Deputy Fire Chief – Grande Prairie (AB) – 2024

The Deputy Chief is a senior-level position responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the fire department, which has a combined staff of approximately 100 members. Reporting Directly to the Fire Chief, the Deputy Chief plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and welfare of the community, necessitating a blend of technical proficiency, leadership acumen, and community engagement. City Policy 803 established Levels of Service and governance, which means the Deputy Chief may need to respond around the clock, providing shared oversight of the department.

Quality Management:

Ensure department compliance with Alberta Occupational Health & Safety and ensure alignment with NFPA Standards where applicable.

Acts in accordance with City policies and Provincial/Federal regulations ensuring the safety and well-being of all staff. Oversight of Medical First Response in accordance with AHS EMS Medical Control Protocols and Physicians.

Responsible for the quality assurance program as it relates to Standard Operating Procedures and Standard Operating Guidelines of the Operations, Training, Logistics and Fire Prevention area of the Grande Prairie Fire Department.

Manage the Service & Maintenance programs of the department.

Thorough knowledge of insurance-based Fire Underwriters Survey and related life-safety, fire prevention, and economic implications.

Promotes and supports Community Risk Assessment activities and mitigation strategies.

Employee Leadership:

Actively promote, influence, persuade and gain commitment from all employees in areas such as the City of Grande Prairie’s Mission and Values, the City’s Health & Safety program, and all aspects of policies and procedures.

Provide planning and supervision for the activities of the Fire Department with particular focus on mentoring and coaching of staff in helping them succeed Provide leadership and communication through regular meetings and appropriate delegation of responsibilities.

Regularly review and manage the department’s training programs to ensure desired outcomes. Be a role model in change management and workplace innovation.

Perform acting Fire Chief or Director duties as required during absences.

Strategic Management:

Develop short term and long-term planning strategies to achieve Grande Prairie Fire department strategic priorities Be well informed of changing local conditions and technological changes in firefighting, training, prevention, E911 and communications.

Responsible for the evaluation of new products or processes and recommendations for changes to the provision of services and implementation as appropriate.

Participate in and promote municipal programs, emergency disaster planning activities, and prevention and safety campaigns.

Stakeholder Relations:

Maintain a strong and positive working relationship with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) local.

Promote effective employee/employer relations. Be a leading contributor to the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP).

Be an active member of the Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC), being prepared to support and respond in case of a major emergency or disaster.

Report to Council on Fire Department activities through the Protective Social Services committee (PSS) Develop and enhance relationships with other communities, industry, business partners and customers.

Coordinate the public information process of the Fire Department including acting as a liaison with the media, contributions to the Fire Department Web Page and other public information processes.

Develop and implement public relations policies and programs. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other City staff.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and proven leader who is able to demonstrate progressive senior level experience in managing key programs within a modern Fire Department.

This Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in business management, emergency management, fire services administration management, change management or any related field.

Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM) Certificate,

Project Management Professional Designation PMP.

Business Administration Certificate or Fire Science Certificate and eight (8) years of related emergency services experience, management experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

These Skills & Qualifications

Candidates must demonstrate proven skills in the following:

Demonstrated proficiency in advancing overarching department goals through project management and effectively managing labor relations within a unionized environment.

Leadership and coaching skills, conflict resolution skills, strong interviewing and assessment skills, as well as the ability to interpret/apply legislation, policy & procedure.

Knowledge of applicable legislation, NFPA standards and policy as they relate to the operation of a fire department.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal.

Experience in managing operations, training programs, communications or technology within an emergency service will be considered an asset.

Effective leadership, management, and interpersonal skills with ability to use tact; diplomacy and mature judgment.

Able to work effectively with community and business leaders.

Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of department programs; develop business plans; correlate development with changing conditions in the municipality; and analyze and develop recommendations.

Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments for self and staff; provide effective supervision; delegate authority and responsibility; and schedule/program work on short and long term basis.

Ability to provide leadership and make sound decisions in directing the operations of personnel and equipment under emergency conditions.