Manager, Fire Investigations

NOTE: Effective April 1, 2024, the salary range for this position is $105,307 to $148,429 per year.

Join us in making a difference in public safety

Are you seeking a dynamic and challenging role where you will lead a multidisciplinary team of investigators? As a leader in the Office of the Fire Marshal, you'll play a crucial role in protecting communities across Ontario, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents through comprehensive fire investigations, the result of which would help mold innovative fire prevention strategies.

Please note: You may be called into work during after-hours (weekends or public holidays) to respond to emergency situations.

This competition may establish an eligibility list for future management opportunities.

About Us:

The primary function of theOffice of the Fire Marshal (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. To achieve this, the OFM supports the functions of municipal fire departments through a variety of advisory, training, and instructional programs. The OFM also conducts fire investigations throughout the province to investigate the origin, cause and circumstances of fires resulting in either a fatality or serious injury, explosions, fires in vulnerable occupancies (as defined in the Ontario Fire Code), fires of unusual circumstances or suspicious in nature, large loss fires of $1,000,000 and over, or where the loss is significant to the community and provincial interest fires. Collaborating with numerous public safety partners, the OFM strives to create a safe environment for all residents of Ontario.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is an innovative, responsive and accountable public service that works hard to be diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable. Diversifying leadership is a top priority for the OPS. Our goal is to achieve parity with the Ontario labour force by 2025 for the most under-represented groups (Indigenous, racialized and persons with disabilities) on our leadership teams.

The OPS invites all interested individuals to apply. As an organization that promotes equity and diversity, the OPS encourages applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized individuals, and persons with disabilities.

The OPS is an accessible employer and we offer accommodation in all aspects of employment, including the recruitment process.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy, the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint, and the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan to learn more about the OPS commitment to advancing racial equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion in the public service.

What can I expect to do in this role?Create the Work Environment

In the Ontario Public Service, we hold our leaders to the highest standards, expecting them to embody authenticity, accountability, and courage in every action and decision. It will be your responsibility to create a work environment and team culture that ignites innovation, nurtures collaboration and champions inclusivity by creating a diverse, anti-racist and accessible workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. By aligning your choices with these values, you will create a vibrant work environment where every individual can thrive.

Deliver on Business Goals and Priorities

Your leadership will be crucial in guiding the team towards the achievement of its business goals. It will be your responsibility to inspire and motivate your team to deliver their best performance and align the team's daily actions with the strategic vision of the ministry. Reporting to the Deputy Fire Marshal, Fire Investigation, you will contribute to the achievement of team goals by:

• Empower your team of professional staff to grow and develop to their full potential, fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, equity, and excellence.
• Provide leadership by managing and optimizing staff performance, building teams and maximizing employee engagement.
• Provide strategic and people-focused leadership while achieving operational and performance targets.
• Work closely with other Fire Investigations Managers and Managers within the OFM to enhance the team delivery system, which includes developmental opportunities for staff, succession planning, and building a strong team environment.
• Coordinate the OFM's involvement in Major Fire Investigations, by determining the direction of the investigation, assigning technical support and providing expertise, as required.
• Manage and/or support the manager overseeing the provincial Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosives (CBRNE)/Hazmat/Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) programs.
• Develop, coordinate, monitor and deliver training programs to OFM staff, including the Fire Investigations Certification program.
• Provide advice and guidance to municipalities, municipal fire and police departments, and unorganized communities on all aspects of fire investigations.
• Participate in after-hours operations by being available to answer calls from the Provincial Operations Centre on a rotational basis.

How do I qualify?Mandatory• The successful candidates require a valid Ontario Driver's Licence (Class "G").
• Undergo Enhanced Security Screening

Strategic Leadership Skills:• You have leadership experience and the ability to inspire, engage, motivate, develop and mentor a highly technical team to deliver on results.
• You are a collaborative leader and have incorporated the principles of inclusion and diversity across all elements of your management style.
• You have demonstrated success in fostering an environment of continuous improvement, creativity and excellence.
• You can develop, coordinate, monitor and deliver training programs to staff, and coordinate and monitor annual training initiatives, training needs, and opportunities.
• You can articulate and promote the goals of Fire Investigation Services (FIS) and influence staff and a broad, diverse client group to achieve organizational goals.

Technical Expertise:• You have knowledge of fire investigation procedures, FPPA, fire and building codes, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and OFM policies and procedures.
• You have knowledge of, and experience with, investigative techniques and knowledge of Criminal Code, Canada Evidence Act, Provincial Offences Act, applicable Case Law, Rules of Search and Seizure, and the issuance of warrants.
• You have knowledge of municipalities and fire department operations, including Hazardous Materials and Urban Search & Rescue.
• You can identify criminal human intervention in occurrences.
• You have knowledge of courtroom decorum and can present a credible position when acting as an expert witness as to investigative practices.
• You have a sound understanding of Freedom of Information (FOI), and investigations procedures, related to confidentiality and judicial procedures, and records document management.

Program Management Skills:• You have knowledge of change management principles and best practices and demonstrated experience in leading change initiatives.
• You have thorough knowledge of budgetary and financial processes to prepare, and implement fiscal and performance budgets, and multi-year and annual work plans, and monitor/report on budget allocations.
• You have experience preparing detailed business cases and administering procurement processes.
• You can analyze and interpret findings and make appropriate decisions.
• You have good judgment and political acuity to deal with highly visible, complex and sensitive issues.
• You have knowledge of human resources theories, principles, and policies, hiring processes, collective agreements, and labour relations.

Communication, Negotiation and Relationship Management Skills:• You can provide guidance and advice to elicit information, prepare reports and liaise with a variety of people of diverse backgrounds and skills.
• You have proven negotiation, mediation and presentation skills to resolve problems and develop protocols and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with outside agencies.
• You can liaise with peers and colleagues to exchange information and ensure consistent application of programs and services.

Don't meet every requirement?If you're excited to work for the Ontario Public Service but don't think you meet all the criteria, please still consider applying. We recognize no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate

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