FIRE CHIEF Permanent Full Time Office

Would you like your work to directly impact your current or future community? Are you keen to be a part of a dynamic and community-orientated team? is the place for you.

We are a welcoming and thriving community. Situated just a few hours north of ’s major cities, our residents enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors. With a service area population of 17,440, Big Lakes County expands over 13,942 square kilometers.

We are proud of our beautiful lakes, forests, and rolling countryside. We are equally proud of our diverse and talented workforce who have helped to expand opportunities in Big Lakes County. We have an abundance of natural resources – agriculture, forestry, oil and gas that continues to expand and strengthen our economy. We’ve also just scratched the surface in exploring opportunities in transportation and logistics, tourism, education, construction, health, retail, and information and communications technology (ICT). Possibilities are endless in Big Lakes County for those with the vision to help see them grow.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Community & Protective Services the Fire Chief will administer, plan, direct and control all aspects of Big Lakes County’s Fire Department including administration, fire suppression, fire prevention and technical rescue. The fire chief will also administer applicable local, provincial and federal fire regulations. Administrative duties comprise of planning, directing, and controlling all fire department activities including recruitment of personnel, purchase of equipment, control of expenditures, preparation of budget estimates and the assignment of personnel and equipment.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Managing includes leading and directing people, budgeting, allocating resources, and coordinating with other departments and other agencies • Leads 5 volunteer fire stations by: building capacity, mentoring and coaching the department’s officers and their station team • Supervise Deputy Fire Chief of Operations & Training, seasonal Fire Prevention Officer and fire department officers. • Liaison between neighboring towns, counties as well as other government agencies. • Establish and implement Operational Guidelines based on best practices and OH&S regulations. • Strategic planning of Emergency Services department • Firefighter recruitment and retention, training and evaluation • Purchase/procurement of equipment and supplies, ensuring preventative maintenance of all Fire equipment and vehicles • Represent Big Lakes County Fire Services on corporate and departmental committees as assigned

Big Lakes County Administrative Office 5306-56 St. Box 239 , AB T0G 1E0 T/ 780-523-5955 F/780-523-4227 [email protected]

• Point of contact for any resident concerns or questions regarding Fire and Emergency Services • Perform legislated duties as a Safety Codes Officer and a Fire Guardian. • Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to life-long learning in the areas of equipment, tools, apparatus, fire suppression, management, procedures, technological changes and personal development • Response to Incidents and providing Leadership, mentorship, directing of activities (as necessary) at incidents • Deputy Director of Emergency Management for the County’s emergency and disaster response program • Perform other duties as assigned

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma • A senior officer position in fire and rescue services • Supervisory experience • Incident Command System (ICS) 300 • NFPA 1001 Level II Firefighter, 1021 Fire Officer Level 2, 1041 Fire Service Instructor Level 2 • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook to be able to enter data and produce reports, budgets and plans. • Successful security clearance • Experience in policy development / budgeting would be an asset • Valid Alberta Class Five (5) Operator’s License with Air Endorsement

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• Superior emergency response skills and proficiency in emergency intervention programs (fire suppression, technical rescue, and other services) and life safety programs (fire prevention, fire investigation, public educations services) • Demonstrated leadership skills, team building, problem solving, strategic thinking, coaching and mentoring abilities • Demonstrated ability to work with volunteers and within flexible working hours • Able to maintain self-discipline and professionalism at all times • Possess the physical agility and stamina sufficient to perform all functions of this position in extremely adverse conditions • Leadership skills including the ability to take full command at the scene of a fire • Decision and negotiation skills • Ability to deal effectively with people in difficult situations • Effective public relations and public speaking • Maintain standards of conduct

Note: the above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.

Big Lakes County Administrative Office 5306-56 St. Box 239 High Prairie, AB T0G 1E0 T/ 780-523-5955 F/780-523-4227 [email protected]

Submit cover letter and resume, including references to:

Eunice McCauley Human Resources Manager Big Lakes County Box 239, High Prairie, AB T0G 1E0 Ph: 780-523-5955 Fx: 780-523-4227 [email protected]

Deadline for applications: Open Until Suitable Candidate Found

Big Lakes County thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Visit our website at www.biglakescounty.ca for more information.

Big Lakes County Administrative Office 5306-56 St. Box 239 High Prairie, AB T0G 1E0 T/ 780-523-5955 F/780-523-4227 [email protected]