Description

Position Summary:

The Fire Chief & Manager of Emergency Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all fire protection and emergency management services within Wheatland County. This position is responsible for planning, administration, coordination, and continuous improvement of fire services, fire prevention, training, occupational health and safety compliance, and municipal emergency preparedness.

The Fire Chief supports Council and Administration in resource allocation, policy development, and bylaw implementation to protect residents, property, the environment, and the local economy.

This position serves as the statutory Director of Emergency Management (DEM) under the Emergency Management Act (Alberta) and the County’s Municipal Emergency Management Bylaw, providing leadership to all volunteer fire departments operating within Wheatland County.

This position has one direct report: Fire Prevention Officer. This position also oversees 9 Volunteer Fire Chiefs.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide strategic direction, guidance, and operational oversight for all volunteer fire departments in the County.
Participate in recruitment, retention, onboarding / orientation, training, performance management, and progressive discipline for volunteer firefighters.
Approve volunteer firefighter payroll timesheets.
Ensure adherence to all applicable Wheatland County policies, bylaws, and procedures.
Foster strong relationships with Council, senior leadership, staff, neighbouring municipalities, industry partners, regulatory agencies, and the public.
Develop and maintain mutual aid agreements with neighbouring municipalities and industry partners.
Prepare and present Council reports, Requests for Decisions (RFDs), and departmental communications.
Lead corporate initiatives, special projects, and other duties consistent with the role.

Fire Services

Provide operational and strategic leadership in the delivery of fire services to ensure life safety for County residents.
Develop and manage annual operating budgets, 5-year operational plans, and 10-year capital budgets.
Establish and maintain department policies, procedures, and standard operating guidelines.
Oversee fire training programs and ensure OH&S and WCB compliance.
Administer the Fire Prevention Program, including education, inspections, and investigations under applicable codes and Safety Codes Council requirements.
Coordinate with Planning and Development to ensure compliance with Alberta Fire and Building Codes.
Chair the Fire Chiefs Committee.
Manage the Fire Permit program and oversee annual Fire Guardian appointments and training.
Support the development and maintenance of fire department records management systems to meet regulatory requirements.
Coordinate public information regarding fire services in collaboration with the Communications Specialist.

Emergency Management Services

Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of the Municipal Emergency Management Plan.
Conduct annual reviews, training exercises, hazard identifications, and risk assessments.
Serve as the DEM for Wheatland County and participate in regional emergency management initiatives.
Activate and oversee the Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) during emergencies, including training, documentation, and coordination of command staff and external resources.
Develop and maintain Memorandums of Understanding with municipal partners, industry, and non-government organizations.
Act as the County’s liaison with provincial authorities during emergencies or support requests.
Maintain access to and oversight of industry Emergency Response Plans.
Promote emergency preparedness and disaster prevention awareness within the community.
Support integrated communications and emergency notification systems for residents and stakeholders.

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)

Work with senior management members to ensure appropriate workplace health and safety objectives are met and provide guidance to the Health and Safety Advisor regarding the planning and implementation of occupational health and safety initiatives; actively promote the County’s OH&S program; implement and monitor the OH&S programs for all fire departments.
Maintain own compliance with OH&S and ensure all applicable employees / volunteers (workers) are in compliance with OH&S including employee attendance at regular safety meetings, employees being properly trained in OH&S related topics, ensuring all inspections, tests and certifications are completed on all fire equipment and apparatus, and ensuring employees complete work in a safe manner.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Education & Certification

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Professional Firefighter
NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response
NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor
NFPA 1021 Level II Fire Officer
Incident Command System (ICS) 400
Basic Fire Safety Codes Officer certification
Working knowledge of the Alberta Fire and Building Codes, Alberta Safety Codes, Alberta OH&S regulations and Alberta Emergency Management Act

Experience

7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in fire, rescue, and emergency services, including operational and administrative roles.
3-5 years of management or supervisory experience, preferably within a rural municipality.
Demonstrated experience in emergency management planning, coordination, and response, including ECC operations and inter-municipal or provincial collaboration.

Skills & Competencies

Ability to provide leadership at a senior management level with Council, General Managers, government agencies, industry, and other stakeholders.
Proven ability to develop and implement programs, policies, and procedures to address emergency, operational, and public safety priorities.
Strong strategic planning, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently.
Effective problem-solving, decision-making, negotiation, and conflict management skills.
Excellent communication and presentation skills; able to engage with staff, volunteers, Council, media, and the public.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with Records Management Systems and incident reporting software preferred.
Strong public relations and stakeholder engagement skills, including collaboration with external organizations and municipal partners.
Knowledge and experience in public policy and bylaw development.
Ability to work effectively in fast-paced and dynamic emergency situations.
Valid Class 3 Alberta drivers’ licence with air endorsement preferred and an acceptable driver’s abstract.

Working Conditions: