Job Summary

The Assistant Chief, Staff Development and Safety is part of the Executive Officer team and is responsible for directing and managing the division which includes business and strategic planning, technical activities, personnel recruiting, mentoring and staff development, budget, labour relations, goal setting, and overall operations. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Leads the development, execution, and management of divisional business strategies, encompassing both short- and long-term initiatives, programs, and projects, while ensuring effective budgeting and resource allocation.
• Manages assigned staff; hires, assigns work schedules, assesses staffing needs, identifies and pursues other resources if necessary and performs layoff and recall.  Plans and approves staff development.  Conducts performance management and, when required, disciplinary action.
• Works collaboratively with other Executive Officers to develop and evaluate policies, operating procedures, and emergency operating procedures to ensure they meet the needs of the department.
• Ensures that all activities of the Staff Development & Safety Division are conducted in accordance with Department procedures, operating procedures, emergency operating procedures, and rules and regulations.
• Plans, prepares, and reviews the annual capital and operating division budgets for the approval of the Fire Chief ensuring its implementation.
• Manages and oversees the coordination, development and tracking of training and certification requirements for all divisions of the department.
• Works collaboratively with other SFD Divisions to incorporate programs and techniques to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of SFD employees and ensures staff development and training needs are update.
• Manages and oversees the coordination and development of Specialty Programs to align with other divisional needs.
• Acts as the Department’s liaison with the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics related to certification, training requirements, and other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.
• Responds to major emergency incidents as part of the Department Emergency Incident Management Protocol.
• Acts as the management Co-chairperson of the joint Management/Union Occupational Health and Safety Committee (OHC), which includes conducting critiques and investigations, communicating recommendations to appropriate person(s), and ensuring documentation is recorded and shared with the appropriate person(s).
• Provides leadership and operational support to departmental teams in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives that foster a respectful, inclusive, and culturally competent workplace.
• Acts as the management Co-chairperson of the joint Management/Union Training Advisory Committee.
• Oversees the SFD Chief Officer Development Program including the implementation and adoption of new education, training, and skills development
• Represents the Department and the City of Saskatoon with other agencies in public and private sectors.
• Acts as a member of the Management/Labour Committee with Local 80, I.A.F.F.
• Assumes the duties of the Fire Chief, as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Degree in commerce, business administration or a related field.  Graduation from Dalhousie University Certificate in Fire Service Administration, or related Fire Service Management Certificate programs would be an asset.
• Seven to nine years’ related experience, including experience in emergency operations (i.e. Fire Suppression, Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Care, and Technical Rescue and Dangerous Goods mitigation).
• Completion of the City of Saskatoon Supervisor 101 Program is preferred.
• Holds the rank of Qualified Officer (IFSAC certification Fire Officer Level II NFPA 1021 or equivalent).
• Possession of IFSAC certification as Fire Service Instructor Level I NFPA 1041. Possession of IFSAC certification as Fire Service Instructor Level 2 NFPA 1041 would be an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, direct, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including the ability to prepare and present complex technical reports.
• Currently enrolled in the SFD Chief Officer Development Program.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement to make decisions in complex and confidential situations.
• Knowledge of Department functions and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of Emergency Measures and Emergency Preparedness.
• Knowledge of supervisory and management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the City of Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services Bylaw 7990, Property Maintenance and Nuisance Abatement Bylaw 8175, The Saskatchewan Fire Safety Act, and The Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with people in a unionized environment.