/

The Corporation of the Town of Arnprior

Job Description

Job Title:Fire Chief

/ Page(s):1 of 6
Location:Fire Hall / Reports To:
Chief Administrative Officer / Revision date:
March 13, 2017
Department:Fire / Salary/Wage:
Grade 13

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Fire Chief is responsible to perform the statutory duties of Fire Chief under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act including theduties of an assistant to the Fire Marshal, in accordance with provincial statutes and applicable Municipal By-laws.The Fire Chief is a natural leader and team builder who leads through active engagement, collaboration and a spirit of inclusivity at all levels of the Fire Service and with Town staff. The Fire Chief will have a sound appreciation for the challenges faced by small municipalities, and will have the skills needed to develop realistic and innovative solutions.

Primary areas of responsibility include managing and directing the delivery of fire and emergency services including code enforcement, fire safety inspections, fire prevention, fire suppression and rescue, fire investigation, public fire safety education, training, facility and equipment maintenance, and emergency planning and response.

The Fire Chief will provide leadership and guidance to the Fire Prevention and Protection Officers, and volunteer staff. The responsibilities will include actively participating in employee relations, maintaining safe work measures, and overseeing the administrationtrainingplans andprograms. Attend Senior Management team meetings when directed by the CAO. The role will be accountable for the forecasting, preparation, and monitoring of operating and capital budgets for the Fire Department. Responsibilities will include providing recommendations and support to the CAO and Council on matters relating to Fire Services and activities by preparing reports/presentations and attending meetings as required. The Fire Chief will be required to work irregular hours and respond to emergency incidents at any time of day or night. The Fire Chief should reside within 30 minutes of the Fire Hall.

Scope:

Through effective leadership, independent judgment, public education, fire prevention and enforcement, and emergency response this position will mitigate fire and life safety risk to the general public, reduce property damage, prevent financial loss and support both corporate and departmental visions.

Key Responsibilities/Duties:

The foregoing description reflects the general duties necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be construed to be all of the work requirements that may be inherent in this classification.

  1. Perform the statutory duties of Fire Chief under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act including the duties of an assistant to the Fire Marshal, cause determination and all statutory duties of the position in accordance with provincial statutes (including Occupational Health and Safety Act,Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act), and applicable Municipal By-laws.

Fire Safety/Emergency Management

  1. Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of the emergency management plan, fire safety inspections, risk assessments, and fire prevention plans and programs. Ensure that they are administered effectively and in accordance with applicable standards, law and best practice.
  2. Provides advice and support for community development site plans, subdivision agreements, and new buildings in accordance with code.
  3. Plan, strategically develop and implement emergency response plans and procedures with respect to equipment, apparatus, and personnel to facilitate the most effective response with the resources available.
  4. Respond to alarms, and attend emergencies whenever possible and assume command at emergencies and direct operations whenever necessary.
  5. Oversee the required preparation and response for fire suppression, fire rescue, fire investigation, auto extrication and water & ice rescue.
  6. Maintain close liaison with neighbouring emergency service agencies and with other government agencies to ensure adequate mutual aid agreements are made for mitigating emergency incidents.

Leadership/Supervision

  1. Promote team building, collaboration, engagement and inclusivity, whileproviding leadership, direction, and support for the Fire Prevention Officer(s), Senior Officers (Captain, Lieutenant(s), and Training Officers), and Volunteer Firefighter(s).
  2. Schedule and delegate duties of the Fire Department personnel to ensure procedures and goals are met, and that adequate staffing levels are maintained to permit the delivery of appropriate emergency response services to the community.
  3. Provide recommendations to the CAO in regards to remuneration of personnel, hiring of personnel, and performance management including training initiatives, discipline, and/or termination in accordance with Town By-laws and policies.
  4. Enforce compliance of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, regulations, and Town policy to ensure the health and safety of employees.
  5. Developand implement departmental policy, procedures, measures and programs as required to maintain compliance with applicable regulations, codes, and Municipal objectives.
  6. Perform regular performance reviews and engage in ongoing feedback with regard to staff goals, objectives and performance.
  7. Oversee the development and coordination of departmental training plans and programs to ensure employee(s) maintain an adequate level of skill in accordance with applicable law and standards.

Administration

  1. Ensure that required administrative documentation such as personnel, training, and time records, facility and equipment maintenance records, and incident reports are completed, filed, secured, and maintained in accordance with applicable regulations and Town policy.
  2. Participate in the formulation of Municipal policy and By-Laws in relation to Fire Department activities including emergency planning and code enforcement.
  3. Prepare and recommend for approval, contracts and agreements related to the protection of life, property, and emergency management services.
  4. Oversee timely responses to general public complaints and requests for information in regards to fire department activities and services.
  5. Develop administrative controls including reporting mechanisms, and measures to review departmental operations and initiate appropriate adjustments or remedial actions when required and/or provide recommendations to CAO and Council on same.

Facility/Equipment Maintenance

  1. Ensure that the Fire Department facility and equipment are checked and tested as required by safety standards and regulations specifically in the areas of cleanliness and maintenance.
  2. Ensure supplies and equipment are kept in a good state of repair, perform or delegate maintenance duties to ensure adequate levels of supplies and equipment are available for firefighting and training activities.
  3. Identify potential vehicle and equipment deficiencies and prepare recommendations, including long range planning, to address such deficiencies and to improve the effectiveness of the fire department.

