This non-union position, under the general direction of the Fire Chief, is responsible for assisting in setting the strategic direction of the department, maintaining professional standards, and providing overall supervision, administration, and management of the St. Thomas Fire Department (STFD). As a member of the Fire Administration Team, the Deputy Fire Chief assists in overseeing the delivery of all council mandated and approved fire protection services and assists in the planning, co-ordinating and directing of the Operations and Communications Divisions. The Deputy Fire Chief assists in the development of a culture of total service excellence. This position is also responsible for filling the role of Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) and has the primary responsibility for developing, implementing, and maintaining the City’s Emergency Management Program.
This position involves a high level of responsibility and accountability with appropriate authority for the prevention of injuries and loss of life and property from fire in the City of St. Thomas. As a member of the Fire Administation Team, provides coverage for other members in their absence as required.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Administration and Leadership (30%)
- Responds to emergencies in the role of senior advisor to the Incident Commander. May be required to take responsibility at emergency scenes or to take on other emergency scene roles as required. Acts as a point of reference for media inquiries.
- Fulfils the requirements of the “Deputy Fire Chief “as provided for within the City’s Fire Department Establishing and Regulating By-law.
- Monitors department key performance indicators, ensures that the department is compliant with best practices and standards through an awareness of new fire service trends and challenges. Assists in monitoring the department’s performance for quality assurance, development of reports and the use of data-driven decision making and the development and monitoring of the department budget.
- Responsible for working within operating and capital budgets and purchasing expenditures within departmental and corporate financial framework.
- Advise the Fire Chief of any changes in procedures or methods necessary to maintain or improve the emergency operations including post emergency evaluations.
- Participates in weekly fire administration and committee meetings as required.
- Takes the lead on special projects assigned by the Fire Chief and oversees the department’s drone program.
- Assists the Fire Chief in representing the department at public events.
- Assists in managing all department records in accordance with City by-laws and policies.
- Maintains effective relationships with other departments, municipalities, agencies, organizations, levels of government, stakeholders and community partners. Liaises with various agencies and groups within the community on matters relating to Fire Services.
- Assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Chief during absences of the Chief.
Operations and Service Planning (30%)
- Supervises and directs the day-to-day activities of the Suppression and Training Divisions and ensures that delegated responsibilities from the Fire Chief are carried out in accordance with applicable legislation, corporate and/or departmental policies and procedures.
- Assists the Fire Chief in the development of department business plans, strategic plans and emergency plans. Participates in the development of programs and in department planning.
- Assists in managing the vehicle and equipment procurement program. Coordinates all vehicle and building maintenance and repair requirements. Directs the annual testing of equipment.
- Is responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance and review of a comprehensive Emergency Management Program for the City. Ensures that the City is annually compliant with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
- Thorough knowledge of automatic and mutual aid.
- Provides administrative, strategic planning and technical advice to the Fire Chief on operational matters including but not limited to departmental policies, procedural guidelines, by-laws and/or enacting regulations.
- Prepares all quarterly and annual reports to Fire Chief, as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Safety and Compliance (20%)
- Is the management representative on the Joint Health and Safety Committee and promotes a culture of health, safety, and wellness.
- Participates in the dissemination of safety and departmental directives, ensuring compliance and that safety and protective clothing and equipment is utilized.
- Responsible for reporting any unsafe acts or conditions to the Fire Chief or Health & Safety Committee representative.
- Responsible for reporting any contravention of the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
Human Resources (10%)
- Provides leadership that fosters open communication, collaboration, innovation, and a positive team culture.
- Motivates, coaches, develops, and supports staff while promoting strong morale and effective team performance.
- Partners with the Fire Chief and Human Resources on recruitment, job descriptions, performance management, attendance, and scheduling.
- Oversees staff wellness initiatives and supports employee relations, labour relations, and Collective Agreement administration.
- Ensures compliance with departmental policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and the Collective Agreement.
- Assists in the development of training programs, professional development initiatives, operational guidelines, and departmental polices.
