Division Chief, Fire Prevention

Position Overview:

The Division Chief of Fire Prevention & Investigation is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing fire prevention, code enforcement, and fire investigation services within the City of Saint John. This position ensures compliance with the Fire Prevention Act, the National Fire Code of Canada, and directives from the Office of the Fire Marshal. The Division Chief also plays a critical role in emergency management as part of the Saint John Emergency Management Organization (SJEMO), assuming command roles during crisis events.

The DC, Fire Prevention & Investigation will provide leadership to the division, ensuring that the employees understand the organizational mission and have the tools and opportunity to be successful in attaining the set objectives.

This is a pivotal leadership role in shaping fire safety and emergency preparedness in Saint John. You will be part of a dedicated team committed to protecting lives, property, and the environment, while fostering a culture of safety and resilience in the community.

Key Responsibilities

Maximize the potential of the fire prevention and investigation programs by:

• Developing innovative and effective public education programs to enhance public safety and elevate public awareness of unsafe actions and conditions;

• Maintaining records management systems including highly sensitive and confidential information;

• Take a leading role in assessing and improving standard operating procedures for inspection and investigation practices.

• Working with external legal and insurance representatives, monitoring requests and the release of information to police agencies, insurance companies and members of the legal community.

• Coordinate with internal departments and external stakeholders (e.g., developers, architects, OFM) to ensure fire and life safety compliance.

• Respond to public complaints and facilitate resolution in a timely and professional manner.

• Translate systemic fire safety issues into public education programs and municipal bylaws.

• Facilitate the development and implementation of programs arising from strategic departmental reviews or audits and in support of the Community Risk Assessment.

Provide for the effective and efficient function of the Fire Prevention and Investigation Division and ensure that personnel are ready, willing and able to meet or exceed performance expectations by:

• Lead and manage Fire Prevention Officers, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and provincial standards.

• Develop and oversee inspection schedules, public education initiatives, and fire investigation protocols.

• Direct and coach the division's Captain to assign tasks, set appropriate performance standards and coaching or providing training to personnel, and evaluating performance, attendance and other relevant factors to ensure standards are met or exceeded.

• Creating a motivating work environment that encourages self-assessment, continuous learning and improvement, achievement and accountability; and

• Responds to major incidents or disasters as a member of the command or general staff of the Saint John Fire Department and/or Saint John Emergency Management Organization's Incident Command System. This may include participating in an on-call rotation.

Essential Qualifications:

An appropriate combination of education, experience and training is essential to this position

Minimum requirements include:

• Demonstrated experience in establishing multi organizational relationships in the emergency services domain

• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills in the emergency services domain

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline is a requirement.

• Completion of technical and practical courses. Considerable experience in fire prevention work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• An alternative combination of education and experience may also be considered.

Knowledge of fire prevention inspection and investigation methods, procedures, statutes, codes, and bylaws.

Successfully completed the following:

• Fire Service Instructor I (or equivalent)

• Fire Inspector (NFPA 1030 version or NFPA 1031 equivalent)

• Fire and Life Safety Educator 1 (NFPA 1030 or 1035 version)

• Fire Cause and Determination Level I & II (NFPA 1033 equivalent)

• ICS Canada 200

Working knowledge of building construction; chemistry of fire; reaction of chemicals, combustibles and flammables.

Ability to write legible, clear, and concise reports. Ability to maintain detailed office records and other pertinent information.

Ability to speak effectively and to promote and maintain effective working relationships with groups, the public, business, and government officials.

Proven analytical and problem-solving ability.

The above job description reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in such classification.

The successful applicant may be eligible to participate in a Flexible Time Options Program which includes the option of working a 4 or 5-day work week, subject to business requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and which we serve. We encourage and support applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups. Candidates who belong to such groups, who are qualified, will be given preference at the time of selection.

Applications will be accepted through our online system only. Qualified applicants should submit their cover letters and resumes to:

City of Saint John

Attn: Hiring Committee

(careers)

Only those applicants being considered further will be contacted.