Assistant Chief, Training and Inspections

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.

We are inviting applications from candidates with the proven skills, qualifications and abilities for the position of Assistant Chief, Training and Inspections. 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!

Reporting to the Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, this position provides support with the strategic direction, leadership, and management of North Cowichan's Fire Service. The Assistant Chief, Training and Inspections is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of the firefighter training programs. Along with leading and managing department training initiatives, this role will use data and performance metrics to evaluate and report on training program effectiveness and operational readiness. As an integral member of the management team, the Assistant Fire Chief ensures training programs are current, effective, and aligned with industry standards.

This position is responsible to assist in conducting fire inspections, investigations, building pre-incident planning and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. Performs other tasks as required.

Hours of work may vary to accommodate operational requirements such as meetings, training schedules, and paid on-call firefighter availability this position will be part of the after hours, Duty Chief rotation. Required Skills, Qualifications, and Abilities:

• Relevant post-secondary education augmented by completion of the following certifications:
• Accredited NFPA 1021 Fire Officer level 3
• NFPA 1021 Fire Inspector 1
• NFPA 1041 Instructor Level 2,
• Fire Service Evaluator Course
• BC Fire Code Course
• Fire Cause Origin 1
• ICS 400
• Fire and Life Safety Educator 1
• Valid BC EMA- First responder license
• Post Secondary bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• The candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in a senior Fire Officer or Chief Officer role, preferably within a unionized municipal or regional fire service, with demonstrated experience in Fire Training and Fire Prevention programs.
• The role requires proven ability to evaluate and develop Fire Training strategies and implement new Training programs to meet Municipal or Regional objectives.
• The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience building and managing complex training programs, with experiences conducting fire inspections including pre fire plans, with knowledge of Municipal budget responsibility, grant‑funded initiatives, and contractor and consultant oversight.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Fire Training, Inspection/Prevention, emergency management, firefighting practices, apparatus and equipment, firefighter safety legislation, and the Incident Command System is required.
• The position requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, along with the ability to exercise sound judgment and independent decision‑making.
• The candidate must demonstrate strong organizational, project management, and time‑management skills, with the ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and prioritize complex operational and divisional activities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills are required, including the ability to prepare technical reports, brief senior leadership, and participate in public education and outreach activities.
• The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with staff, volunteers, First Nations, community groups, partner agencies, elected officials, and the public.
• The role requires possession and maintenance of a valid Class 3 BC Driver's License with air brake endorsement and a satisfactory driver's abstract.
• The candidate must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, with medical clearance if required, and successfully complete a Police Information Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• The successful candidate shall have a proven background in complex fire investigation and report writing capabilities for documenting Fire investigations for Origin and Cause completing all Investigation duties as required under the Office of the Fire Commissioner requirements.

The ideal candidate for this position will maintain a successful police information check, including a vulnerable sector check. 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.