Are You…

• Passionate about emergency services management and the application of public education, fire and injury prevention, and emergency response as contributors to community well-being?
• Passionate about developing and managing talent within a department that is dedicated to delivering impact?
• A trusted leader with a collaborative working style and an ability to engage with the community and diverse stakeholders?
• A creative problem-solver, looking to deliver more than the status quo?

If you are seeking an opportunity where you can make a difference in the lives of others, Central Elgin could be for you.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Central Elgin Fire and Emergency Services works closely with Medavie EMS Elgin Ontario and the Ontario Provincial Police to protect the community, leveraging over 100 volunteer firefighters, 25 lifeguards and four fire halls located at Yarmouth, Union, Port Stanley, Belmont and Port Stanley Beach Rescue. Central Elgin Fire and Emergency Services is supported by a full-time Fire Chief, Fire Services Coordinator and contracted fire inspector. Services include emergency response and fire suppression, fire safety inspections and training, beach rescue, public education and outreach, emergency management, enforcement of open-air and recreational burn permits and enforcement of fireworks.

We are seeking an inspiring, results-focused leader with a vision to deliver efficient and well-structured fire and beach rescue services, establishing, maintaining and evaluating the purpose, function and duties of the Fire Department and overseeing the establishment, implementation and evaluation of a complete range of operating and administrative policies and practices for the Department.

The Fire Chief will be a strong relationship and consensus builder as well as an exceptional communicator, known for business leadership and acumen, committed to building highly effective teams, service delivery excellence, continuous improvement, and fiscal accountability.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Fire Chief will lead, direct, plan, and review the activities and operations of the Fire Department, Beach Rescue Program and community emergency management; coordinate assigned activities with other municipal departments, and outside agencies; manage the Department in its statutory, operational, custodial and advisory responsibilities; and act as a member of the Central Elgin Leadership Team.

The Fire Chief will advise, direct, and evaluate the volunteer firefighter complement including four Fire Stations (Belmont, Port Stanley, Union and Yarmouth) and Beach Rescue, including recruitment and training, to meet the service delivery needs as set out in relevant acts, regulations, by-laws, policies, and procedures. The Fire Chief will develop, maintain, and evaluate long-range plans, major works programs, capital project planning and operating budgets, which effectively utilize available resources and will prepare and submit annual budget estimates and direct the development of and monitor performance against the annual department budget.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish, maintain and evaluate the purpose, function and duties of the Fire Department consisting of four fire halls located at Yarmouth, Union, Port Stanley, Belmont and Port Stanley Beach Rescue; and oversee the establishment, implementation and evaluation of a complete range of operating and administrative policies and practices for the Department.
• Develop, maintain, and evaluate long-range plans, major works programs, capital project planning and operating budgets, which effectively utilize available resources. Preparation and submission of annual budget estimates and directing the development of and monitoring performance in accordance with the annual department budget.
• Lead and inspire a team of emergency services employees and volunteers by fostering a positive culture of growth and development. Provide feedback, coaching, and support to enhance individual skills and future readiness. Build relationships across teams and the community to drive collaboration and achieve departmental goals.
• Facilitate change by identifying and driving departmental and cultural changes needed to ensure that the Department protects lives and property through proper education, prevention and response activities. Develop new approaches to enhance a public education and incident prevention culture at the department and in the community.
• Develop and monitor annual plans, short-term and long-term objectives, performance measures and budgetary controls for the department; lead department strategic planning, which is aligned with the Municipality’s vision.
• Coordinate all emergency planning activities. Prepare reports, presentations and information for Council consideration. Attend Council, committee and public information meetings as required.
• Act as the Fire Department’s spokesperson, managing media relations and communicating timely, accurate information to the public and media as required.
• Oversee the overall operations of the beach rescue program, including the management of lifeguard personnel. Ensure lifeguards are hired, trained, equipped, and ready to respond to water-related emergencies, including rescues, medical emergencies, and weather-related hazards. Implement and enforce safety protocols and operational guidelines for beach safety and water rescue efforts.
• Ensure seamless coordination between fire, EMS, beach rescue, and other emergency response agencies during multi-disciplinary operations.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Excellent management and organizational leadership skills; at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience (ideally as a Chief or Deputy) in fire and emergency management services.
• Strategic Acumen. Ability to act strategically and analyze complex fire and emergency response issues and problems, evaluate alternative solutions, and develop sound conclusions, recommendations and courses of action.
• Business Operations. Demonstrated experience and knowledge in all aspects of fire services and emergency management, including fire prevention, public education, investigations, code enforcement, communications, mechanical systems, fire suppression, emergency response, planning and management, as well as relevant legislation and administration.
• Resource Management. Ability to develop and manage strategic plans and business plans, prudently manage resources, and develop and manage operational and capital budgets in a fiscally accountable fashion.
• People Leadership. Excellent interpersonal, project/time management, organizational, analytical, research, communication, presentation, problem-solving, and staff leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to develop strong teams, leaders and talent.
• Relationship Management. Able to work with staff at all levels across the organization, including Council and CAO, as well as community partners and neighbouring municipalities.
• Fire Service Legislation/Policies. Excellent knowledge of fire-related legislation, including the Ontario Fire Code, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, the Ontario Building Code, National Fire Protection Association Standards, the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, and related policies, procedures and best practices.
• Excellent verbal, written, report writing and presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively and address concerns with tact and diplomacy. Exceptional interpersonal skills and political acuity.
• University degree or college diploma in fire services administration/management, public or business administration, or equivalent.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021 Fire Officer IV; NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor II; NFPA 1035 Fire and Life Safety Educator II; NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator. Certified Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) designation.
• Police Vulnerable Sector Check deemed satisfactory to the municipality and
• Valid Class “G” Driver’s License and Driver’s Abstract in good standing.

BENEFITS OF CENTRAL ELGIN

• Convenient, central head office location in St. Thomas/Central Elgin, Ontario.
• Professional Development. Training opportunities to enhance your skills.
• Low Housing Costs. Opportunities for a robust and affordable lifestyle in developed urban centres, rural areas and waterfronts, all significantly more affordable than the Greater Toronto Area.
• An exceptional hospital in Central Elgin with two large, state-of-the-art acute care hospitals in London.
• Competitive salary with employer-paid benefits, EFAP, vacation and defined benefits pension (OMERS)
• Access to a corporate vehicle for daily use.

About Municipality of Central Elgin

ABOUT THE MUNICIPALITY OF CENTRAL ELGIN The Municipality of Central Elgin was formed in 1998, through the amalgamation of the Township of Yarmouth with the Villages of Belmont and Port Stanley. Central Elgin is in the heart of Elgin County, southwestern Ontario, with a population of nearly 15,000 people in close proximity to the City of St. Thomas and the City of London. Central Elgin is composed of several unique neighbourhoods, each offering its own unique charm and attractions, and is expecting significant commercial, industrial and residential growth due to the announcement that Volkswagen will be building the world’s largest EV battery plant in the region. With a combined operating and capital budget of $47.5 Million and more than 200 full and part-time employees, Central Elgin is committed to meeting the needs of its residents and thriving business community by delivering efficient and effective services.

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