Director of Emergency Services

Full-Time Exempt Position

Closing Date: 4:00 pm, Friday, January 30, 2026

Overview of Nakusp:

The Village of Nakusp offers a unique career opportunity for a motivated professional seeking a balanced lifestyle. On the eastern shore of Arrow Lake, Nakusp is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, hiking, biking, golf, and Canada's only municipally owned hot springs. The area enjoys a moderate climate with mild winters and warm summers, ideal for gardening and outdoor activities.

With fewer than 1,700 residents, Nakusp offers essential amenities, including a hospital, health services, schools, childcare, senior programs, recreation facilities, and a vibrant arts community. Recognized as one of BC's most beautiful small towns, Nakusp fosters a respectful, collaborative workplace and strong community engagement.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Director of Emergency Services (Fire Chief) position involves responsibility and accountability for supervisory, administrative, and technical work in planning, organizing, responding, and managing all aspects of the Protective Services, including the Volunteer Fire Department, Emergency Management Program and Bylaw Enforcement. This position is exempt from union membership.

The Director of Emergency Services must reside within the fire protection area.

Overview of Core Duties:

Under the direction of the CAO, the Director of Protective Services will manage and administer Fire Department Services, Emergency Management, and Bylaw Enforcement.

Primary duties include:

• Serve as the Fire Chief of the Nakusp and Area Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD).
• Serve as the Training Officer for the NVFD
• Ensure the Village complies with the Fire Safety Act of BC and provides services as the local Fire Investigator and Fire Safety Inspector.
• Provide administration of the Emergency Services Building and Village-owned firefighting apparatuses.
• Act as the liaison between the Village and BC Ambulance, Search and Rescue, Road Rescue, and the Emergency Management Department of the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
• Serves as the Village's emergency management lead.
• Coordination and development of the Village's emergency management plans.
• Conduct bylaw enforcement pursuant to the Village's bylaw enforcement policy.
• Monitor and manage the budget for the associated protective service functions.
• Apply for grants and administer emergency management and mitigation projects (such as FireSmart, school programs) on behalf of the Village.
• Supervise subordinates as required.

Key qualifications and experience include:

• Post-secondary education in local government or public administration or a fire-related discipline, 5 years satisfactory service as a Fire Officer; service as a Chief Fire Officer preferred.
• Enrolled in Fire Officer training with satisfactory completion of a minimum of Fire Officer II.
• NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level II.
• NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor Level I and II.
• NFPA 1033 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator and satisfactory completion of Fire Inspector training NFP1030 through a recognized program.
• NFPA 1521 Standard for Fire Department Incident Safety Officer.
• Knowledge and training in BCEMS and Incident Command System; minimum ICS 200 – ICS 300 preferred.
• Advanced computer skills, including the ability to produce reports and plans.
• Valid Class 3 BC Drivers Licence with Air Endorsement, without restrictions.
• Satisfactory review of a current criminal record and vulnerable sector check.

A combination of education and experience may be considered

Desired Skills or Attributes That Will Give You an Edge:

• BCWS – WSPP Structure Protection Program training
• Completion of Bylaw Compliant, Enforcement and Investigative Skills 1

Compensation:

Salary: $84,000 – $96,000. Enrollment in the Village's employment benefit plan and municipal pension program.

How to Apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to Wayne Robinson, CAO, at with the subject line title: " DES/FC 2026". Interested candidates may contact the CAO for more information as required.

Applications will be accepted until January 30, 2026; however, the Village reserves the right to fill the position early if the ideal candidate is found.

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Education : Bachelor's degree

Experience : 5 years or more