Job Description

DEPARTMENT: Fire & Rescue Services
STATUS: Regular Full Time
NO. OF POSITIONS: One (1)
UNION: Exempt
HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours per week
SALARY: Competitive Salary & Benefits Package

As one of the oldest fire departments in the province, New Westminster Fire Rescue Services is a full-service, all-hazards response organization dedicated to being on the forefront of technology, emergency response methods, and community safety initiatives, as well as providing oversight over the City’s Emergency Management mandate. The department’s emphasis on diversity, inclusivity, honour, respect and teamwork help it to achieve its goals. With three City Fire Halls, each staffed with dedicated professionals and equipped with modern apparatus, the department provides safety and rescue services 24 hours a day to the citizens of and visitors to the City of New Westminster.

We have an exciting opportunity for an accomplished fire service leader to become an Assistant Chief alongside the Fire Chief and senior management as a critical leadership role in achieving Fire Department and municipal business goals and objectives. The position of Assistant Chief encompasses broad-based knowledge, skills, and ability relating to the Fire Department and municipal management and supports succession planning.

Reporting to the Deputy Fire Chief, the Assistant Chief is accountable for key high-level business functions that support administrative and operational programs, services and emergency response activities. The Assistant Chief acts for the Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief in their absence and is available for rotational on-call duty shifts as assigned. Performance is evaluated in terms of effective leadership, attainment of stated management objectives and standards and reinforcement of the Fire Department’s Mission, Vision and Values.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
• Managing employees in Fire Suppression and Emergency Management, in the areas of recruitment, coaching and training, wellness and attendance management, performance management and progressive discipline.
• Planning and leading emergency response and incident management through Incident Command System (ICS) role at the site level, or through Department Operations Centre (DOC) or Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) as required.
• Initiating and leading various projects within a project management role to focus on work plan development, continuous productivity, progress benchmarks and outcomes.
• Strategizing and executing short and long term divisional and individual goals and objectives involving project, business and budget planning.
• Providing operational leadership in the areas of public safety & prevention division, emergency operations; incident response and management; specialized teams, planning, logistics, infrastructure and capital programs.
• Preparing various statistical reports, operating budgets and other administrative duties.
• Building relationships and ensuring collaboration with other City departments regarding initiatives that may have multi-department involvement.
• Prepares guidelines for work performance, expenditures and use of resources.
• Provide collaborative leadership in the review of new developments to ensure compliance and response capacity is maintained.
• Participating in various labour relations matters.

QUALIFICATIONS AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Completion of a diploma/certificate or degree in a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience within the fire prevention/management field.
• Candidates must have demonstrated leadership experience including a certificate in Fire Service Leadership or Administration, and ten years of progressive experience in a municipal fire service. Candidates are expected to have supplemented their professional development with additional courses/curriculum. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Possession of a valid B.C. Driver’s License with Class 3 endorsement.
• NFPA 1021 Fire Officer III certification or equivalent.
• Incident Command Level 300.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgetary responsibilities.
• Sound supervisory experience as a Fire Officer or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience within the Fire Operations/Management field.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to develop and maintain business relationships in a multi-departmental environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to make public presentations.
• Strong mediation and negotiation skills, as well as organizational and change management skills is preferred.
• Proficiency in computer communications and administrative work, including preparing reports and a variety of statistics and correspondence.
• Proficiency in using PC industry standard applications and software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Computer software experience with knowledge in the use of FDM Records Management, GIS and Tempest is an asset.
• Demonstrated business writing competency including briefings, memorandums and reports.
• Available for rotational after-hours on-call duty with a maximum emergency incident response time of 30 minutes from time of notification to on-scene.

*This position participates in a compressed work week program, working an extra half hour per day, accumulating time for a paid day off.

Apply today to join a team of enthusiastic and innovative employees, and help us build a community that is vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable. Apply online at www.newwestcity.ca/employment by October 3, 2023.

To support a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community; women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized individuals, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversity of our workforce, are encouraged to express their interest.
New Westminster is on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halq’eméylem-speaking peoples. It is acknowledged by the City that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land. We are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.
We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
This position is only open to those legally entitled to work in Canada.

Required languages: English

Education level: See Above

Required skills: See Above

Closest intersection: 1 E Sixth Avenue