Deputy Fire Chief
Regular Full Time
The District of Oak Bay is a picturesque oceanfront community within the Greater Victoria Region, with a population of +18,000. While offering all the amenities of a large metropolitan urban center, Oak Bay has succeeded in maintaining a strong sense of community and charm. With a progressive Council and Leadership Team in place, the District is now seeking a dynamic and forward-looking Deputy Fire Chief to fill a unique leadership role within the organization. The current Fire Chief has announced his intention to retire in the first quarter of 2023, creating a potential opportunity for succession.
A Fire Services Review, conducted by Dave Mitchell and Associates, is nearing completion and a number of recommendations contained therein will require innovative implementation over the coming months and years.
The Deputy Fire Chief is accountable for high-level business functions that support efficient and effective Fire Department administrative and emergency response activities and programs. The Deputy Fire Chief assists the Fire Chief directly in the administration of the business of the Fire Department and acts for the Fire Chief in their absence. Regular rotation between key managerial portfolios and areas of responsibility includes, but is not limited to:
- Participating in confidential human resource and labour relations matters;
- Developing and implementing training programs;
- Researching and planning special projects;
- Undertaking strategic planning;
- Developing and implementing employment and recruitment programs and standards;
- Directing operations at emergency incidents;
- During emergency responses, supporting operational planning, and site support and resource management;
- Maintaining, directing, and supervising all aspects of the District of Oak Bay Emergency Program and response procedures in coordination with the Fire Chief; and
- Consistent with the assigned portfolio, the incumbent will have administrative responsibility for budgets, finance, purchasing, planning, report writing and personnel matters.
The District’s ideal Deputy Fire Chief candidate has their post-secondary degree, a diploma or certificate in Fire Service Leadership or Administration, NFPA 1021 Fire Officer III certification, Incident Command Level 300, fifteen years of progressive experience in the Fire Service with experience in a senior supervisory position and possession of a valid Class 3 BC Driver’s License. Candidates must also have a demonstrated ability to promote and provide strategic leadership and supervise employees in a unionized environment.
Additional assets to the role include a background in labour management supplemented with education, an ability to speak effectively in public, and the ability to promote and maintain effective public relations for the Fire Department, as well as the emergency program at the District.
Residence requirement: Exempt Fire Department staff are on call for portions of their off-duty hours and are subject to a restricted area of residence. Shortlisted candidates will be advised of the specific requirements.
If your qualifications and experience align with our needs, we invite your application. Please apply in confidence by 3:00pm on December 1, 2021, with a cover letter and resume outlining all relevant education, training, and Fire Service experience to:
A detailed job description can be found on our website at https://www.oakbay.ca/municipal-hall/employment-volunteering/employment, which outlines in greater detail the key accountabilities and required qualifications.
We thank you for your interest in working for the District of Oak Bay.
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Organization: District of Oak Bay
Location: Oak Bay, BC
Region: South Vancouver Island
Professional Category(s): Fire / Rescue / First Aid Services
Posted: November 1, 2021, 2:40 pm
Expires: December 1, 2021, 3:00 pm
Employment Type: Full Time
Employment Length: Permanent
Education Requirement: College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to 2 years
Job Experience: Experience an asset