19 – 24 Avenue South
Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8
Phone: (250) 489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335
Fax: 250-489-3498

Assistant Fire Chief

Columbia Valley (Edgewater, Fairmont, Panorama, Windermere)

Nestled within the beautiful Rocky and Purcell Mountains, in the southeast corner of British Columbia, the East Kootenay region is a four-season destination. The region boasts unlimited year-round outdoor recreation including skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, golfing, boating, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, mountaineering, white-water rafting and snowmobiling. The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) serves over 60,000 permanent residents and about 25,000 to 30,000 seasonal residents. The region is home to several diverse communities, inclug several unincorporated communities; eight municipalities and four First Nations communities.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Fire Chief, and in their absence, the Deputy Fire Chief, Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Services (“Deputy”), the Assistant Fire Chief, Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Services (“Assistant Chief”) performs a wide variety of duties to support the operation and administration of the Columbia Valley Fire Departments (“the Departments”). This position has considerable independence of action in the disposition of routine work matters and in the supervision of technical operations.

The Assistant Chief performs duties to direct and manage all emergency response, fire suppression, training and tracking, recruitment and retention programs, fire prevention, and related emergency service activities within the Edgewater, Fairmont, Panorama and Windermere Fire Protection Areas.

As a member of the RDEK leadership team, the Assistant Fire Chief will encourage and foster a culture of innovation, engagement, and respect. This role requires a strong commitment to building relationships and collaboration in and amongst internal departments, external agencies, and with neighboring communities, respect for diversity of ideas and opinions, and remaining focused on maintaining a safe and collaborative environment.

Required Education and Experience

• NFPA 1001 FF2 (including 1072 Ops)
• BC OFC FF Playbook Team Leader qualification
• NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor Level 1
• NFPA 1051 or SPP-WFF1 or equivalent
• First Responder Level 3 or CPR Level “C” with Emergency First Aid training
• ICS 200
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in fire department operations and administration with progressively greater responsibilities including a minimum of two years as an officer with responsibility for fire and rescue technical programs.
• Valid Driver’s License with Air Brake endorsement sufficient to operate all Department vehicles with ability to obtain a British Columbia Driver’s License on commencement of duties.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Local Assistant to the Fire Commissioner or NFPA 1033 Fire Investigations.
• NFPA 1002 Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator or relevant Emergency Vehicle Operations training/experience.
• NFPA 1021 Fire Officer 1.
• NFPA 1035 Information Officer.
• Critical Incident Stress Management training.
• NFPA 1521 Incident Safety Officer.
• SPP-WFF1 Instructor.
• First Responder Instructor certification.
• Air brake endorsement.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership and relationship-building skills; considerable knowledge of fire ground operations, fire prevention, and training; dealing with personnel in a paid-on-call environment, and a well-rounded understanding of local government legislation, codes, and practices.
• Thorough knowledge of fire department activities and services, including modern fire suppression and rescue techniques, operation of apparatus and equipment, fire prevention, emergency medical services, specialized rescue services, all applicable fire and life safety codes, hazardous incident mitigation techniques, recordkeeping, and department administration.
• Training and experience in aspects of technical rescue including but not limited to; Vehicle Extrication, Ice Rescue, Swiftwater Rescue, and/or Embankment/Rope Rescue.
• Demonstrated experience with preparing for and making presentations to the public.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, manage, direct, and supervise firefighters and to motivate staff and maintain high morale and possess good interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of WorkSafe BC employment safety standards. Proven ability in setting a positive example of being proficient in the safe and effective use of equipment, tactics, and techniques and leading by example on conduct and professionalism.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing in the English language and to deal courteously, tactfully, and diplomatically with elected officials, managers, other employees, paid- on-call firefighters, volunteers, the public, the media, contractors, and other agencies.
• Ability to physically perform and demonstrate strenuous and demanding training tasks, including all aspects of technical rescue.
• Ability to lead effectively within the context of working conditions that include stressful situations in adverse physical environments and ensure the safety and health needs of responders are met.
• Ability to organize work schedules to meet deadlines and priorities, to be flexible in arranging allocated work hours, and to work additional hours in emergent situations.

In order to respond to incidents in a timely manner the incumbent must live within the Columbia Valley.

The RDEK offers a great work environment and an attractive total compensation package, which includes a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and learning opportunities. This is a permanent, full-time (35 hours per week, plus 2 regular practice nights a week and weekends when required) exempt position with an annual salary range of $77,441 to $97,825 with up to an additional 180 hours of compensation annually ($85,100 to $107,500)

If you are interested in joining an organization with a reputation of being a great place to work, and you possess the necessary qualifications and experience, we invite you to submit a resume and cover letter no later than Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 4:30 PM to:

Ashley Grobell, Human Resources Manager
Email: [email protected] [MS Word format or PDF]
Please quote: Competition #2024-19

Visit our website (www.rdek.bc.ca/careers) for the complete job description and information about the RDEK. Thank you for your interest in this position; however only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Organization: Regional District of East Kootenay

Region: East Kootenay / Rocky Mountain

Posted: April 29, 2024, 10:33 am

Expires: May 21, 2024, 4:30 pm

Employment Type: Full Time
Employment Length: Permanent
Education Requirement: Other trades certificate or diploma
Job Experience: 5 years or more
Rate: $85,100.00 to $107,500.00 Year