Fire Chief

Founded in 1995, through the amalgamation of various towns, villages, and local service districts, the City of Miramichi (Miramichi) thrives with a vibrant social and cultural scene. Miramichi was originally home to the Mi'kmaq First Nation and later became part of the French colony of Acadia. Today, Miramichi continues to renew itself with emerging economies and a focus on the development of public spaces and infrastructure. The City of Miramichi, with a population of 18,000, is located on the east coast of New Brunswick and the shores of the beautiful Miramichi River.

The City of Miramichi’s Fire Department is a pillar of safety and service in the vibrant community of Miramichi. With a team of highly trained full-time and volunteer firefighters, the team is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.

Responsible for the administrative and technical work in planning, organizing, and directing firefighting and fire prevention activities, the City of Miramichi is currently searching for their next Fire Chief.

Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Fire Chief serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Miramichi Fire Department and has responsibilities to the Fire Marshal and the Province of New Brunswick. The Fire Chief oversees administrative and technical planning, organizing, staff training, budgeting, and all other administrative matters, ensuring the department keeps pace with changing local conditions and technological advancements.

The successful candidate must reside in Miramichi or a surrounding area.

As the Fire Chief, you will:

• Supervise the overall administration of the fire department including the workforce and requisitioning of material and equipment.
• Manage the preparation of departmental budget and maintenance of records.
• Organize and direct all work activities at fires or other emergencies as required.
• Organize and supervise fire prevention inspection and be responsible for public relations programs.
• Approve investigation plans that relate to fire department investigators and ensure a close working relationship with other investigators.
• Direct the maintenance, repair, and replacement of firefighting equipment, fire station, and other properties of the department.
• Direct the training of firefighting personnel and approve methods of firefighting and use of equipment.
• Prepare rules and regulations for the efficient operation of the department and consult the City Manager regarding major policy determination.
• Interpret and administer the Collective Agreement and recommend staff hiring, promotion, and discipline.
• Establish performance standards and evaluate the job performance of staff.
• Counsel, instruct, and give direction to team members on work performance, policies, procedures regulations, and codes.
• Conduct conferences with staff, civic officers, and industrial representatives.
• Participate in Civic Program, Emergency Measures Activities, and maintain membership in Professional Associations related to the position.

As the ideal candidate you possess:

• A High School Diploma, Journeyman Firefighter Certification, Province of N.B. or equivalent.
• A certificate in Fire Services.
• Ideally, you have graduated from a college or university program with major coursework in Fire Technology, Fire Administration, Public Administration, or related field or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
• A minimum of eight (8) years’ professional experience, ideally in fire services, however experience in other first responder and/or military services is acceptable.
• Five (5) years of experience in a supervisory capacity.

Additionally, as the ideal candidate:

• You are comfortable working in a unionized environment and building relationships with union representatives.
• You have strong leadership and management abilities, particularly in leading collaboration between unionized employees and volunteers.
• You have a proven track record of professionalizing and modernizing fire and first responder services departments, with effective policies and a culture of respect and professionalism.
• You possess the ability to track and manage data accurately, implementing systems that improve department operations and performance.
• You understand the political and public-facing nature of the role and can effectively navigate relationships with the city council and community.
• You are skilled in implementing changes, completing long-term projects, and leading the transition.

If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Mark Gillis, Partner, at mgillis@kbrs.ca or Natalie Lagace, Senior Recruitment Specialist, at nlagace@kbrs.ca or submit your application online at: https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/18338.

The principles of equal opportunity employment will be upheld throughout this process. KBRS will also provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professionals named within this advertisement.