Competition #21/67
Internal/External Posting
Closing date: May 7, 2021
Fire Chief (Regular Full Time)
Victoria Fire Department
Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, within the Coast Salish Territory of the Lekwungen and Songhees peoples, Victoria is a forward-thinking, active community. The City is home to a dynamic, thriving economy and vibrant arts and culture scene with an unparalleled natural environment enjoyed by residents and visitors. It’s a place where sustainability, health and well-being are the cornerstones of creating a prosperous future.
The City of Victoria is recruiting for a Fire Chief. Reporting to the City Manager and a member of the City’s Senior Leadership Team, this critical role is responsible for the leadership and direction of fire and emergency services including public education and prevention, fire safety standards and enforcement, and emergency response and management.
The City is seeking a highly dedicated, strategic, and forward-thinking individual with exceptional leadership abilities for this influential, public-facing role. The successful candidate will have extensive related leadership experience including operational planning, management of large, multidisciplinary teams, emergency management oversight, and will rely on their exemplary problem solving, strategic planning and communication skills to ensure the effective provision of fire services.
The impact of the Fire Chief’s responsibilities presents an incredible opportunity for the successful candidate to positively shape the future of the City of Victoria Fire Department, continuing to build an inclusive and respectful service that is sensitive to the diverse communities it serves and puts the psychological health and safety of its members at the forefront.
Major Accountabilities
Develops, implements and evaluates the strategic plan goals and objectives for the Department consistent with Council priorities and the City’s strategic plan.
Provides vision, leadership and strategic direction to staff in a manner that contributes to their motivation, morale, commitment and contribution to an inclusive team environment and ensures the provision of high-quality service to both internal and external clients.
Identifies, establishes and implements strategic initiatives to promote equity, diversity and inclusion within the Department and organization. Determines opportunities for cultural transformation to improve workforce diversity and inclusion, achieving sustainable outcomes of equitable access and inclusivity for all people.
Plans, develops and directs the efficient command and control of fire protection services, for the protection of persons and property within the City of Victoria; enforces the B.C. Fire Services Act; and oversees the disaster plans for Victoria, including staff training and public education in emergency measures operations.
Develops, approves and directs the implementation of policy on fire suppression standing operating procedures and tactical doctrine; develops policies on fire protection and disaster planning.
Directs the City's Emergency / Disaster Plan by conducting analyses of disaster threats in consultation with Greater Victoria area coordinators and with B.C. and Federal Government agencies; ensures that appropriate staff training and public education programs are in place.
Develops, reviews and implements all firefighting policies and procedures in accordance with the relevant municipal by-law, federal and provincial legislation and the Fire Commissioners Office.
Enforces the B.C. Fire Services Act, B.C. Fire Code Regulations, City of Victoria Fire Prevention By-law and related codes and Fire Standards.
Develops and manages the Department’s annual operating and capital budgets.
Researches new trends and innovations, consults with stakeholders, and makes policy and strategic direction recommendations.
Maintains and develops working relationships and communications on behalf of the Department and the City with outside agencies, governments and with senior management of other municipalities.
Oversees the operations of the Fire Department to promote a positive labour relations environment and ensure effective and expeditious responses to labour relations matters; attends grievance and union management meetings as required.
Qualifications
Degree in Fire, Public or Business Administration or related field, supplemented with formal training in fire protection technology, fire command and on-site management qualification preferred.
10 years minimum of related experience with at least 5 years at the senior leadership level, preferably in a public sector unionized setting.
The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership, judgement and interpersonal skills and the proven ability to develop credibility and effective working relationships with employees, elected officials and external stakeholders.
Criminal Record Clearance is required as a condition of employment.
We acknowledge with respect the Lekwungen peoples on whose traditional territory the City of Victoria stands, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. We seek to hold this understanding in our interactions and engagements with this land and its people.
To apply for this opportunity you will need to create an online profile or log back in to our career portal at www.victoria.ca/jobs - only online submission will be considered. All applications must be submitted online by 4:30 pm on the closing date noted on the posting. Please be prepared to provide proof of qualifications and supporting materials as outlined in your resume
City of Victoria is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law.
We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are made available to persons with disabilities during the recruitment cycle and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request. If you require assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at HR@victoria.ca