Chief of Fire – Thunder Bay – 2025

Our Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Division has a rewarding opportunity for a Full-Time Chief of Fire – and we are looking for a strategic leader to join our team!
Why join the Thunder Bay Fire Rescue team?

Comprised of 200+ staff, who are highly skilled and trained, our service provides unwavering dedication and compassion capable of handling a range of emergencies and hazardous situations. We are a community minded professional service, committed to saving life, property, and the environment by providing fire protection, rescue, public education, and medical assistance to our community.

Fire suppression, auto extrication, hazardous material spills, industrial accidents, medical response/defibrillation, high/low angle rescue, ice/water rescue and confined space rescue are provided from eight stations. We also deliver emergency planning for the community.

In our ongoing efforts to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our community, we are implementing a 10-year, risk-based Strategic Master Fire Plan to guide operational improvements and enhance how Thunder Bay Fire Rescue provides service.

This is the time to join our team. If you seek to be a part of this transformational journey, then we would like to hear from you!

The Opportunity
Reporting to the Commissioner, this role is fully responsible for the effective and efficient direction and overall management of the services carried out by Thunder Bay Fire Rescue (TBFR).

For more accountabilities, review the job description

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have the following:

• Degree or diploma in a related discipline (public administration, business administration, fire administration), or equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible work experience.
• Ten years progressive senior level management experience with a full-time fire department, with at least five years in a senior supervisory capacity.
• Must participate in extensive and ongoing fire service training (e.g. leadership workshops, executive leadership seminars, emergency planning workshops).
• Must possess thorough knowledge and experience implementing and managing under Incident Management/Command System.
• Successful completion of NFPA 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualification Level III or approved equivalent.
• Successful completion of NFPA 1041 Standard for Fire and Emergency Services Instructor Level I or approved equivalent.
• Successful completion of NFPA 1035 Standard on Fire and Life Safety Educator Public Information Officer Level I or approved equivalent.
• Possess a thorough understanding of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act and other applicable legislation and related regulations.

Our Great Tangible Benefits
When you join us, you will receive the following amazing benefits:

• Competitive salary and fantastic matching pension plan
• Great paid vacation and holidays
• Strong health benefits coverage – employer paid health, vision, and dental benefits
• Excellent life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance (2 times your annual salary)
• Supportive employee family assistance program (EFAP)
• Inclusive employee wellness program
• Outstanding corporate training and leadership development and supportive career progression opportunities
• Great tuition reimbursement program (continuous learning)
• Voluntary leave purchase plan (purchase additional leave days)
• Volunteer time off program
• Wonderful teamwork environment – have other professional and experienced staff to work with regularly
• Opportunity to provide meaningful work
• Free parking

Why the Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay?
The Corporation runs on people like you; that’s why they’re creating a workplace where everyone belongs. Driven by a commitment to excellence, they make a real impact in the community every day. With this employer, stability meets purpose, and diversity is valued. In their supportive and collaborative environment, your growth and well-being will be at the heart of everything they do.

Why Thunder Bay?
Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior, Thunder Bay is the sunniest City in Eastern Canada and a four-season outdoor playground. The urban centre enjoys green spaces, parks, and wilderness and is also considered a cultural capital with a thriving visual and performing arts scene. As the most populous municipality in North-western Ontario, Thunder Bay is the region's commercial, administrative, and medical "hub", and is home to a variety of educational institutions. Thunder Bay continues to pursue growth and development opportunities on behalf of its diverse community. Always striving to live up to its motto, Superior by Nature.

Learn more at: GoToThunderBay.ca

If you truly enjoy the advantages of work life balance that a smaller city provides in a large organizational setting, then come join us!
We encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, and other deserving equity groups to apply – our team is strongest when it reflects the diverse community we serve.

• Degree or diploma in a related discipline (public administration, business administration, fire administration), or equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible work experience.
• Ten years progressive senior level management experience with a full-time fire department, with at least five years in a senior supervisory capacity.