FIRE CAPTAIN (Full-time)

Fire Chief Elk Valley South Country

Posting Scope:
Posted Date:
Elk Valley/South Country Fire Halls - Jaffray
Full Time
Reporting to the Protective Services Manager (“the Manager”), the Fire Chief (“the Fire Chief”) is responsible for the organization and direction of multiple Fire Departments to ensure that the loss of life, property, or injury as a result of an emergency incident is prevented or minimized.
The Fire Chief directs all Deputy Fire Chiefs and paid-on-call firefighters across four fire halls, Jaffray, Baynes Lake, Elko and Hosmer, ensuring a safe, professional, and timely response to all incidents, and that firefighting equipment and department property are well maintained. The role requires a broad combination of strategic leadership, emotional intelligence, and active involvement in day-to-day operations, with a people-first, values-driven approach that builds trust, psychological safety, and a culture of continuous learning. Working closely with the Manager on policy and planning while managing operations independently, the Fire Chief identifies future staffing and equipment needs, assesses potential critical impacts to the department, and remains aware of trends in fire protection service delivery.
Recruits, develops, and retains paid-on-call firefighters through leadership, mentorship, and regular performance feedback; selects and appoints paid-on-call fire officers and recommends the appointment, promotion, discipline, and dismissal of regular employees to the Manager or Chief Administrative Officer.
Directs training programs so new and existing members meet operational demands and maintain required competencies and professional standards.
Implements a comprehensive safety program and ensures adherence to WorkSafeBC and other applicable health and safety regulations; Inspires and advances the RDEK culture by modelling open communication, collaboration, respect, and shared accountability, leading with emotional intelligence, empathy, and integrity, and exercising discretion with sensitive or confidential information.
Directs daily administrative and operational activities of the service area Fire Departments, including scheduling, incident reporting, purchasing, correspondence, and records management.
Prepares five-year financial plans, controls expenditures within approved budget limits, approves payroll for paid-on-call firefighters and Deputy Fire Chiefs, and ensures purchasing follows RDEK policy.
Oversees asset management for each of the four stations, grant management for the department, and new software implementation and usage (e.g., establishes General Operational Guidelines and advises the Manager and Chief Administrative Officer on operations and policy.
Prepares and updates short- and long-range goals, evaluates needs, recommends the orderly addition or replacement of facilities, vehicles, and equipment, and ensures operational readiness through regular maintenance and servicing of fire halls, apparatus, and equipment.
Responds to emergency calls and assumes direct command or provides operational/tactical supervision at fires and other incidents, which may involve work outside regular business hours.
Manages wildfire deployments and supervises crews during OFC/BC Wildfire Service deployments and local incidents; supervises contractors; attends day, evening, and weekend events, including weekly training sessions.
Acts as a liaison between the service area Fire Departments and RDEK departments, Fire Chief counterparts, contractors, government agencies, the news media, and the public; promotes fire prevention and community engagement.
Establishes mutual aid agreements, joint training initiatives, and incident pre-planning with neighbouring fire departments; participates on the Emergency Management Committee and assumes an assigned role in the Emergency Operations Centre.
Assumes the responsibilities of Local Assistant to the Fire Commissioner if requested; conducts investigations and submits reports as required by the Office of the Fire Commissioner.
Formal Education, Training and Occupational Certification (Essential):
NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level II (including NFPA 1072/Ops), NFPA 1021 Fire Officer Level I, and NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor Level I.

OFC Fire Investigator or NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator; Basic Introduction to Emergency Management in BC; First Responder Level 3 or CPR Level “C” with Emergency First Aid.
Training and experience in technical rescue (e.g., vehicle extrication, ice rescue, rope/embankment rescue), and an understanding of the Structure Firefighters Competency and Training Playbook.
Valid Class 5 driver’s license with air brake endorsement, and the ability and willingness to drive in all weather and road conditions.
Minimum 5 years’ experience in fire department operations and administration with progressively greater responsibilities, including two years at a senior fire officer level (Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief).
Demonstrated leadership and relationship-building skills; extensive knowledge of fireground operations, fire prevention, training, personnel management in a paid-on-call environment, and local government legislation and practices.

Thorough knowledge of fire suppression, rescue, fire prevention, emergency medical services, applicable codes, hazardous materials response, recordkeeping, and department administration.
to develop and deliver training programs; to prepare and deliver public presentations; and to manage and supervise projects.
proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and operational databases/software; Strong oral and written communication skills to interact effectively with elected officials, staff, firefighters, the public, media, contractors, and agencies.
Post-secondary education in Fire Service Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or Leadership.
NFPA 1021 Fire Officer Level II, III, or IV; NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector; NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor Level II; NFPA 1002 Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator or equivalent EVOC training.
NFPA 1035 Public Educator/Information Officer or equivalent.
Experience with fire department reporting software and additional emergency management training (EOC Essentials, EOC Operations, EOC Planning, ESS training, Emergency Management Certificates).
The Regional District of East Kootenay is committed to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into our programs, policies, spaces, and services. Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve.