The Municipality of North Cowichan (population 31,900) is located in the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Southern Vancouver Island, between Nanaimo and Victoria. The community centres of North Cowichan are Chemainus, Crofton, Maple Bay and the South End. North Cowichan has four Fire Halls located in these four communities which are entirely staffed by paid-on-call, trained and dedicated volunteer Firefighters.

Each Fire Hall has its own Station Chief, Deputy Station Chief, Captains, and regular Firefighters, all of whom are members of the North Cowichan Fire Department. In addition to being employed at their regular jobs, our dedicated Firefighters work hard to keep North Cowichan protected. Our Firefighters are issued a pager and respond to their assigned Fire Hall or emergency scene when it's activated.

We are inviting applications from candidates with the proven skills, qualifications and abilities for the position of Deputy Station Chief, Maple Bay Fire Hall. If you are self-motivated, looking to take on a new challenge where you can make a difference, enjoy both responsibility and accountability, and are ready to join one of British Columbia's most inclusive and environmentally conscious municipalities, we look forward to receiving your application!

Taking direction from the Fire Chief, Deputy Chief(s)Assistant Chief(s), and Station Chief; the Deputy Station Chief will direct and supervise the Training and firefighting activities of the hall and administer applicable North Cowichan policies, operational guidelines, WorkSafe BC regulations and current Standards of Conduct for all members of the Fire Department.

Core responsibilities include:

• Ensuring all North Cowichan policies and procedures are adhered to by staff.
• Effectively supervise/lead the teams in the administration of their duties.
• Plan, direct and supervise through subordinate officers the activities of the Fire Department personnel as specified in the Fire Protection Bylaw and North Cowichan Policies.
• Responsible for the accurate input of data and information that the crew enters into North Cowichan's records management program, and ensures monthly compliance checks are completed.
• Assist in implementing Standard Operational Guidelines based on the model provided by the Office of the Fire Commissioner and WorkSafe BC.
• Assist in developing and implementing training programs in accordance with the Office of the Fire Commissioner's (OFC) Minimum Standard and to improve understanding and skill of all staff in firefighting, rescue procedures and direct coaching of such procedures
• Collaborate with the Fire Chief and/or the Assistant Fire Chiefs to submit an annual budget and long-range plan and make expenditures within approved limits .
• Maintain an effective working relationship with all North Cowichan Station Chiefs and all North Cowichan Officers and carry out such additional duties and exercises as directed by the Fire Chief.
• Ensure that inquiries and complaints regarding Fire Department activities or responsibilities are handled promptly, effectively, efficiently and with courtesy and the Fire Chief and Assistant Chiefs are kept up to date and informed.
• Participate in the North Cowichan Emergency Planning process.
• Assists in arranging annual training, new employee orientation, and staff development programs and opportunities.

Deployment to other duties may be required from time to time.

Required Skills, Qualifications and Abilities:

1. Completion of Grade 12 and ideally with post-secondary education.
2. Completed in a recognized NFPA compliant Officer Training Program (Fire Officer 2), NFPA 1041 Fire Services Instructor, a minimum of BCEMS ICS 200, other training as required by the Fire Chief.
3. Completion of NFPA 1521 Fire Safety Officer is preferred.
4. Minimum five (5) years of experience in a Fire Department and at least three (3) years supervisor experience.
5. Must have a valid BC Class 1, 2 or 3 Driver's license with air brake endorsement; a current CPR Level C and EMA First Responder Certificate.
6. Demonstrated progressive responsibility level within the fire department.
7. Demonstrated progressive experience as a Fire Department Officer.
8. Knowledge of Fire Department Standard Operational Guidelines, policies, procedures and applicable North Cowichan Bylaws and Provincial Codes, Acts and Regulations.
9. Knowledge of the OFC's Playbook Standard and WorkSafe BC Regulations.
10. Knowledge and training in British Columbia Emergency Management System (minimum ICS 200).
11. Knowledge of the community and fire protection area.
12. Strong ability to mentor, supervise and monitor members in the fire hall; participate in the preparation of all necessary reports, records and correspondence; and administer the operations of a fire department.
13. Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written including the ability to write and present clear and concise reports.
14. Ability to work independently, exercise discretion and sound judgment, and deal with complaints of a highly sensitive nature.
15. Demonstrable ability to effectively operate computers in a Microsoft Office environment including Word, Excel, Outlook, and to work within related record programs with good keyboarding skills.
16. Ability to deal tactfully, firmly, and fairly with the public and to maintain professional relationships with community leaders, volunteers and North Cowichan staff.
17. Must provide the commitment to participate in all training programs and workshops as Station Chief of the Fire Hall.

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.

This is a unionized position (CUPE Local 358) and the collective agreement may be viewed on our website.

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.