Reporting to the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief’s responsibilities include the management and evaluation, coordinating, and directing the day-to-day operations of the Stratford Fire Department. This also includes acting as the subject matter expert on Community Emergency Management for the Corporation.
The Deputy Fire Chief assumes all responsibilities of the Fire Chief, in their absence.
Work Performed:
Contributes to the strategic direction through involvements in the planning, management and administration of major initiatives
Assists the Fire Chief in providing leadership and strategic direction for the operational activities of the Stratford Fire Department
Manage and oversee the departmental administrative, suppression, prevention, training and education, and communication services, including staff performance management, grievance management, budget monitoring, reporting, facilities, sourcing safety equipment and uniforms, and compliance adherence.
Assist in the recruitment, selection, training, coaching, motivating, disciplining, and performance management of Department staff.
Oversee fire suppression emergency response operations and training as it pertains to crash/fire/rescue incidents, at the Stratford Municipal Airport
Oversee the maintenance, repair and replacement of facilities, equipment, and apparatus, and assist the Fire Chief in the creation of fleet and equipment purchases and capital project specifications, during the sourcing/bidding/tendering process.
Effective communication, presentation, negotiation, leadership, and general management skills.
Participates with the Chief in the development of the annual operating budget, preparation of the Capital budget, budget administration and control, and in the procurement process.
Liaise with internal departments, other stakeholders, and the public, in the areas of public awareness, education and legislative compliance, exhibiting tact and diplomacy.
Comply with all workplace Health and Safety Policies and Procedures including but not limited to: attend and participate in all H&S training and education activities; identify and report all H&S risks, accidents, incidents, injuries and damage, and ensure all activities are carried out in a safe manner, including the proper use of all assigned personal protective equipment.
Prepares information, reports, letters, and memoranda; attends Council/Committee meetings, public hearings, community, and other public meetings, as required.
Share in on-call responsibilities, respond to emergencies and assume command when required. Consistently evaluate emergency operations and provide leadership and direction to officers.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Degree or diploma in Fire Service Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, or other related discipline, is an asset
NFPA 1021 Fire Officer Level 3 or equivalent (Fire Officer Level 4 preferred)
NFPA 1041 Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Level 1
NPFA 1035 Standard on Fire and Life Safety Educator/Public Information Officer Level 1
Minimum 10 years of operational fire suppression experience with 5 or more years of increasingly responsible experience in the fire service, including experiences in a supervisory capacity, Incident Command role, or combination of training and experience
Specialized Skills, Abilities, Training, License, Memberships, or Certifications
Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) certification or willingness to obtain within 1st year
Experience/exposure to Airport Rescue Fire Fighting operations (NFPA 1003 Airport Fire Fighter certification preferred)
Minimum of active Class G Driver’s licence
Ability to work under pressure, stress, and meet tight deadlines
Experience in Fire Prevention, Inspections and Education
Ability to lead and plan departmental activities, motivate personnel, and foster relationships.
Ability to delegate duties and responsibilities, when appropriate
Experience in providing and coordinating training with a thorough knowledge, and experience in the application of modern firefighting and rescue standards and fire prevention methods, techniques, and procedures, and of the operation and maintenance of all equipment and apparatus
Excellent written and oral comprehension, expression, and communication skills
Ability to plan, assign, supervise, and evaluate work of team members, including the ability to motivate, mentor, and enable the career development of team members
