Director of Protective Services (Fire Chief)

TOWN OF WATSON LAKE - EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Director of Protective Services

Closing Date: Monday, April 29, 2024

Job Type: Full-time; Permanent

Department: Protective Services (Volunteer Fire Department)

Pay Range: Dependent on Experience

Hours: 40 hours per week

Watson Lake, widely known as the "Gateway to the Yukon", and home to the world-famous Signpost Forest, is a welcoming community located near the Yukon/BC border, within the traditional territory of the Kaska Dena. With a population of just under 1000 residents, we are small in size but vast in community spirit, opportunity, and natural beauty. With endless lakes, rivers, mountains, and trails to explore, Watson Lake is a beautiful place to work, live, and play. Fall in love with the pristine beauty, stunning wildlife, and peaceful tranquility of the Yukon.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Protective Services will staff, lead, and manage the Watson Lake Volunteer Fire Department and its firefighters, as well as manage the Bylaw Department. In this position you will perform the functions of Chief of the Watson Lake Volunteer Fire Department and the Local Assistant to the Yukon Fire Marshal under the Yukon Fire Prevention Act. This position plays a critical role in overseeing emergency services and bylaw enforcement to support the Town of Watson Lake's Strategic Plan and ensure public safety.

Responsibilities include:

Provide direct leadership, mentoring and training to the volunteer firefighters and Bylaw and Development Officer, in a manner compliant with applicable policies, procedures, and law;

Provide expertise, guidance, and recommendations to the Chief Administrative Officer and elected officials in all aspects of emergency services and bylaw management and enforcement;

Lead in the development and implementation of the Department's operational plan to ensure Department activities, programs, and goals are aligned with the Town of Watson Lake Strategic Plan;

Develop and implement bylaws, procedures, programs, and policies that address emerging needs, expectations, and operational priorities of the Departments;

Manage the overall administration of the Departments and the volunteer firefighters including, but not limited to, financials and budgets, recruitment, and human resource functions;

Establish, model, support and encourage a collaborative and healthy work environment within the Department and the volunteer firefighters;

Maintain, and keep inventory on emergency service equipment, keeping current with technical, legislative, and administrative changes, ensuring equipment is being replaced as needed;

Maintain records on volunteer firefighter recruitment, training, and skill development, and implement practices and training as required;

Maintain records on the operations of the Department, including the preparation of monthly and quarterly Department and fire reports;

Lead the Department in public engagement and educational programs and services;

Respond, assess, and lead fire and emergency situations and determine appropriate action required, and;

Plan and participate in community awareness and educational programming.

Qualifications and Experience:

Post-secondary education in Fire Service Management, Emergency Medical Services, or similar related field;

Minimum of 5 years' experience in Fire Service; with at least 2 years in a full command position;

Possess NFPA 1001 level II certification;

Possess NFPA 1041 level II certification;

Possess NFPA 1051, S-215, WUI, or related wildland training or certification;

Management skills such as strategic planning, organization, interpersonal, problem-solving and conflict resolution; preferably with experience in a municipal government setting;

Thorough knowledge of federal and territorial codes and regulations and municipal legislation

Proven supervisory, leadership and management abilities;

Proven training experience and ability to prepare and deliver training programs;

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and

Hold a valid Class 3 driver's licence with air endorsement.

The successful candidate is required to supply a criminal record check and a copy of their credentials prior to their start date.

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