Fire Chief jobs in Western Canada

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Leadership that protects lives and strengthens the community.

At the City of Thunder Bay, Our City Runs on People Like You. Together, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs – where your leadership will help shape the future of emergency services and build a safer, stronger, and more resilient community.

You’ll influence positive change and contribute to a progressive emergency services team. You will be part of a work environment that supports respectful interactions, meaningful opportunities to grow, and a culture that promotes well-being and collaboration.

Thunder Bay offers more than a fulfilling career. With its natural beauty, affordability, and strong sense of community, it’s a city where you can grow personally and professionally.

Where You’ll Make a Difference Every Day

As Deputy Fire Chief, you will play a key role in leading fire service operations, support strategic initiatives, mentoring teams, and driving continuous improvement across the department.

You’ll provide exciting opportunities to help shape the future of modern fire and emergency services while supporting operational excellence, emergency preparedness, community safety, and organizational leadership.

You’ll supervise preventive maintenance and the provision of materials and services required for the operation of buildings, apparatus, equipment and property of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue.

Whether you live in Thunder Bay, you’re looking to return, or excited to make the City your new home, join a team where your skills, expertise, and presence is recognized, and make a real impact to our community.

How You’ll Support the Team

In this role, you will participate in planning, coordinating and directing the operation of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue and have the following accountabilities:

• Manage TBFR operations and personnel; evaluate employees and emergency operations.
• Participate in developing, administering, and maintaining TBFR policies and procedures.
• Supervise preventative maintenance and the provision of materials and services required for the operation of buildings, apparatus, equipment and property of the TBFR.
• Ensure appropriate interpretation and application of applicable legislation, related regulations, and codes.
• Participate with the Chief in the development of annual operating budget for TBFR; participate in the preparation of the capital budget; participate in budget administration and control and in the procurement process.
• Provide evidence in Court relative to TBFR operations.
• Assume all the duties and responsibilities of the Chief during absences.
• Participate in the pre-planning of unit response to fires and other emergencies.
• Prepare information, reports, letters and memoranda; attend Council/Committee meetings, public hearings, community and other public meetings as required; make presentations and provide recommendations on matters pertaining to TBFR.
• Participate in committees and cross-functional teams as appropriate.
• Provide Incident Command at major emergency operations as required.

What You Can Count On With Us

We’re proud to offer a workplace where your well-being, growth, and sense of purpose come first. As the Deputy Fire Chief, you’ll enjoy:

• A competitive salary that reflects your expertise
• A matching pension plan to help you build long-term financial security
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage, plus life insurance for peace of mind
• Generous paid vacation and holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave days when you need more time off
• Access to a confidential Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and wellness initiatives to support your overall health
• Leadership development and tuition reimbursement programs, so you can continue to grow your skills and career
• A culture of recognition and appreciation, with staff events and programs that celebrate your contributions
• The opportunity to lead a dedicated and talented team, who are highly respected within the Corporation

What You’ll Bring to the Team

Here’s what will help you succeed as the Deputy Fire Chief:

• Degree or diploma in fire service administration, public administration, business administration, or other related discipline
• Minimum five years of progressive senior-level experience in fire services
• Must possess or be able to obtain Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) qualifications
• Thorough knowledge of all aspects of firefighting and firefighter training procedures, and a working knowledge of fire prevention and investigation procedures
• Must possess or be able to obtain Incident Management System 300 level
• Demonstrated knowledge of the various components of human resource management
• Must possess a thorough understanding of the Fire Protection and Prevention Protection Act, 1997 and knowledge of and ability to interpret applicable municipal by-laws, provincial and federal legislation and related regulations
• Successful completion of NFPA 1035 Standard on Fire and Life Safety Educator/Public Information Officer Level I
• Successful completion of NFPA 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualification Level II; or demonstrated senior officer qualifications and experience obtained through Fire Prevention (NFPA 1031) or Fire and Emergency Services Training (NFPA 1041)

Lead With Us - Apply Today

Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Join us at the City of Thunder Bay, where you’ll support a dedicated team, and make a lasting difference every day.

General Information:

As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Thunder Bay encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE: It is a contravention of the Human Rights Code of Ontario to discriminate on the basis of: race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, age, record of offences, gender identity or gender expression. Therefore, a resume submitted to the City must not include references to any of the above characteristics. Do not include:

• Photos
• Any certificates that have photo identification
• Driver’s licences
• Police records checks

Note: The above documentation will be requested by the Human Resources Division should you be the successful applicant. If a Criminal Record Check is required, it will be requested by Human Resources should you be the successful applicant. Please do not submit your Criminal Record Check with your application.

ACCOMMODATION: Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process.

PRIVACY: Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, c. 302, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to the Human Resources Division, 125 Syndicate Ave Suite 42, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6H8, Telephone: 625-3866