Fire Commissioner – Government of Nova Scotia – 2026

The Province of Nova Scotia is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking leader to serve as its inaugural Fire Commissioner, a significant executive appointment that will help shape the future of fire safety and protection services across the province.

Reporting to the Deputy Minister of Emergency Management, they will lead the establishment of the new Office of the Fire Commissioner, providing provincial leadership, regulatory oversight and coordination across Nova Scotia's diverse fire services system. This is an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and advance a more coordinated, consistent and sustainable approach to fire protection.

The Commissioner will lead the Province's fire services modernization agenda, with responsibility spanning investigations, inspections, and compliance, training and certification, legislation, policy and municipal relations. Working within the framework of the Fire Safety Act and the Support for Fire Protection Services Act, they will advance provincial standards, strengthen regulatory oversight and support municipalities and fire service providers in building capacity, improving service delivery, and advancing firefighter and public safety. Central to this mandate will be strengthening provincial oversight while recognizing the distinct needs and operational realities of career, volunteer and composite fire departments.

As the Office's inaugural leader, the Commissioner will establish its strategic direction, organizational structure and operating priorities while leading a multidisciplinary team. Responsibilities include strategic and business planning, financial and human resource management, risk management, statutory reporting, establishing accountability measures and ensuring effective organizational performance. Working closely with senior government leaders, the Commissioner will provide advice on legislation, policy, public safety risks and emerging issues.

A credible and collaborative leader, the Commissioner will build trusted relationships with municipalities, fire chiefs, firefighters, professional associations, government partners and other first responder groups and constituents. Through meaningful engagement, sound judgement and a practical approach to change, they will foster confidence, build consensus and support progress across the sector.

The successful candidate brings progressive senior leadership experience in fire services, or a closely related public safety, emergency management, or public sector environment, with substantial experience working within or closely with fire services. They bring a deep understanding of fire service systems and municipal operating environments, with knowledge of or the ability to develop a comprehensive understanding of Nova Scotia's fire services landscape. The Commissioner has demonstrated operational, administrative and financial management capabilities, and is experienced in leading people, complex operations, and organizational change. They bring knowledge of fire safety legislation, regulatory requirements and public accountability frameworks, along with the political acuity and sound judgment needed to navigate competing priorities. An effective communicator and relationship builder, they have the credibility and leadership capabilities to guide this important provincial mandate.

To learn more about the Province's fire services modernization initiative, please visit: Strengthening Fire Safety and Services in Nova Scotia.

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify in your cover letter or resume.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact Edgarson Moxey at emoxey@royerthompson.com

Please submit a combined resume and cover letter online by clicking “Apply.” For further information about this opportunity, please contact Amy Reid (areid@royerthompson.com) or Dominique Roche (droche@royerthompson.com) in confidence.

Royer Thompson is a Canadian executive advisory firm focused on capturing the full potential of people in pursuit of leadership and organizational excellence. Our core services include executive search, management recruitment, executive development, HR advisory and inclusion & belonging.

The successful candidate brings progressive senior leadership experience in fire services, or a closely related public safety, emergency management, or public sector environment, with substantial experience working within or closely with fire services. They bring a deep understanding of fire service systems and municipal operating environments, with knowledge of or the ability to develop a comprehensive understanding of Nova Scotia's fire services landscape. The Commissioner has demonstrated operational, administrative and financial management capabilities, and is experienced in leading people, complex operations, and organizational change. They bring knowledge of fire safety legislation, regulatory requirements and public accountability frameworks, along with the political acuity and sound judgment needed to navigate competing priorities. An effective communicator and relationship builder, they have the credibility and leadership capabilities to guide this important provincial mandate.