Deputy Fire Chief

An Opportunity to Join Our Dynamic Teamin a Dynamic City

The Corporation of the City of St. Thomas, Fire Department, is recruiting for a:
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

Posting #911-04-24

**POSITION SYNOPSIS AND PURPOSE**:
Under the general direction of the Fire Chief, this position 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 Fire Administration 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. This position involves a high level of responsibility and accountability with appropriate authority for the prevention of injuries and loss of life and property from fire in the City of St. Thomas. As a member of the Fire Administation Team, provides coverage for other members in their absence as required.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES**:
Administration and Leadership (30%)
- 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.
- 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.
- Responsible for working within operating and capital budgets and purchasing expenditures within departmental and corporate financial framework.
- Advise the Fire Chief of any changes in procedures or methods necessary to maintain or improve the emergency operations including post emergency evaluations.
- 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 on matters relating to Fire Services.
- Assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Chief during absences of the Chief.

Operations and Service Planning (30%)
- Supervises and directs the day-to-day activities of the Suppression and Training 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.
- 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.
- Assists in managing the vehicle and equipment procurement program. Coordinates all vehicle and building maintenance and repair requirements. Directs the annual testing of equipment.
- Is responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance and review of a comprehensive Emergency Management Program for the City. Ensures that the City is annually compliant with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
- Thorough knowledge of automatic and mutual aid.
- Provides administrative, strategic planning and technical advice to the Fire Chief on operational matters including but not limited to departmental policies, procedural guidelines, by-laws and/or enacting regulations.
- Prepares all quarterly and annual reports to Fire Chief, as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.

Human Resources (5%)
- 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