Deputy Fire Chief

An Opportunity to Join Our Dynamic Teamin a Dynamic City

Due to an internal promotion, the Corporation of the City of St. Thomas - Fire Services is recruiting for a:
Deputy Fire Chief
(Permanent, Full-Time)

St. Thomas is a community growing in size and strength and is home to about 40,000 people. Conveniently located close to Port Stanley, London, and Highway 401, it's the perfect location in Southwestern Ontario. With a rich heritage but a modern atmosphere, there is nowhere better to thrive than St. Thomas.
Job Posting #603-09-22

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This non-union position, under the general direction of the Fire Chief, is responsible for assisting in setting the strategic direction of the department, maintaining professional standards, and providing overall supervision, administration, and management of the St. Thomas Fire Department (STFD). As a member of the Department’s Senior Management Team, the Deputy Fire Chief assists in overseeing the delivery of all council mandated and approved fire protection services and assists in the planning, co-ordinating and directing of the Operations and Communications Divisions. The Deputy Fire Chief assists in the development of a culture of total service excellence. This position is also responsible for filling the role of Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) and has the primary responsibility for developing, implementing, and maintaining the City’s Emergency Management Program.

**MAJOR TASKS**:
Responds to emergencies in the role of senior advisor to the Incident Commander. May be required to take responsibility at emergency scenes or to take on other emergency scene roles as required. Acts as a point of reference for media inquiries.

Fulfils the requirements of the “Deputy Fire Chief “as provided for within the City’s Fire Department Establishing and Regulating By-law.

Supervises and directs the day-to-day activities of the Operations and Communications Divisions and ensures that delegated responsibilities from the Fire Chief are carried out in accordance with applicable legislation, corporate and/or departmental policies and procedures.

Creates and maintains an environment of open communication, creative thinking, and cohesive team effort; including but not limited to providing and communicating a vision, motivating, inspiring, coaching and developing members of the team, facilitating problem solving and collaboration, and maintaining both healthy group dynamics and staff morale whenever possible.

The Deputy Fire Chief works with the Fire Chief and the Human Resources Department in the recruitment of staff members and assists in the development of job descriptions, conducts staff performance reviews, coaches and counsels’ direct reports as required, assists with the management of attendance and with staff scheduling, oversees the department’s health and wellness programs, assists with the development of operational guidelines and department policies, assists with the management of labour relations and the Collective Agreement, ensures compliance with the department’s rules and regulations and the Collective Agreement, and assists the Fire Chief in developing a culture of learning.

Assists the Fire Chief in the development of department business plans, strategic plans and emergency plans. Participates in the development of programs and in department planning.

Is the management representative on the Joint Health and Safety Committee and promotes a culture of health, safety, and wellness.

Monitors department key performance indicators, ensures that STFD is compliant with best practices and standards through an awareness of new fire service trends and challenges.

Assists in monitoring the department’s performance for quality assurance, development of reports and the use of data-driven decision making and the development and monitoring of the department budget.

Assists in the review of community risks and the implementation of risk mitigation strategies.

Assists with fire investigations, fire and life safety inspections and public education initiatives as required.

Assists in managing the vehicle and equipment procurement program. Coordinates all vehicle and building maintenance and repair requirements. Directs the annual testing of equipment.

Assists the Fire Chief with the development of the department’s training program and staff professional development initiatives.

Participates in weekly fire administration and committee meetings as required.

Takes the lead on special projects assigned by the Fire Chief and oversees the department’s drone program.

Assists the Fire Chief in representing the department at public events.

Assists in managing all department records in accordance with City by-laws and policies.

Maintains effective relationships with other departments, municipalities, agencies, organizations, levels of government, stakeholders and community partners. Liaises with various agencies and groups within the community