincial Police provides front-line policing services to more than 400 municipal and First Nations communities. The ministry is also responsible for maintaining effective and efficient correctional programs that create an environment where offenders are better able to return to the community and make positive contributions to society. Through the work of the Office of the Chief Coroner, Office of the Fire Marshal, Centre of Forensic Sciences and Emergency Management Ontario, the ministry seeks to minimize or eliminate hazards to people and property.

The Office
The primary function of the OFM is to minimize the loss of life and property from fire by assisting municipalities and fire departments to improve fire protection and fire prevention services. By administering the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, the OFM supports the functions of municipal fire departments through a variety of advisory, training and instructional programs. The OFM also advises the Ontario government on standards and legislative developments that relate to fire protection and fire prevention. The OFM distributes a variety of publications for use by the Ontario Fire Service, i.e. Ontario Fire Service Messenger and the Fire Marshal's Communique. The OFM administers an awards program for Ontario firefighters and presents annual fire safety awards to citizens, firefighters and organizations under the sponsorship of the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council.

Why work for the Ontario Public Service?
The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed in creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Flexible work arrangements including flexible hours, telework (remote work), compressed work week, or job sharing (if applicable)
• Collegial and professional work culture
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• On-the-job training to support your success in the role

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?In this role, you will:
• Provide fire protection and life safety advisory services and programs
• Provide information and advice regarding legislative requirements as it relates to the fire service in Ontario
• Act as OFM's primary local contact and liaison with municipal governments, the fire service, other government agencies and the public
• Conduct reviews of fire prevention and emergency response practices, post-incident building audits and inspection of emergency scenes
• Monitor, review and assess fire protection services and programs delivered by municipalities/communities
• Assess deficiencies, identify trends and provide recommendations on development of legislation, policies and planning
• Conduct assigned fire inspections and prepare various types of inspection reports and orders
• Gather and analyze information related to emergency services and fire protection, including emergency response data
• Provide theoretical and practical education, training and information sessions
• Perform administrative duties in Regional Offices

How do I qualify?Mandatory• The positions require the successful candidates to have a valid class G driver's licence or equivalent. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.

Technical KnowledgeYou have:
• Knowledge of fire protection service delivery systems and practices
• Knowledge of fire sciences, fire and life safety principles, theories, techniques, methods and practices to develop and deliver fire prevention programs, fire public safety education programs, fire suppression techniques and equipment, fire service training programs and fire department administration and management
• Knowledge of fire inspection methods and techniques, building construction and built in systems to conduct fire inspections of hotels, nursing homes, homes for the aged and special care facilities
• Knowledge of governance issues relating to municipal, regional and other forms of government and the relationship of fire departments within those structures
• Knowledge of mandate of the Office of the Fire Marshal, relevant federal, provincial and municipal legislation (e.g. FIPPA, Fire Protection and Prevention Act and Ontario Fire Code, Municipal Act, Building Code Act and Ontario Building Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act and Health and Safety Guidelines) in order to provide advice and assistance in applying legislation, standards and best practices

Leadership and Communication SkillsYou have:
• Knowledge of adult education theory, principles, practices and training methods to provide education, training and information sessions to a variety of stakeholders
• Communication and interpersonal skills to effectively deal with a variety of contacts
• Written communication skills to prepare status reports, issue notes, post incident building audits and inspection reports, presentations, municipal fire service reviews, activity reports and letters regarding information, processes and legislative requirements

Analytical and Problem-Solving SkillsYou can:
• Apply knowledge of risk assessment and management principles and auditing practices
• Identify gaps in program and service delivery, trends and existing and emerging issues
• Evaluate a range of issues and challenges faced by fire service providers and provide appropriate advice

Computer Skills• You are proficient with various software programs (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, power-point) to prepare reports, municipal reviews and survey documents, training programs, presentations and data maintenance

---