Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) is inviting applications for permanent, full-time position of District Chief in the Operations Division.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons.  Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Under the direction of an Assistant Chief, the District Chief is responsible for the planning, organizing, coordinating and directing of fire suppression activities, emergency response services and successful completion of ongoing and special projects. In conjunction with the Division Chiefs of Training, Safety and Compliance and Fire Prevention, the District Chief is responsible for coordinating training and the delivery of public education programs and fire prevention initiatives for both career and volunteer members.

The District Chief leads personnel through integrity, credibility and by example in a manner that supports and promotes the mission, vision and values of HRFE. The District Chief is a key member of the HRFE leadership team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assumes senior responsibility for all firefighting operations, activities and programs in the assigned division including, controlling and coordinating emergency response operations, emergency medical services (EMS), fire ground operations, hazardous materials incidents, emergency technical rescue (auto extrication, confined space, high angle, water and ice rescue) and heavy rescue operations.
• Assists in the investigation of fires to determine origin and cause, and confirms preliminary investigations are complete. Refers suspicious fires to HRP/RCMP and fires of unknown origin to the Fire Prevention Division.
• Acts as on-scene Incident Commander, overseeing the command, control, and coordination of emergency response.
• Coordinates with the Training Division to ensure appropriate training and development of career and volunteer members.
• Enforces operational guidelines, occupational health and safety standards, rules, regulations, policies, systems and procedures for safe and efficient fire service operations.
• Acts as the first point of contact in labour management issues prior to initiation of the grievance procedure and participates in the formal grievance process as appropriate.
• Monitors the performance of assigned staff including career firefighters, station officers, composite and or volunteer station Captains. Ensures performance expectations are met and conducts performance appraisals.
• Administers performance management and progressive discipline processes as necessary.
• Responsible for ensuring firefighting equipment, fire stations and other department property is maintained within the assigned division and in accordance with standards.
• Responsible for other duties assigned.

Should you have any questions related to the competition, please email firerecruit@halifax.ca.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years operational experience at the rank of Captain or Supervisory role within a career or composite fire service.
• Diploma or certificate from a recognized school in the areas of fire administration, fire science, fire engineering or related field.
• Experience managing fire ground operations using Blue Card Command Training or equivalent Fire Incident Command system.
• ICS 300 certification is preferred.
• NFPA 1521 Department Safety Officer or equivalent training considered an asset. 
• NFPA 1021 Fire Officer Professional Qualifications considered an asset.
• NFPA 472 Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents/ WMD considered an asset.
• NFPA 1033 Qualification as Fire Investigator considered an asset. 
• Valid Class 5 Nova Scotia drivers’ license.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to operate and use SCBA equipment.
• Knowledge and experience in the application of departmental rules, regulations, standard operating guidelines, procedures, policies and applicable Municipal and Provincial Codes, Acts, Regulations, Administrative Orders and Municipal Bylaws, specific HRFE knowledge considered an asset.
• Knowledge of theory and practice of fire suppression, firefighting equipment and tools for fire suppression, deployment of personnel and equipment to emergency and fire situations, rescue and hazardous materials response protocols, fire prevention including inspection, investigation and code enforcement.
• Knowledge of the principles of management, Collective Agreements and their administration.
• Knowledge of Window based software applications, ex: Microsoft Office and the use of Fire Department rostering software.
• Knowledge of the HRFE Volunteer structure, issues and requirements, considered an asset.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants will be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Applicants are responsible to include all information that they wish to have taken into consideration in the review of their application, and applicants are required to provide full details of experience or training referenced in the posting. 

The Routine will consist of multiple phases. For this recruitment process, the written assessment, panel interview and practical evolution will require your in-person participation. Dates for each phase are below and are subject to change. 

• Written Exam - July 14-18
• Interviews July 14-18
• Practical:  July 21-25
• Second Interviews July 28 - August 1 

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion. 

Please Note: An Eligibility List will also be established from this competition. Vacancies that are not filled internally will be filled from this Eligibility List. The list will be created and is effective for 6 months from the closing date and may be extended, as required. 

COMPETENCIES: Communication, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Decision Making, Developing Others, Organization and Planning, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity, Values & Ethics

WORK STATUS: Permanent, full-time positions.

HOURS OF WORK: Successful candidates will be assigned to either a 24-hour rotating shift pattern, or a Monday to Friday 40-hour work week.

SALARY: Non-Union FM2; $146,921 - $153,162

WORK LOCATION: 40 Alderney Drive or other assigned work location. 

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be accepted up to 11:59 pm Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the recruiter when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link; Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax