Position Summary:

The Deputy Regional Fire Chief is a key support in ensuring effective and efficient operations of the Fire Services for Wheatland County.

The Deputy Regional Fire Chief is responsible for the delivery of a regional training program, training records management, equipment maintenance, firefighter recruitment and retention program, emergency management, and development of a fire prevention program under the Safety Codes Act and the Uniform Quality Management Plan (UQMP).

Key Responsibilities:

• Working with the Manager of Emergency & Fire Services, the Deputy Chief will participate in the preparation and development of firefighting plans, procedures and departmental policies; anticipate issues that may impact emergency services; prepare recommendations to the Manager of Emergency & Fire Services.
• Consult with the Manager of Emergency & Fire Services for approval of Fire Services’ policies / direction / priorities, and the interpretation of Wheatland County Fire Services policies and procedures.
• Participate in operational and capital financial planning for Fire Services; ensure that assigned budget responsibilities are monitored and expenses incurred are within current budget allocations.
• Participate in the recruitment of volunteer firefighters.
• Administer an annual recruitment training program for all new recruits.
• Provide and / or coordinate training of Volunteer Firefighters to ensure basic competencies are attained prior to recruits responding to emergencies.
• When required, provide Fire Service and Emergency Scene Command including scene evaluation, strategy, and tactics to be employed; direct emergency personnel and other resources to effectively and efficiently bring the situation to a safe conclusion.
• Work with the Manager of Emergency & Fire Services to develop plans, budget, standard operating guidelines, and policies for a regional training centre.
• Coordinate competency-based training of fire personnel based off NFPA and Alberta OHS standards for firefighting, rescue, and medical first response.
• Participate in the administration of the Medical First Response program in conjunction with the Manager of Emergency & Fire Services, local Fire districts, and Alberta Health Services.
• Provide development, direction, and delivery of regional and local training to Firefighters and external organizations.
• Consult with Community and Development Services to ensure all code requirements are met.
• Participate as an on-call duty officer on a rotational basis and provide timely assistance and / or guidance to staff, citizens, partners, and the fire regions during emergencies, complaints, or other requests.
• Conduct ‘cause and origin’ fire investigations as mandated by the Uniform Quality Management Plan (UQMP) and applicable legislation in the jurisdiction of Wheatland County.
• In conjunction with the Regional Fire Safety Education Coalition, promote fire prevention in the County through education of firefighters and public education presentations.
• Relate to and communicate with senior management, Council, colleagues, volunteer workers (Officers and Firefighters), customers, other communities, industries, business partners, and neighbouring municipalities sincerely, clearly, tactfully, promptly and courteously; respond to inquiries and complaints promptly and professionally; build partnerships with other municipalities including provincial and federal agencies.
• In the event of a municipal emergency or the declaration of a state of local emergency, serve as a resource to the Manager of Emergency & Fire Services / Director of Emergency Management, and the Deputy Director of Emergency Management.
• Work with the Manager of Emergency & Fire Services to ensure appropriate workplace health and safety objectives are met, and provide guidance, through the Regional Fire Chief, to the Health and Safety Advisor regarding the planning and implementation of occupational health and safety initiatives; actively promote the County’s OH&S program; monitor OH&S programs for all fire departments.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable Wheatland County policies and bylaws.
• Maintain own compliance with OH&S and ensure all applicable volunteers Officers and Firefighters (workers) are in compliance with OH&S including attendance at regular safety meetings, being properly trained in OH&S related topics, ensuring all inspections, tests and certifications are completed on all fire equipment and apparatus, and ensuring volunteer Officers and Firefighters complete work in a safe manner.
• Perform tasks, consistent with the position, including special projects / assignments, as may be required on an ad hoc basis.

Working Conditions: 

• This position works a 5-day work week, Monday to Friday, with one day off in a 3 week cycle; hours of work: standard 37.5 hour work week
• Occasional overtime with evenings and weekends

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Fire Officer Level 2 certificate and / or a combination of equivalent experience; preference may be given for post-secondary education in Fire Service Leadership certificate or Safety Codes Officer certificate
• Proven training and operational experience of not less than 5 years working with a volunteer Fire department
• Working knowledge of the Alberta Fire Code, Alberta Building Code, Alberta Safety Codes Act, and the Forest and Prairie Protection Act
• NFPA 1001 Level 2
• Incident Command System (ICS) 300
• NFPA 472 Awareness and Operations
• NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector Level 1
• NFPA 1041 Instructor Level 1
• Standard First Aid certification; CPR certification; Health Care Provider certification
• Valid Class 3 Alberta driver’s licence with Q (air brake endorsement) and clean driver’s abstract; valid Class 3 (or greater) Alberta drivers’ licence with air brake endorsement would be an asset
• High proficiency in the use of computer programs including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and appropriate industry software (e.g., Fire Pro 2)
• Excellent communication skills including written, verbal / interpersonal, and presentation / training skills
• Excellent public relations skills with ability to develop and maintain working relationships with external stakeholders
• Effective problem solving and decision-making skills with proven ability to make rapid decisions in complex situations within tight time constraints under adverse conditions
• Effective organizational and time management skills; comfortable managing many different priorities concurrently
• Effective negotiation and conflict management skills
• Possess a high degree of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality

The following training is considered an asset:

• NFPA 1041 – Level 2
• NFPA 472 Technician
• NFPA 1051 Wildland Fire Fighter
• NFPA 1521 Incident Safety Officer
• ICS 200 or 300 (Instructor designation)
• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)