Assistant Fire Chief – Operations

Competition # 26-010
Status:
Regular Full-Time (Exempt)
Department:
Fire Services
Salary: $ - $ annually
Closing:
January 4, 2026

We strive for excellence as we deliver vital municipal services with innovation, accountability and efficiency to meet the needs of the community now and into the future. Be part of our story. Come grow with us!

We have an exciting opportunity in the city’s Fire Services Department for an Assistant Fire Chief – Operations. This position will be reporting to the Deputy Fire Chief and plays a key leadership role within the Fire Services Department. This position provides vision, strategic direction, and hands‑on leadership to the Operations Division and contributes significantly to departmental planning, policy development, and emergency response readiness.

As a member of the management team, the Assistant Fire Chief oversees all aspects of day‑to‑day operations, including the supervision of suppression staff, scheduling, performance evaluations, incident review, equipment and apparatus maintenance, procurement, and the assessment and introduction of new firefighting technologies. The incumbent also participates in the Duty Officer rotation, provides operational oversight, assumes the role of Incident Commander when required, and attends emergency scenes to evaluate staff performance and training needs.

This position requires availability for on‑call rotations and off‑duty callouts.

• Provide leadership and supervisory direction to suppression staff within a unionized environment.
• Attend and direct operations at emergency incidents; provide guidance to company officers on operational and administrative matters.
• Lead and participate in functional committees, including development and delivery of committee work plans; represent the Department and City in regional and external working groups.
• Prepare performance‑related documentation, confidential reports, and conduct scheduled evaluations of operating guidelines.
• Respond to major incidents such as Incident Commander or in other supervisory roles; assess safety, performance, professionalism, and training needs.
• Assist in identifying, evaluating, and recommending new firefighting equipment, technologies, and techniques; implement approved training related to new tools and procedures.
• Support management of fire service technologies, including radios, cameras, and specialized instrumentation.
• Contribute to recruitment processes, promotional assessments, and personnel matters, including representing the employer in legal or administrative proceedings if required.
• Assist the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief with administrative, operational, and technical matters, act for the Deputy Fire Chief during absences.
• Develop, review, and update policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
• Maintain effective liaison with internal departments, external agencies, and community partners; participate in committees in an advisory capacity.
• Support the development of departmental business plans, budgets, and operational strategies.

• Demonstrated experience and leadership within a Fire Operations Division.
• Strong change leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
• Excellent customer service orientation and effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide daily/weekly on‑call Duty Chief coverage.
• Proven ability to plan, assign, supervise, and evaluate work; mentor staff; manage performance; and support career development.
• Experience coordinating training and ensuring safety requirements are met in collaboration with the Training Division.
• Thorough knowledge of WorkSafeBC regulations, safe work practices, and procedures; ability to monitor and investigate WSBC claims, incidents, illnesses, and absences.
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting and administration of major initiatives.
• Proficiency in computer systems, records management systems (RMS), time management software, and business intelligence tools to support analytics and evidence‑based decision making.
• Strong time management, resource planning, and cost‑containment skills.
• Ability to coordinate and report on…