Deputy Fire Chief

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 4th consecutive year as one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2024, the City of Markham is ranked the top city in Ontario and in the top 10 for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 357,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.
Applications are now being accepted for full time position of Deputy Fire Chief in the Fire & Emergency Services Department, Office of the CAO. To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter online by November , 2024.

Reporting to the Fire Chief, you will provide strategic leadership and 24/7 operational excellence as one of two Deputy Fire Chiefs, each accountable for operational areas: technology, public education, training, fire prevention, labour, health and safety, and mechanical. You will manage staff performance, work closely with other senior leaders in the development of key corporate policies, strategies, Council reports/policies, and business plans, including financial and budget reviews, and represent both the City and the Department in dealing with other agencies, senior levels of government, the Fire Marshal's Office and the private sector. Your strengths as a communicator and presenter will be evident as you work with fire associations to advance innovations, advocate for changes to improve public safety, and foster a cost-effective operation, and assume a public relations and public education role with residents to advance emergency preparedness and fire prevention strategies. Above all, you are a focused individual who sets high personal and professional standards, and has demonstrated abilities in providing strong, innovative leadership within a team-oriented, unionized, collaborative environment.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

More specifically, as a Deputy Fire Chief, you will also:

• Develop and implement strategies, policies and procedures, perform administrative and technical work while practicing responsible management, and respond to/command emergency incidents.
• Evaluate cost effectiveness, performance measurement and quality of operations.
• Develop and maintain excellent working relations with staff and the Association.
• Direct the implementation of Fire Services and Emergency Services strategies, and work unit operations, including organization structure and job design.
• Manage financial and human resources, including hiring and promotional processes, performance management, collective bargaining, and acting as a spokesperson at grievance hearings.
• Develop and prepare written Council reports related to strategic management of the fire service, sole source purchasing for equipment, etc.
• Develop relationships with suppliers and other comparable departments.
• Prepare and monitor budgets, ensuring alignment with targets, providing quarterly updates to Finance and year-end projection, identifying any issues and solutions, and working with the Fire Chief to prepare annual and multi-year budget strategies.
• Participate in negotiations with the Association, from researching trends to working with People Services on preparing a mandate for bargaining.
• Implement corporate directives and initiatives, ensuring adherence by staff reports.
• Assume command of the Department in the absence of the Fire Chief.
• Attendance at events outside normal work hours which may involve nights and weekends.
• Provide staff mentoring, coaching and development, to ensure succession planning, and encourage staff to continually improve their skills and education to remain current within the industry.
• Support the City of Markham in providing leadership in Emergency Planning and Emergency Response.
• Participate as a member in professional associations (York Regional Fire Chiefs Association, Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, and Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs).

Your professional profile as a Deputy Fire Chief will include:

• University degree or college diploma in Public or Business Administration, preferably combined with a post-secondary diploma or certificate related to the Fire Services discipline.
• 6 to 8 years of experience in progressively responsible and more senior supervisory positions.
• Fire Executive Certification is an asset.
• Ability to apply change management practices successfully and routinely.
• Ability to evaluate and justify financial performance in relation to the business plan (fiscal responsibility and stewardship).
• Strong applied knowledge of fire suppression deployment and large/complex scene management.
• Knowledge of Fire Service regulations, standing operating guidelines, procedures, policies and applicable municipal and provincial codes, acts and by-laws, with in-depth knowledge of fire and health & safety legislation, Bills C45 and 168, and labour relations in a unionized environment.
• Ability to facilitate connections to enhance community alliances and engagement.
• An understanding and appreciation of diversity, equity and inclusivity.
• Proven ability to deal effectively with complex business, political and staff issues.
• A functional understanding of business planning, budget preparation and budget management.
• Successful experience in networking and building strong relationships with customers and stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills, superior analytical skills, demonstrated people management skills and a high level of creative energy and enthusiasm.
• Recognized innovative thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and ability to work within tight parameters and time frames.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

We thank all those applicants who have applied however only those applications selected for an interview will be contacted.