Deputy Fire Chief

**Definition**

Reporting to the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief is a key leader in the Department. This position supports the development, implementation, and maintenance of internal training and external public education programs for fire prevention in the community. The Deputy Chief supports the Chief and paid-on-call members to maintain a productive and healthy work environment.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:
Responds to emergency fire, rescue and medical calls and perform the duties of a Fire Officer and/or Incident Commander at incidents
- Acts as Acting Chief during the absence of the Fire Chief
- Participates in the on-call duty rotation as required
- Coordinates with the Fire Chief to ensure the optimum utilization of volunteers and resources through selection, hiring, training and development of fire fighters
- Assists with fire investigations for determining cause and origin, completing all reporting information
- Assists with the preparation of department budgets and reports
- Provides support to all members of the Department
- Participates in the development and maintenance of Fire Department Standard Operational Guidelines
- Maintains accurate fire fighter training records and incident call records

**Training**
- Develops and maintains all necessary training programs, proficiency requirements and occupational health and safety programs for the Department
- Ensures all training meets requirements of the NFPA Standards, the BC Provincial Fire Service Minimum Training Standards, Office of the Fire Commissioners Playbook and WorkSafeBC legislation
- Develops lesson plans for training and coordinate fire department practices
- Ensures that training and assessment for each member of the department is in alignment with the identified level of service as per the Fire Department Establishment Bylaw No. 109, 2022
- Other duties as assigned.

**Personnel**
- Promote a high level of morale among firefighters.
- Promote positive leadership among firefighters.
- Foster positive relationship building skills through collaboration.
- Assist with the recruitment, selection, and orientation of new fire fighters.
- Assist with performance reviews of all firefighters and officers and ensures they are conducted and documented annually.
- Assist in correcting, disciplining and/or dismissal of operational personnel, if required.
- Participate in exit interviews for departing members.

**Fire Prevention**
- Assists the Fire Prevention group to promote fire prevention and fire and life safety within the community
- Assists the Fire Prevention group in developing and implementing effective public education and public relations programs relating to fire prevention and fire and life safety within the community
- Attends and facilitates community events, such as Open Houses and school tours
- Assists with a regular system of inspections for the purposes of fire prevention, in compliance with statutory requirements
- Participates in routine inspections of commercial, residential, institutional, and industrial buildings and premises to ensure adequate standards are maintained, issue notices or orders to rectify deficiencies

**Required certifications, skills and abilities for this role**:

- NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level 1 and 2
- NFPA 1021 Fire Officer Level 1
- NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor Level 1
- NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Operations
- Incident Command System Level 200
- Current EMA-FR Certification or equivalent
- Valid BC Class 3 Driver’s License with air brake endorsement; satisfactory driver’s abstract required or equivalent
- Satisfactory criminal record and vulnerable sector check
- Working knowledge of and ability to effectively operate computer programs such as FP2, MS Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

**Preferred certifications, skills and abilities for this role**:

- NFPA 1021 Fire Officer Level 2
- NFPA 1001 Evaluator from a recognized training institution
- NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector
- NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor 2
- NFPA 1521 Incident Safety Officer
- Incident Command System 300
- Emergency Operations Centre Training

**Qualifications**
- Minimum of a grade twelve education
- 7 years fire fighting experience, 4 years as an officer
- Thorough knowledge of principles, practices and techniques related to combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, rescue work and dangerous goods incidents
- Knowledge of all Federal and Provincial Acts and codes and municipal by-laws relative to the activities of the Fire Services
- Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in training personnel
- Ability to react quickly and remain calm under duress and strain
- Demonstrated emotionally intelligent leader with excellent communication skills
- Proficient in the use of computers including the MS Office Suite.
- Records Management Systems (databases) related to the fire service would be considered an asset. But must be willing to learn.
- Ability to lead and plan departmental activities and to mot