Deputy Fire Chief

Rocky View County is committed to providing our employees a respectful and stable work environment, benefits that promote work/life balance, and opportunities for professional learning and personal growth. We seek individuals who thrive on challenge and will contribute their positive energy, innovation, and service mindset to making a difference and contributing meaningfully to the vibrant community of 40,000 people who call Rocky View County home.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Fire Services and Emergency Management (Fire Chief) the Deputy Fire Chief provides leadership, coordination, and direction to ensure that services are provided to residents, stakeholders and employees in a timely, effective and efficient manner. The Deputy Chief has oversight of Fire Services personnel, providing leadership and guidance, and works in conjunction with the Fire Chief to develop short- and long-term strategies for the department. They ensure compliance with all documentation and legislative requirements, including provincial and municipal statues, Alberta Safety Codes, Alberta Fire Code and explosives act.

Philosophy

Rocky View Fire Services is a composite fire service consisting of full-time, paid per call (volunteer), and part-time employees. This staffing model meets the needs of the County and reflects the commitment of both the County and that of its various communities and residents. This commitment to a composite model is unwavering and must be understood and embraced by all Fire Services personnel.

Core Accountabilities

Operational Support

• Supervise operational area with an emphasis on efficiency, accuracy, quality and safety to ensure a superior service.
• Provide on-going feedback, mentoring and coaching to direct reports such as Battalion Captains and Paid Per Call Station Chiefs, and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Collaborate with Paid Per Call and full-time station leadership to identify operational requirements.
• Serve as the primary contact for Paid Per Call Station Chiefs and community inquiries regarding fire services administration.
• Effectively deal with a wide range of personnel issues which involve both paid per call (volunteer) and unionized work forces.
• Participate in workplace investigations and carry out discipline including employee terminations in conjunction with the Fire Chief and Human Resources.
• Foster teamwork within fire stations and between stations and headquarters.

Department Support

• Participate in the development, updating, implementation, roll-out and evaluation of policies, procedures, guideline and protocols and communicate pertinent information to employees.
• Work with Fire Chief to develop department short- and long-term strategies.
• Assist and or develop budget forecast.
• Participate as a member of department committees such as wellness, training, occupational health and safety, etc. 
• Act as Fire Chief and as Deputy Operations Section Chief  in the Fire Chief’s absence. 
• Prepare for and attend meetings of Council and committees as required.

Labour Relations

• Provide input into grievances and attend grievance meetings.
• Attend and participate in labour relations and union negotiation meetings.

Command

• Act as on-call duty officer on a rotating basis.
• Respond to emergencies within RVC as per Standard Operation Procedures.

Portfolios (Each Deputy Chief is assigned 2 of the following)

Training

• Develop and implement an annual training schedule aligned with department needs.
• Coordinate department training programs at all RVC stations.
• Oversee the County campus fire training center and maintain training and certification records.

Fire Prevention

• Coordinate inspections, fire prevention programs and public education initiatives and oversee field work.
• Manage the Safety Codes Officer (SCO) training program.
• Update bylaws and the QMP and support community FireSmart committees.   

Operations 

• Ensure compliance with fire services Standard Operating Guidelines.   
• Evaluate time off requests as per current guidelines and review payroll submissions.   
• Monitor staffing levels and collaborate with Paid Per Call and full-time station leadership regarding recruitment.

Logistics  

• Oversee the procurement and distribution of station supplies.  
• Oversee maintenance and replacement of small equipment, hos, gear, structures and apparatus.  
• Maintain accurate records of work performed to ensure timely replacement and accurate data.   

Position Requirements

Completion of ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible work experience within a Fire Service with comprehensive technical training across relevant areas (could include NFPA 1031, NFPA 1033, Safety Codes Council (B2, C2) and ICS 400). Completion of a bachelor’s degree or diploma in emergency management or related field is an asset. An equivalent combination of related experience and education will be considered.

• NFPA 1021 Level 2 Officer Training 
• NFPA 1041 Level 2 Instructor          
• Demonstrated leadership skills, team building, conflict resolution, coaching and mentoring abilities.
• Demonstrated time management, organizational, problem solving and decision-making ability.
• Demonstrated verbal communication, presentation and business/technical writing skills.
• Demonstrated superior customer service skills to both internal and external customers.
• Experienced in public speaking and community engagement initiatives.
• Experienced in fire investigation techniques and conducting Occupational Health and Safety incident investigations. 
• Clean criminal record.
• Possess the physical agility and stamina sufficient to perform all functions in adverse conditions.

• Possess the ability to lift heavy equipment/loads(may be expected to carry equipment weighing 20 to 40 lbs up stairs while wearing gear weighing at least 50 lbs or to carry or rescue/drag individuals weighing over 200 lbs).
• Possess adequate vision, hearing, mobility and dexterity to perform routine and non-routine firefighting tasks.
• Able to react quickly and remain calm in stressful situations.
• Possess a valid class 5 driver’s license (class 3 is an asset).