Job Description

DEPARTMENT: Fire & Rescue Services
STATUS: Regular Full Time
NO. OF POSITIONS: One
UNION: Exempt
HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours per week
SALARY: Competitive Salary and 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 team to provide leadership in the protection of the community through best practices in leadership, educational development, public safety initiatives, and firefighting equipment and techniques. This individual will foster a strong sense of collaboration and teamwork between and among the department and other City departments.

Reporting to the Deputy Fire Chief, the Assistant Chief exercises a high degree of professionalism, independent initiative, judgment and action in accordance with policies, plans and objectives of the Department. The ideal candidate must have considerable Community Safety and fire inspection experience including sound supervisory experience as a fire officer; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience within the fire operations/management field.

Key Accountabilities:
• Managing employees in the Community Safety and Fire Protection Division, in the areas of recruitment, coaching and training, wellness and attendance management, performance management and progressive discipline.
• Planning and leading fire inspection and prevention programs, including responding in a support role to fire and other emergency calls and leading fire investigations.
• Provide oversight over the regulatory and legislative requirements regarding compliance to the BC Fire & Building codes.
• Building relationships and ensuring collaboration with other City departments regarding initiatives that may have multi-department involvement.
• Provide collaborative leadership in the review of new developments to ensure compliance and response capacity is maintained.
• Participating in various labour relations matters.
• Planning, developing and coordinating public relations campaigns, outreach and promotions on fire prevention and safety.
• Promotes an understanding of fire prevention and investigation techniques and procedures, and researches new techniques and methodologies to ensure effective service.
• Identifying and implementing process improvements, including maintaining systems and considering technical innovations.
• Preparing various statistical reports, operating budgets and other administrative duties.
• Working with other City services to enhance community safety.
 
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.
• 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.
• Strong proficiency in computer communications and administrative work, including preparing detailed technical reports and a variety of records, 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 by sending your cover letter and resume in one document 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: *refer to job description

Required skills: *refer to job description

Additional skills / Assets: *refer to job description

Closest intersection: 6th Ave & McBride Blvd