Finance

  1. Administer, forecast, prepare and monitor the operating and capital budgets for the Fire Department in accordance with directives and plans of Council and the CAO.
  2. Liaise with suppliers, vendors, and contracted services, negotiating prices according to policy and in alignment with operational goals and budgets.
  3. Develop, coordinate, and prepare financial reports on the operation, maintenance, and acquisition of personnel and material resources related to the Fire Department activities and services.

General

  1. Establish a culture and spirit of collaboration, engagement and inclusivity at all levels of the Fire Service and with all Town staff.
  2. Ensures the Fire Department is included and strategically aligned with the corporate strategic plan. Develops and maintains the departmental annual business plan.
  3. Recognizing the challenges faced by small municipalities work with Fire personnel, Town staff and the general public in a collaborative manner to arrive at creative solutions to said challenges.
  4. Maintain professional competency to meet on-going job expectations by remaining current with applicable legislation, regulations, codes, technologies, and with equipment and methods of operation by attending training/courses as necessary.
  5. Establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with civic and official groups, Town staff and the general public, as well as command and hold the respect of subordinates.
  6. Responsibilities will include providing strategic advice, recommendations and support to staff, the CAO and Council on matters relating to Fire Services and activities by preparing reports/presentations, attending meetingsor sending a designate as required.
  7. As a CEMC and member of the Emergency Control Group, interact with CAO and other departments in establishing regular updates, training, and testing of the Town’s Emergency Plan as required.
  8. Manage confidential material in a discrete manner, and represent the Fire Department with the public and media contacts to promote the fire department and its’ activities.
  9. The Fire Chief will be required to work irregular hours and respond to emergency incidents at any time of day or night.
  10. Perform other related duties as required.

Work Relations:

Internal: Employees and Volunteers within the Fire Department, Senior Management, with the Community Services Branch and Public Works staff in regards to code enforcement, other Town staff as required, and CAO.

External:Office of the Fire Marshal, general public, staff at local OPP detachment, other emergency service departments including other fire departments for mutual aid, and Municipal units in the local area.

Subordinate Positions:

  • Fire Prevention/Protection Officer(s)
  • Senior Officers (Captain, Lieutenant, and Training Officers)
  • Volunteer Firefighter(s)
  • Other volunteer(s), students, temporary or contract employee(s) as required

Working Conditions:

Physical Demands – The Fire Chief will have to work odd or long hours when responding to emergencies and to complete special request and/or projects. The position will perform regular physical effort walking, climbing, lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, and occasional strenuous physical activity that may result in muscle fatigue or strain. The role may have to spend long hours sitting and using office equipment, computers and attending sessions which can lead to repetitive motions and muscle strain.

Environmental Conditions – The Fire Chief may be exposed to life-threatening hazards, hazardous substances and chemicals including fire and smoke, extreme weather conditions, heights, confined spaces, and/or loud noises. The use of personal protective equipment will be required to mitigate these conditions.

Sensory Demands - The position will require reading, and long period of concentration with the use of the computer which may cause eyestrain and occasional headaches.

Mental Demands – This role is exposed to stress associated with providing emergency services and must be prepared to maintain control of dangerous and dynamic situations and prepared to deal with potential loss of life, serious injury, or property loss. The role is also exposed to pressures associated with supervising a group of employee(s), meeting tight deadlines, handling frequent interruptions, and handling public complaints.

Statement of (Minimum Qualifications):

Education/Certificates:

  • A graduate of a post-secondary degree/diploma in a related program, preferably in a fire service administration or a closely related field.
  • Valid and current First Aid and CPR certification.
  • Valid and current Class DZ or higher Drivers Licence.
  • Community Emergency Management Coordinator designation from Emergency Management Ontario.
  • Ontario Fire College certificates and/or NFPA accreditations/certifications.
  • Ability to obtain a clean Criminal Record Check, Vulnerability Check.

Experience:

  • Minimum of five to eight years progressive fire service experience.
  • Minimum three (3) years’ experience in a senior supervisory position.

Knowledge:

  • Established knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques related to training, public educational programs, equipment, combating, command and control, extinguishing and preventing fire, and rescue operations.
  • Knowledge of relevant, provincial regulations and codes including the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act,Emergency Management and Civil Protection Actas well as relevant Municipal By-laws.
  • Familiarity of Town residential, commercial, industrial and geographical features including unusual fire risk occupancies, water sources and other relevant features.
  • Understanding of expenditures, and forecasting, preparing and monitoring annual capital and operation budgets.

Skills/Abilities:

  • Must be able to practice due diligence proper documentation and maintaining professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
  • Must be in good physical condition to lift and maneuver consistent with firefighting activities.
  • Mental alertness and ability to think strategically and interactively to ensure safety of others, manage stress, and to carry out essential duties.
  • Demonstrated ability to use reliable judgment, analytical problems solving skills, and make sound decisions.
  • Must have strong work ethic and be able to maintain standards of conduct and provide leadership, direction, and motivation to staff in a consistent and fair manner.
  • Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain working relationships with a staff, the public, and a diverse group of stakeholders.
  • Capable of ensuring due diligence of proper documentation, and writing, researching, and preparing concise and detailed reports, policies, tender documents, and presentations.
  • Highly organized with an established ability to prioritize, delegate tasks and allocate resources to handle multiple projects and competing demands and deadlines.
  • Proficient computer skills and able to use various software applications including fire related software, records retention software, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation and database applications.
  • Ability to work irregular hours to attend emergency responses, Council meetings, and to oversee public education programs, and training of staff.

Assets:

  • Certified Municipal Manager Accreditation or enrolled in the (CMM) Accreditation program.

Job Description – Fire Chief (rev. March. 2017) Page 1 of 6