- Works collaboratively with the Fire Chief and Human Resources to resolve employee issues and maintain a respectful, inclusive, and positive work environment.
Community Engagement (10%)
- As required, assists with presentations on public safety.
- Advise and recommend to the Fire Chief any methods needed to improve fire prevention and protection services in the community.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
- Post-secondary education in a related field i.e. business, fire services, fire sciences, emergency management, public administration.
- Must have the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021 Fire Officer Level 2 Certification
- Must have or be able to obtain the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021 Fire Officer Level 3 Certification within one year from date of hire
- Must possess or obtain within a reasonable time frame the Community Emergency Management Coordinator (C.E.M.C.) designation and IMS levels one through three from Emergency Management Ontario within one year from date of hire
- Occupational Health and Safety (certified member specific to fire service) within a reasonable timeframe
Experience
A minimum of at least ten (10) years’ experience within the Fire Service and a minimum five (5) years’ proven experience in a fire administration/leadership/managerial/supervisory capacity in the fire service including incident command or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Knowledge/Skill/Ability
- Must have superior communication and interpersonal skills, a working knowledge of modern firefighting techniques and experience leading a fire service in a unionized environment.
- Must possess a thorough knowledge of fire suppression/operations, radio communications, computer-aided dispatch, along with a working knowledge of fire inspection and investigation procedures.
- A working knowledge of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, the Ontario Fire Code and other relevant provincial legislation is required.
- A working knowledge of business/financial management skills, project management, and procurement.
- Several years’ experience in managing a complex, highly unionized operational environment including the various aspects of human resource management such as performance management, labour relations, collective agreements, progressive discipline, and succession and strategic planning.
- Ability to adapt to change, learn and practice new skills.
- Thorough knowledge of procedures, rules, regulations, by-laws, policies and standard operating guidelines and applicable Provincial Codes and Acts.
- Ability to work within operating and capital budgets.
- Experience in managing emergency scenes and assessing individual and organizational effectiveness in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
- Good knowledge of the municipality and surrounding areas protected by agreements.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Sound knowledge and understanding of the principles and best practices of fire services.
- Sound understanding of special operations including technical knowledge of investigation and evidence gathering techniques; training techniques and methods; public safety theories and methods as well as risk assessment and risk management.
- Thorough knowledge of automatic and mutual aid.
- Physically able to perform all firefighting activities, complex rescues and other related emergency services.
- Computer literacy utilizing the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook).
- Must possess knowledge of Crysis and Fire Pro.
- Ability to be flexible and available for evening and weekend hours and emergency responses when required.
Other
- Ontario Driver Record required.
- Must possess a valid Class "G" Ontario Driver's Licence and access to reliable transportation.
- Satisfactory Police Record Check.
·Shares off-duty call and stand-by with the Fire Chief.
- Ability to attend evening and/or weekend meetings or other events as required.
- Satisfactory Police Record Check is required as a condition of employment.
HOURS OF WORK:
The normal workweek consists of 35 hours; Monday to Friday; 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with a one-hour unpaid lunch. Shares on call and stand by responsibilities with the Fire Chief. Requirement to attend evening and/or weekend meetings and trainings or other events as required. The Deputy Fire Chief supports a department that is on-call 24/7.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Salary Range: $133,439 - $162,198 per annum (Group 5)
- Comprehensive Benefits
- OMERS Pension Plan
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Tuition Reimbursement Program (continuous learning)
Applications must be received no later than Thursday July 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
HOW TO APPLY:
- Go to www.stthomas.ca – Employment, Employment Opportunities.
- Go to Posting Title.
- Click the ‘Apply’ button.
All prospective employees, volunteers and students will be required to provide an acceptable “Criminal Record Search” as a condition of employment and prior to commencing employment. Although we appreciate all applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Personal information for this position is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, R.S.O. 2001, as amended.
The City of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, you must provide your accommodation needs in advance. Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 519-631-1680 ext. 4146.
Our hiring process does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision‑making tools. Applications are reviewed and evaluated by our hiring team.
