Protective Services Manager / Fire Chief – Hinton (AB) – 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Community and Protective Services, this position is primarily responsible for the overall leadership and management for all aspects of the Fire and Rescue Services within the Town. This position also collaborates with community stakeholders to continually create a safe community. This position will manage the administrative functions to operate and deliver effective incident management services to the community.

WORK RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

• Provides strategic leadership and support the effectiveness and efficiency of the Protective Service Branch
• Responsible for Service Area human resources needs including planning, recruitment, selection, training, development, evaluation, and discipline in accordance with the Human Resources Service Area
• Ensure active firefighting, rescue and other emergency services is provided for the Town
• Create policies and procedure, and Standard Operating Guidelines that relate to the operation of the Town that adhere to federal, provincial and municipal legislation, and industry best practices
• Make recommendations and reports to administration and council
• Ensure that various educational programs, services and promotion are provided to the public in fire prevention, safety and related environmental protection initiatives
• Develops and implements fire department plans by establishing goals, objectives and strategies in consultation with stakeholders, developing, reviewing and revising plans; and monitoring and communicating the status of fire plan implementation
• Determines budget requirements though service planning to identify funding requirements for projects, programs and services in the Service Branch

Incident Response 

• Act as Incident Commander at major incidents/emergencies
• Evaluate the type of fire, the extent of damage to buildings and the danger to nearby establishments
• Determine damage estimates and investigate the potential causes of a fire after extinguished
• Assumes “command” at training, on-site emergencies and responses, demonstrating cooperation and leadership
• Manage decisions on use of resources and the summoning of mutual aid
• During the activation of the Emergency Control Center (ECC), responsible for coordination of fire rescue resources
  

Communication 

•  Represents the Town and Service Area within the community ensuring visibility and liaison with stakeholders
• Initiates, develops and follows strategic communication plans and works with staff on Communication and work plans
• Collaborate with the Communications Coordinator to follow effective communication procedures
• Builds effective communication processes to foster strong working relationships with internal and external customers
• Ensure that inquiries and complaints regarding fire activities or responsibilities are handled promptly, efficiently, effectively and with courtesy.
• Liaise with organizations, mutual aid partners, and other agencies or organizations to stay current within the industry and determine trends and factors affecting the Department
• Develop and oversee the implementation of security and fire prevention campaigns

Fire Rescue

•  Provide direction and mentorship to the Deputy Fire Chief regarding fire prevention inspection, training and development, code enforcement, public fire education, and permit programs
• Conduct fire investigations and submit documentation required by legislation in coordination with the Deputy Fire Chief
• Collaborate with the Deputy Fire Chief to ensure firefighting equipment, vehicles, and the station facility are maintained and meet operational requirements
• Provide on-call 24-hour emergency response coverage in coordination with the Deputy Fire Chief and other officers

Safety & Risk Management

•  Ensure appropriate safety and risk management policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) are in place and followed
• Ensure all insurance and regulatory requirements are met
• Ensure all Fire Rescue staff are appropriately trained
• Promote good risk management practices with community partners and customer groups
• Maintain an effective safety program that adheres to all WCB regulations, including safety rules and procedures, safety orientation and training, identification and correction of workplace hazards, accident and incident investigation, and regular meetings
• Actively promote a health and safety mindset through continuous communications, relationship building, and leadership across all areas and levels in the organization

 Emergency Management

•  Participate in mandatory training and exercises
• When the Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) is activated, this position may be appointed a role as Deputy Director of Emergency Management or other functions of the ECC
• Execute the Municipal Emergency Response Plan, ensuring accordance with industry best practices
• Prepare plans that outline operating procedures to be used in response to disasters or emergencies
• Develop and maintain relationships with neighboring municipalities and counties to facilitate regional support in the event emergency response coordination is required
• Identify and recommend government funding to the Director of Community and Protective Services for emergency management related needs
• Design and administer emergency program and disaster preparedness training courses
• Consult with all community stakeholders to determine needs in the event of a disaster or other emergency
• Keep informed of government regulations related to emergency management and compliance
• Undertake other duties as assigned

