Deputy Chief

**The Opportunity**:
Reporting directly to the Chief of Emergency Services, forming part of the Chief Officer Team, the Deputy Chief is wholly responsible to direct and manage their respective branch and underlying sections within Red Deer Emergency Services. They are responsible for all business and strategic planning, technical activities, personnel, recruiting, mentoring and staff development, budget, labour relations, goal setting, equipment, and overall operations as related to their assigned portfolio.

As a member of the Chief Officer Team, inspires and supports a shared vision for the future of the Emergency Services Department in a climate of accountability. Accomplishes this by developing long range plans that ensure the services provided by the department are integrated and aligned with the goals and priorities of The City of Red Deer. Further, works in partnership with Council, community groups and the media, while forming and maintaining collaborative partnerships with other organizations and agencies in the community and contributing as a staff member of The City of Red Deer.

The successful applicant will have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Administration Management, business management, emergency management, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in emergency services is required, preferably 5 years at a senior level of administration, leadership or supervisory experience equivalency. As well as the following:
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Experience working in a unionized environment working with collective bargaining agreements.
- NFPA - Fire Officer Level IV would be considered an asset. Officer Training Program from an approved program would be considered an asset (e.g. Executive Chief Officer, Chief Fire Officer)
- Possess the highest level of integrity, values and ethics as well as be an accomplished and experienced consensus-builder. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate a successful track record as a strategic communicator and adept listener. Further, they must have experience managing and leading a large group of professionals while building high performance teams. The successful applicant will demonstrate the ability to build relationships in a complex multi-stakeholder environment; his or her strengths will also include self-confidence, flexibility, and resiliency. A history of inspiring a shared vision and driving results in a climate of accountability is essential, as is being known as politically astute leader who is comfortable working with Council, community groups and the media.
- Communication Skills - Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal. Articulate and well-developed presentation skills. Will possess strong listening skills. Has a clear and precise communication style and utmost respect for confidentiality. Ability to create and sustain shared commitment to key issues pertinent to Red Deer Emergency Services.
- Strategic Leadership Approach - Ability to coach/mentor staff and business leaders to understand the bigger picture and work collegially to define and deliver key business solutions / results. Ability to think strategically and translate vision into action. Is creative and innovative in seeking new revenue sources, partnerships, and new ways of delivering sustainable services.
- Change Management - Ability to support, embrace and champion initiatives mandates within the organization. Help others within the organization understand what the initiative means to them and to gain buy-in from those resisting change. Maintain enthusiasm, vision and commitment throughout the change process.
- Technically Competent and Confident - Able to lead multi-function teams and maintain a sense of success for all parties. Comprehensive knowledge of current fire suppression, firefighting techniques, fire codes and standards. Understands and has working knowledge of the principles of risk management, legal issues and liability management. Can lead and command effectively in emergency situations.
- Financially Competent and Confident - Strong working knowledge of budgeting, variance analysis and how operations impact the financial aspects of the business. Recognition that Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story - understand that narrative information and qualitative factors need to be included with financial figures in order to add value to financial analysis reports used for management and decision-making purposes.
- Credible - Able to build rapport with various stakeholders to coordinate activities. Cognizant of the development of staff and will utilize a collaborative approach to getting the work done. Politically astute yet not political - able to gain the trust of fellow Red Deer Emergency Services employees and the public. Direct and coordinate a multidisciplinary staff in firefighting, fire prevention, and fire service activities. Able to counsel, moti