Fire Chief - Fire & Rescue Services

Requisition : 47196

Organization

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.

With a strong commitment to being a City of Reconciliation, we invite you to join our dedicated team and become part of an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. A career with the City of Vancouver and within the broader public service, offers meaningful work where you play a key role in ensuring equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

The City of Vancouver is seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to serve as Fire Chief of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS). Reporting to the City Manager and serving as a key member of the City's executive leadership team, the Fire Chief is responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and overall performance of one of Canada's largest and most respected fire and rescue services.

VFRS delivers a broad range of critical public safety services, including fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, medical first response, emergency management support, fire prevention, investigations, and public education. The Fire Chief provides leadership for a department of more than 900 firefighters and administrative professionals operating from 20 fire halls across the city and oversees significant operating and capital budgets.

The role also includes operational oversight of Canada Task Force 1 (CAN-TF1), one of Canada's national Heavy Urban Search and Rescue teams.

Working closely with the VFRS and City leadership teams, City Council, partner agencies, and community stakeholders, the Fire Chief will lead the department's long-term vision and strategic priorities while ensuring VFRS remains responsive to emerging risks, technological advancements, climate-related challenges, and evolving community needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Vancouver Fire Rescue Services.
• Lead the delivery of fire, rescue, emergency management, prevention, investigation, and public education services.
• Oversee organizational planning, financial stewardship, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates strong commitment to employee health, safety, and wellness, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where employees can thrive and succeed
• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with City leadership, labour representatives, emergency response partners, Indigenous communities, and diverse communities across Vancouver.
• Represent VFRS with internal and external stakeholders, the media, and the public.

Experience:

The successful candidate is an accomplished and forward-thinking executive with extensive senior leadership experience in emergency services, public safety, or a related field. They bring a proven track record in:

• Leading large, complex, unionized organizations.
• Strategic planning and organizational transformation.
• Financial management and resource allocation.
• Provide leadership and oversight for all people management functions, fostering a high-performing and engaged team.
• Evidence-based decision making and operational improvement.
• Complex stakeholder engagement, governance, and media relations.

Known for their integrity, sound judgment, and collaborative leadership style, they inspire confidence among employees, elected officials, partners, and the public while fostering an inclusive workplace where people can thrive and contribute to their full potential.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a highly respected organization dedicated to protecting lives, property, and the environment while making a meaningful impact in one of…