The Manager of Emergency & Fire Services provides leadership and management in all aspects of fire and emergency services within Wheatland County.
The Manager of Emergency & Fire Services manages the Wheatland County Fire Services Department, and administers fire operations plans, oversees the implementation of the OH&S program for fire departments, oversees the Safety Codes Fire Discipline and Prevention program, oversees fire training and emergency planning / response measures, including the development and implementation of Municipal Emergency Management Plans.
The Manager of Emergency & Fire Services also supports Council and Administration in the process of allocating resources and developing applicable bylaws, guidelines and policies related to the safety and protection of County residents, property, environment, and the economy.
Additional responsibilities include the appointment as Manager of Emergency & Fire Services of the Wheatland County Fire Services Department and Director of Emergency Management, in accordance with the Emergency Act and the Municipal Emergency Bylaw.
Reporting to the Manager of Emergency & Fire Services is the Deputy Regional Fire Chief and Fire Chiefs of nine volunteer fire departments located within the boundaries of Wheatland County.
In accordance with Wheatland County’s Personnel Policy, the successful candidate will be required to submit to a Criminal Records Check, and must be legally entitled to work for any employer in Canada.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- As a supervisor with direct reports including the volunteer Fire Officers and volunteer Firefighters, participate in the recruitment and selection process (e.g., develop and implement a volunteer Firefighter recruitment and retention program), manage new employee onboarding / orientation, approve all payroll for volunteer firefighters, train, coach, performance manage, participate in the progressive disciplinary process up to and including terminations, participate in employees’ career development, and actively participate in other corporate-endorsed human resource management processes and procedures.
- Ensure adherence to all applicable Wheatland County policies and bylaws.
- Relate to and communicate with senior management, Council, colleagues, customers, other communities, industries, business partners, and neighbouring municipalities sincerely, clearly, tactfully, promptly and courteously; respond to inquiries and complaints promptly and professionally; develop and maintain mutual aid agreements with neighbouring municipalities and industry.
- Perform tasks, consistent with the position, including special projects / assignments, as may be required on an ad hoc basis.
Fire Services
- Provide direction and leadership to the Deputy Regional Fire Chief and District Fire Chiefs in the operational delivery of fire services provided for County residents’ life safety.
- Develop and manage budget, policies, procedures, standard operational guidelines, including projects that support the achievement of goals and objectives of the department and business area’s business plan.
- On an annual basis, and in consultation with the District Fire Chiefs, develop 5-year operational and 10-year capital budgets.
- Provide support to District Fire Chiefs in establishing a fire department Records Management system to ensure accurate documentation to meet WCB, OH&S, Alberta Fire Code, and Fire Prevention reporting requirements.
- Oversee the administration of a Fire Prevention Program that includes education, prevention, inspections, and investigations as per the Safety Codes Council and Alberta Fire and Building Codes; consult with Planning and Development to ensure all code requirements are met.
- Working with the CAO, provide advice and direction to Council on the management of fire service mutual aid agreements with internal volunteer associations and external fire services.
- Serve as Chair of the Fire Chiefs Committee.
- Manage the Fire Permit program; ensure the annual appointments of Fire Guardians along with Fire Guardian training.
- Provide strategic leadership and communications for all Wheatland County publications including Council reports, Request for Decisions (RFDs), and purchases.
- Coordinate the public information process in cooperation with the Communications Officer; ensure accurate information is delivered to the public through the Wheatland County website, Facebook and Twitter pages.
- Participate in to promote municipal programs, emergency disaster planning activities including prevention and safety campaigns on behalf of the municipality.
Emergency Management Services
- Prepare and implement short- and long-term goals and objectives to ensure that Emergency Management policies and practices are consistent with the department strategic plan.
- Create / update and implement the Municipal Emergency Management Plan; perform annual reviews; conduct at a minimum, one annual practice; conduct hazard identifications and risk assessments, when required, to reflect the ongoing changes to emergencies in the province and the municipality.
- Create and foster positive inter-municipal relationships with all partner municipalities; liaise with regulatory agencies, municipal partners and promote the emergency management plan to County ratepayers.
- Serve as the Director of Emergency Management for Wheatland County and participate in Regional emergency management activities; implement objectives of the Emergency Management Advisory Committee in accordance with the Emergency Management Bylaw and the Emergency Management Act.
- Create and manage Memorandums of Understanding with municipal partners, non-government organizations, and industry.
- Participate in the development and maintenance of an integrated communications protocol and system of notification for specific demographic locations within the County.
- Serve as the Director of the Emergency Coordination Centre during an activation (or ensure that someone is designated under the Municipal Emergency Management Plan); create and implement a year-long training plan for all Emergency Coordination Centre staff; ensure all records of Emergency Coordination Centre activations are collected and maintained; coordinate all Section Chiefs and Command staff including other resources used in an emergency.
- Act as the County’s point of contact with the province regarding any requests for support, either in the event of an activation, or as the result of an activation in another municipality.
- Maintain access to all industry Emergency Response Plans; act as point of contact for all industry Emergency Response Plans submitted to the County.
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 Officer 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:
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Professional Firefighter qualifications
- NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials
- NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor Professional
- NFPA 1021 Level II Fire Officers Professional qualifications
- 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
- Possess 7-10 years related Fire Department and administrative experience in progressively responsible positions including knowledge of theories, principles and practices of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services
- Possess 3-5 years of progressive experience in a management or supervisory role, preferably in a rural municipality
- Ability to perform at a senior management level with industry, business and other levels of government; ability to work with other managers / supervisors, General Managers, and Council in a positive and constructive manner.
- Demonstrated ability to execute strategy including the development and implementation of new programs, procedures, services and policies that address emergency needs, expectations and operational priorities
- High proficiency in the use of computer programs including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Excellent communication skills including written, verbal / interpersonal, and presentation skills
- Excellent public relations skills with ability to develop and maintain working relationships with external stakeholders
- Strong skills in public policy and bylaws development
- Effective problem solving and decision-making skills
- Effective organizational and time management skills; comfortable managing many different priorities concurrently
- Effective negotiation and conflict management skills
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Valid Class 3 Alberta drivers’ licence with air endorsement preferred and an acceptable driver’s abstract
Additional Job Information:
Posted Date: Feb 12, 2020
Closing Date: Mar 23, 2020