Assistant Fire Chief in Colwood

City of Colwood, on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Kosapsum Nations, is a spectacular seaside community set apart by its outstanding natural setting and exceptional quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. Preserving connections to nature and protecting our natural environment while supporting the prosperity of residents and businesses are priorities for the City.

The City has an exciting opportunity for a motivated, self-starting, and energetic individual to join our leadership team as our next Assistant Fire Chief. We are inviting applications from experienced and creative fire service leaders for this exciting opportunity to inspire and guide staff in the delivery of fire service to our community.

Our ideal candidate is an experienced fire service leader with broad knowledge and applied experience in the full workings of a community fire department. Additional must haves are enthusiasm, creative problem-solving abilities, progressive mindset, and a demonstrated commitment for quality care, efficient service delivery, and motivating qualities that promote collaborative teamwork.

Nature and Scope of Work

Reporting to the Fire Chief, the Assistant Fire Chief is a senior management position within the Fire Department responsible for supporting the safe, effective, and efficient delivery of fire and rescue services to the City of Colwood. The position assists the Fire Chief and the Deputy Fire Chief with the administration, operation, planning, coordination, and continuous improvement of the Fire Department. The incumbent provides leadership, oversight, and continuous improvement for assigned departmental portfolios with primary responsibility for Fire Prevention, Community Risk Reduction, Public Education, Training, Professional Development, and Occupational Health and Safety.

The current portfolio of the Assistant Fire Chief is Fire Prevention and Training; however, this may change to align with the City’s strategic direction, organizational priorities and operational requirements. Within the current portfolio, the Assistant Fire Chief provides leadership and oversight of the department’s Fire Prevention and Training functions. Responsibilities include leading the fire inspection program, development review, fire investigations, public education and community risk reduction initiatives, as well as providing direction and oversight for the development, coordination and delivery of departmental training.

The successful candidate will bring extensive knowledge and experience in the interpretation and application of provincial fire and building codes, NFPA standards, CAN/ULC and CSA standards, and other applicable regulations and industry best practices. This expertise will support the continued development of a comprehensive fire inspection and public education program focused on regulatory compliance, fire and life safety, and reducing risk within the community.

The position also requires extensive knowledge and practical experience in contemporary firefighting strategies, tactics and operational practices. The Assistant Fire Chief will use this expertise to provide direction for departmental training initiatives, ensuring training remains relevant to operational needs, supports firefighter safety and effectiveness, and strengthens the department’s overall operational readiness.

Additionally, as a leader within the City of Colwood workplace community and the Fire Department, the Assistant Fire Chief champions positive labour and employee relations practices and models, promotes and ensures adherence to all workplace policies and work procedures, including but not limited to, demonstrating personal leadership and commitment to ethical and respectful conduct and contributing to the physical and psychological safety of the work environment.

A complete job description is available at www.colwood.ca/careers

Minimum Training and Experience Required

Minimum of 8 (Eight) years of progressively responsible experience in the Fire Service, including at least five (5) or more years in a Senior Officer role, demonstrating exemplary leadership, sound judgement, and professional integrity. Previous direct management experience is an asset. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Required Licences, Certificates and Registrations

• Valid Class 3 with Air Brake Endorsement (15); a satisfactory current drivers abstract is required.
• NFPA 1021 – Fire Officer III certification
• NFPA 1041 – Fire Service Instructor I
• NFPA 1002 – Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator certification
• ICS 300
• NFPA 1033 – Fire Investigator
• NFPA 1031 – Fire Inspector I
• Emergency Medical Assistant First Responder or Emergency Medical Responder certification

The recruitment range for this position is $141,006.53 (minimum) to $165,890.03 (midpoint) per annum; however, the full pay range extends to $190,773.54 (maximum) per annum. In alignment with the City’s Compensation Philosophy and Exempt Pay Administration Policy, a successful candidate’s initial pay offer is expected to be within the recruitment range and will be determined through evidence that they meet the education, training and experience requirements; assessment of their required knowledge, skills and competencies; and with consideration to equity within our existing team.

In addition to the salary, the City is pleased to provide a comprehensive benefit package. Applicants must have current legal ability to work in Canada to be considered as candidates in the competition. The City of Colwood is committed to employment equity and fostering inclusivity within our workplace. We value diversity and are always seeking applications from individuals to enrich the diversity of our team to represent the community we serve.