Deputy Fire Chief, Training Officer

The Municipality of North Cowichan (population 31,990) is located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Southern Vancouver Island, between Nanaimo and Victoria. Our communities of Chemainus, Crofton, Maple Bay and the South End are home to a multitude of artistic, cultural and outdoor recreational activities. The Municipality provides a stable and varied work environment, competitive pay and benefits.

Reporting to the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief, Training Officer will undertake day-to-day operational, administrative and supervisory responsibilities associated with the Training Division. The Deputy Chief, Training Officer possesses extensive technical competence in firefighting operations and techniques, incident command system principles and functions, and current teaching and instructional methods. General responsibilities include, but are not limited to: planning, developing, coordinating, supervising, and evaluating fire department training programs and staff development activities. Leadership and supervisory competency for this position are significant. Extensive initiative and independence of judgment and action are required in this position. This position also acts for the Fire Chief in their absence. Hours of work will vary to accommodate operational requirements such as meetings, training schedules, and paid on-call firefighter availability.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the Fire Chief, this position works directly with the designated Station Chiefs, Deputy Station Chiefs and appointed Training Captains for each station in establishing the department's training plan.
• Establishes short and long-term training objectives and programs in consultation with department senior officers and Training Captains linking training goals to operational needs, regulatory requirements, and applicable industry standards.
• Develops training lesson plan material and curriculum and maintains department training facilities, equipment and resource material.
• Works directly with Officers to ensure delivery of training and compliance with department training objectives and goals while providing oversight for maintaining member certifications and third party training; including specialty programs and instructor activities.
• Assists with fire fighter recruitment process and selection activities, including coordinating and developing recruit fire fighter training program, conducting skills assessments and evaluations, and preparing and proctoring recruit examinations.
• Instructs or coaches department officers in NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor competencies to ensure successful delivery of training at the crew level.
• Maintains training records management system and reviews training reports and updates from Officers; assisting Officers with time management to complete quarterly training objectives.
• Reviews and locks FP2 training reports, measures overall training progress, and reports to the Fire Chief on a regular basis.
• Performs special project work, including but not limited to: research and analysis of firefighting best practices, training, and related operational issues.
• Supervises assigned duties and functions of appointed Captain and Training Officer personnel assigned in each fire Station.
• Supports emergency incidents, Districts Emergency Operations Centres and as required. Provides support and direction to non-suppression divisions in the areas of training, records management and staff development.
• Participates in provincial training association (BCTOA) supports regional Training Officer Associations.
Performs other related duties as required.

Required Skills, Qualifications and Abilities:

• Completion of Grade 12.
• NFPA 1021 Fire Officer 2 certification.
• NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor 2 certification.
• EMA First Responder license (current).
• Ten years' experience in the Fire Service including working with Paid on-call members.
• Experience working in a public sector, local government environment.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Class 3 B.C. Driver's Licence with air brake endorsement; a satisfactory current driver's abstract will be required.
• Knowledge of evaluation and instructional methods.
• Knowledge of training techniques, tools and applicable procedures.
• Knowledge of Incident Command System principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the current firefighting and fire protection practices.
• Knowledge of the operation of firefighting equipment and apparatus.
• Knowledge of applicable acts or regulations affecting fire fighter safety.
• Knowledge of Department policies, guidelines, rules and regulations.
• Ability to organize, plan, and coordinate divisional operations.
• Ability to assign and supervise work of personnel responsible for delivery of training activities, programs and initiatives.
• Ability to speak in public and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to prepare concise oral, written and computer generated reports.
• Ability to prepare lesson pans, instructional material and procedures.
• Ability to identify training objectives and assess development needs.
• Ability to provide instruction using current training methods and principles.
The position may be physically demanding; candidate must be able to successfully perform all duties associated with the position. A medical certificate attesting to suitability for this position may be required.

A competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package is offered. This position is excluded from union membership.

Candidates being considered will be required to undergo a comprehensive evaluation of skills, qualifications, and abilities. This position has responsibility for vulnerable persons and will therefore be required to undergo a Vulnerable Sector screening check, in addition to a Police Information Check, if an offer of employment is made.