Assistant Deputy Fire Chief, Apparatus and Facilities – London – 2025

The City of London, Ontario, is seeking an Assistant Deputy Fire Chief, Apparatus and Facilities for the London Fire Department. This full-time permanent position is responsible for leadership, strategic planning, and operational oversight of the department's apparatus, equipment, records management system, and facilities. The successful candidate will ensure all fire department vehicles, tools, and stations are maintained in readiness for emergency operations and in compliance with relevant standards and policies.

The Assistant Deputy Fire Chief will be a trusted leader, part of the Fire Management Team, and play a key role in resource management, budget accountability, and long-term planning. This role requires supervision of staff and participation in the on-call rotation.

• Leadership and Culture: Provide leadership and direction fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Procurement: Lead procurement processes for new apparatus and major equipment, ensuring compliance with NFPA and OHSA standards and Corporate Procurement Policy.
• Project Management: Act as project owner for the Records Management System and collaborate with related management staff.
• Facility Oversight: Oversee maintenance, repair, and capital improvements of fire department facilities.
• Budgeting: Prepare and manage operating and capital budgets for apparatus, facilities, and records management system.
• Lifecycle Planning: Develop and implement long-range apparatus replacement and facility lifecycle plans.
• Policy Development: Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and protocols related to apparatus, facility, and records management system.
• Liaison: Liaise with internal divisions, contractors, vendors, and municipal partners to ensure service delivery meets organizational needs.
• Strategic Planning: Oversee and direct strategic planning, management, administration, and response for facility maintenance and asset depreciation.
• Advisory Role: Provide advice to Deputy Fire Chief - Operations on strategic priorities and operationalize those goals and strategies.
• Professional Consultation: Offer professional opinion and information to Senior Leaders, Committees, and Council on policies, programs, and services.
• Departmental Support: Assist with operational needs of all fire department divisions as required.
• Risk Management: Identify and develop internal controls for general and specific risks; ensure implementation and adherence to these controls.
• Collaboration: Support a culture of enterprise-wide collaboration and promote cross-departmental strategic initiatives.
• Equity and Inclusion: Demonstrate commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and human rights in all interactions and ensure policies reflect this commitment.
• Innovation: Identify, adapt, and implement innovative work practices and procedures; provide direction and tools to increase efficiency.
• Quality Improvement: Work with Management to establish and implement continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Change Management: Consult and make recommendations on change management initiatives and operational changes.
• Health and Safety: Champion health and safety legislation and programs; support a culture of safety.
• Business Process Improvement: Implement proactive, progressive change in business processes; support organizational change-management projects.
• Contract Management: Develop, monitor, assess, and renew service, equipment, and supply contracts in collaboration with relevant divisions.
• Labour Relations: Liaise with unions, promote constructive relationships, monitor and ensure collective agreement compliance, and represent the department in labour matters.
• Division Oversight: Oversee Apparatus and Stores Divisions; ensure efficient operations and inventory management.
• Public Relations: Prepare responses to inquiries from elected officials, media, and the public.
• Representation: Represent the department on boards and committees, promote best practices, and build relationships with external organizations.

Education and Certification:

• Completion of NFPA 1021 Fire Service Officer, Level III, a Diploma in Fire Sciences, a Certificate in a Fire Service Discipline, or seven years of equivalent experience in a senior officer role.

Licensing:

• Valid Class G Driver’s License (must be maintained).

Availability:

• Ability to work extended hours, attend required meetings, and assume on-call management responsibilities.

Skills & Experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of relevant areas of accountability within the London Fire Department.
• Experience in building a shared vision, strategic leadership, and delivering organizational outcomes.
• Ability to establish relationships and work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including senior leaders, elected officials, bargaining units, and the public.
• Successful track record in leading continuous improvement and change management initiatives.
• Proven ability to build trust, credibility, and participate as an effective leader and team member.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic objectives and leading resources.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, including conflict resolution and problem-solving.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, and relevant Collective Agreements.
• Financial management skills for budgeting and reviewing facility and apparatus initiatives.
• Analytical and business planning skills for program and service implementation and monitoring.
• Supervisory experience with leadership skills in managing teams, contracted services, and consultants.
• Attention to detail, data analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office and related software/database applications.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to use data and metrics appropriately.

• NFPA 1021 Fire Service Officer Level IV certification.
• Degree or diploma in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related discipline.
• Senior-level experience in project management.

Compensation: $149,543 - $183,587.

• Position Type: Permanent, full-time (1 opening).
• Standard Hours: Four 12-hour days per rotation, totaling 42 hours per week. Work arrangement is on-site, and hours may change based on business needs.
• Police Record Check: Required before appointment.
• Location: London, Ontario.
• Application Deadline: December 3, 2025.
• Equity Statement: The City of London is committed to providing a fully accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accessible supports as needed.
• Contact Information: Phone: 519-661-4930, TTY: 519-661-4889, Email: mycareer@london.ca