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Apply professional ethics including protection of confidentiality, respect for individual rights, and accountability for work practices
• Able to recognize changing priorities and approaches and show sound judgement abilities
• Demonstrate strong critical thinking skills by using logical inquiry and reasoning
• Effectively communicate with a strong ability to listen and present information to various groups
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality, trustworthiness, and integrity
• Be pleasant, courteous, and possess a helpful demeanor with the ability to remain composed under stressful situations or unpleasant encounters
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Produce quality work with a strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ensure efficient use of municipal resources by considering cost, efficiency, and long or short-term outcomes
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely under stressful situations and work under arduous physical conditions as part of an active firefighter and rescue team
• Ability and awareness to implement psychological health and safety programs
• Excellent leadership and public relations skills that inspire and motivate staff and volunteers to perform at their best
• Able to maintain current awareness of all government acts pertaining to three levels of government
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders

WORKING CONDITIONS

Details pertaining to the physical demands of the position can be found in the Physical Demands Analysis and Job Hazard Assessment with Health & Safety.

Hours

Commit to an on-call schedule by responding to emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Physical Effort

Activities related to responding to an emergency. Must possess the agility, strength, and physical stamina to perform arduous and prolonged work under adverse and strenuous conditions. Varying levels of physical effort, including heavy lifting, climbing, sitting, walking, standing, pushing, pulling, reaching, driving, carrying. Repeated motion of tasks.

Travel

Position requires responding to emergency situations within the community using emergency vehicles. Must maintain alertness and respond appropriately using defensive driving skills in various conditions (traffic, weather, distractions).

Work Environment

Position requires responding to emergency situations such as active fires and vehicular accidents within the community in addition to moderate exposure to office and shop/yard environments. Significant exposure to the public in a service provision capacity. Potential exposure to biohazards. Risk of unknown variables in the provision of services.

HEALTH & SAFETY 

Ensure the Town of Hinton health and safety policies, procedures, directives, and safe work practices are followed in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-Secondary Diploma, Degree, or Certificate in Business or Public Administration, Emergency Management, or a related discipline
• Designated as a Safety Codes Officer – Fire Discipline in the Province of Alberta or able to receive a Designation of Powers
• Specialized Fire Training:
  • NFPA 1001 – Standard Firefighter Level I & II
  • NFPA 1021 – Fire Officer Level I & II (Level III & IV preferred)
  • NFPA 1002 – Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator
  • NFPA 1006 – Vehicle Ex/Technical Rescue
  • NFPA 1031 – Fire Inspection Level I (Level II preferred)
  • NFPA 1033 – Fire Investigation
  • NFPA 1041 – Fire Service Instructor Level II
  • NFPA 1521 – Incident Safety Officer
• Wildland Urban Members (Wui-m) course
• Minimum 10 years of work experience in progressively responsible positions in fire rescue, or a related field with a minimum of 8 years have been in a leadership supervisory role
• A combination of education and/or experience related to this position may be considered
• Experience working in a municipal administration setting is preferred
• Experience conducting investigations
• Knowledge and understanding of the Municipal Government Act, Bylaws, Policies, and procedures is required
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OH&S) and Regulations related to firefighting, and Alberta Fire and Safety Codes
• Understand the minimum firefighting and incident management requirements for Firefighter training, equipment, and emergency vehicle operations
• Experience in supervising and managing a diverse portfolio of services, as well as knowledge of municipal finance and legislation, is preferred
• Advanced with computers and systems, database management, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Completion of or working towards recognized credit courses in conflict resolution, consensus decision making, and/or mediation
• Valid First Aid and CPR Level C HPC Certificate
• Satisfactory background screening is required for this position including a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check
• A Driver’s License, Class 3 with Air Brake Endorsement preferred, with a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract