Fire Chief

Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Fire Chief is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, and operational oversight of the Fire Department, including the development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and service delivery standards. The position oversees and coordinates all fire suppression, fire prevention, communications, training, public education, and emergency management functions for the City of St. Thomas, while also providing technical expertise and support to neighbouring municipalities through established Mutual Aid Agreements.

As the statutory head of the Fire Department, the Fire Chief is accountable for ensuring compliance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, applicable legislation, departmental by‑laws, and established municipal policies. The role is responsible for the overall planning, coordination, operation, and effectiveness of the department, exercising significant independent judgment and leadership in the management of fire protection services.

While maintaining overall accountability for all departmental functions, the Fire Chief provides strategic direction to ensure an integrated and comprehensive approach to fire protection service delivery, with specific oversight of administration, fire prevention, and communications. The position promotes continuous improvement, innovation, and best practices across all areas of the department to enhance organizational effectiveness, public safety, and community resilience.

As a member of the Corporate Senior Leadership Team, the Fire Chief contributes to corporate initiatives beyond the direct scope of the department, supports cross-functional collaboration, and champions the City’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:Administration and Leadership (25%)

• Provides strategic leadership and oversight of Fire Department operations, service planning, community risk assessment, and emergency management.
• Develops, implements, and monitors fire service plans, master plans, mutual aid agreements, and other fire protection initiatives.
• Maintains effective relationships with Council, City departments, external agencies, community stakeholders, and government partners.
• Provides advice, recommendations, reports, and presentations to Council, committees, and other stakeholders on fire service matters, legislation, and emerging issues.
• Leads emergency response activities for significant incidents, including strategic decision-making, hazard mitigation, and incident support.
• Represents the City in legal proceedings, inquests, and other official forums as required.
• Participates as a member of the Corporate Senior Leadership Team, supporting corporate initiatives and organizational objectives.
• Promotes continuous improvement, operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and opportunities to enhance service delivery.

Operations and Service Planning (25%)

• Develops and implements departmental strategies, policies, procedures, standards, and service plans to meet community needs and legislative requirements.
• Provides overall leadership and administration of Fire Department operations, including fire prevention, suppression, emergency management, communications, training, apparatus and equipment, and related programs.
• Ensures compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, by‑laws, codes, standards, and statutory responsibilities of the Fire Chief.
• Leads departmental planning, risk assessment, performance measurement, continuous improvement initiatives, and service delivery reviews.
• Develops and administers annual and multi-year business plans and budgets aligned with Council and corporate priorities.
• Advises Council, senior administration, external agencies, and community stakeholders on fire service matters, emergency planning, policies, programs, and emerging issues.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative partnerships to enhance fire protection services, community safety, and regional coordination.
• Oversees firefighter training, professional development, and organizational planning to maintain operational readiness and effectiveness.
• Maintains required records, reporting systems, and accountability measures to support regulatory compliance, operational planning, and informed decision-making.
• Fosters collaboration among County of Elgin fire departments and serves as the Elgin County Fire Coordinator, as required.
• Accountable to City Council for the effective delivery of fire protection services.
• Performs other related duties as required to support departmental operations and continuity.

Fiscal Accountability (15%)

• Develops and manages annual operating and capital budgets, including short- and long-term financial planning.
• Ensures expenditures, procurement activities, and resource allocation align with approved budgets and corporate policies.
• Oversees the acquisition, maintenance, and lifecycle planning of fire apparatus, equipment, facilities, and vehicles.
• Identifies, pursues, and administers grant and external funding opportunities.
• Ensures revenues, grants, billings, and financial transactions are properly managed and accounted for in accordance with corporate controls and procedures.

Human Resources (15%)

• Provides leadership, coaching, and direction to foster a collaborative, high-performing work environment.
• Oversees and manages Fire Department personnel through established leadership practices, policies, and collective agreements.
• Leads workforce planning, recruitment, promotions, succession planning, and staffing recommendations.
• Monitors departmental performance and implements strategies to support continuous improvement.
• Manages employee relations matters, including performance management, discipline, attendance, and workplace engagement, in accordance with City policies and collective agreements.
• Participates in collective bargaining, labour‑management committees, and the administration of collective agreements.
• Supports the professional development of Fire Department personnel through training, education, and effective communication.

Safety and Compliance (10%)

• Establishes and communicates policies, procedures, and operational standards for fire suppression, rescue, and emergency response activities in compliance with applicable legislation, by‑laws, and Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management requirements.
• Evaluates fire service operations, analyzes emergency response trends and performance data, and provides recommendations to the City Manager and Council to enhance public safety and service delivery.
• Reports unsafe acts, conditions, and workplace hazards to the City Manager and/or Health and Safety Committee representative.
• Reports and addresses contraventions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act in accordance with legislative requirements.

Community Engagement (10%)

• Serves as the primary liaison with residents, businesses, community organizations, government agencies, elected officials, the media, and other stakeholders on fire service matters.
• Communicates fire service initiatives, emergency management programs, and public safety information to the community and partner agencies.
• Promotes fire safety and public education through community engagement, presentations, special events, and media relations.
• Ensures the public receives accurate, current, and accessible information regarding Fire Department programs, policies, and services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Education

• A minimum accredited degree in Fire Protection, Fire Services Administration, Emergency Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related program
• Must possess the Company Officers Diploma from the Ontario Fire College (or equivalent)
• Emergency Management Certification
• Certified Fire Investigator with experience in the role
• Certified Incident Commander with experience in the role
• Achieved the Ontario Fire Service Standard for Fire Chief
• Occupational Health & Safety Certificate Level III

Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in a managerial capacity, and a proven ability in fire service administration and leadership, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• Thorough knowledge of administrative methods, techniques and practices, and working knowledge of Fire Prevention and Inspection procedures.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills and a knowledge of the statutory and practical requirements of the position.
• Excellent public relations skills are mandatory as well as the ability to deal effectively with staff, the public and elected officials.
• Must be competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and be capable of issuing clearly understandable written instructions.
• Must possess excellent strategic planning, performance management, problem solving and decision making as well as strong leadership skills.
• Must be a skilled administrator with strong skill sets in management and supervision, public relations and project/time management.
• Ability to establish, maintain confidence and purpose through the ranks to organize and command.
• Excellent facilitation, presentation, conflict resolution, negotiation and team-building skills.
• Ability to think and act strategically in a political and community service environment.
• Ability to adapt to change, learn and practice new 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 andmethods;
  public safety theories and methods as well as risk assessment and risk management.
• Computer literacy utilizing the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook).
• Must possess knowledge of Crysis or Fire Pro.

Other

• Must possess a valid Class "G" Ontario Driver's Licence and access to reliable transportation.
• Satisfactory Police Record Check.

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.
• Requirement to attend evening and/or weekend meetings or other events as required.
• Shares off-duty call and stand-by with the Deputy Fire Chief.
• The Fire Chief supports a department that is on-call 24/7.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Salary Range: $168,206 - $204,455 per annum (Group 3 - 2027 Rate)
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program (continuous learning)

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.

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