About the Township of Muskoka Lakes

Work where others vacation. Nestled in the District Municipality of Muskoka, the Township of Muskoka Lakes delivers an exceptional quality of life without the big city stresses. This premier outdoor recreation region is home to welcoming small communities and supports a four-season lifestyle – providing more time for family and personal pursuits, and the opportunity to live and work in the same stunning environment, all within a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto.

Why Join Our Team

The culture at the Township of Muskoka Lakes is upbeat, positive and collaborative. Working for a municipality offers the opportunity to make a visible impact in your community. The Township of Muskoka Lakes is dedicated to providing a professional, safe, and inclusive workplace where employees are supported to achieve their full potential. The Township of Muskoka Lakes strives to be an employer of choice for strong talent dedicated to serving our community, and offers the following:

• 100% employer-matched defined benefit pension plan with OMERS.

• Competitive wages and a well-rounded employer-paid benefits package including dental, health, wellness, long-term and short-term disability.

• Support for paid time off, including personal days, vacation starting at 3 weeks, an overtime bank option, holiday office closure and 13 paid public holidays.

• Flexible work arrangements, including work from home available to support and nurture work-life balance.

• Substantial paid internal and external training and development opportunities, including support for professional designations.

• Staff recognition and appreciation programs.

• Interesting, varied work with the opportunity to gain experience across multiple disciplines.

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Fire Chief is responsible for the overall Fire operations and administration and Emergency Services.

Summary Of Responsibilities (Full Job Description Available Upon Request): 

• Perform the statutory duties of a Fire Chief as required by the Fire Prevention and Protection Act (FPPA) and by the Township of Muskoka Lakes Regulating By-Law. Maintain an expert level awareness of the statutes and amendments and the effect of corresponding regulations.

• Ensure self, officers, and firefighters, become certified and maintain skills and knowledge in compliance with NFPA Professional Qualifications, where applicable.

• Ensure measures are in place for the prevention, control and extinguishment of fires and the protection of life and property.

• Respond to emergencies, critical or extraordinary situations as required. Provide strategic direction and when required assume command at major or critical incidents.

• Develop, maintain and implement Fire Department policies, operational guidelines, rules, orders, and directives; including the direction and delegation to other members of the Fire Department for enforcement.

• Manage and direct the divisions of the Fire Department; Administration and Support Services, Fire Prevention & Public Education, Emergency Operations, Training, and Maintenance. Provide leadership and communication through regular meetings and appropriate delegation with department personnel.

• Establish and maintain as necessary mutual and/or automatic aid agreements with neighboring municipalities to provide fire protection or other related services.

• Prepare and present annually a departmental budget; an annual report and any other specific reports requested by the CAO or Council.

• Provide regular advice and information to the CAO and Council regarding Department operations, service delivery, performance or strategic priorities, statutory obligations, risks and emerging issues

• Implement and maintain the Fire Master Plan for the Township and review, update and maintain the Fire Establishment and Regulating By-Law for the Township.

• Supervise and mentor technical and administrative staff in methods, procedures and techniques, and in the administration of legislation, codes and by-laws.

• Prepare specifications and tenders for new equipment and provide recommendations regarding major apparatus and equipment requirements

• Review contract documents and confirm compliance

• Oversee the implementation of the Emergency Management Program, ensuring annual training and documentation requirements are in place in accordance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

• Formulate, develop, and recommend annual operating and capital budgets, forecasts, and potential funding sources, including 10 and 20-year capital budget forecasts.

• Develop, monitor and review Fire and Emergency Services assets as part of the Corporate Asset Management Plan.

• Monitor and administer approved department budgets and report periodically on same, liaising with the Treasurer; investigate, report and make recommendations with respect to revenue maximization, cost containment and alternative financing methods.

• Develop and maintain good relationships with, and respond to inquiries, issues and concerns from Council, ratepayers, departments, other levels of government, external agencies, etc. and provide interpretation, guidance and information as necessary.

• Participate as a member of the Township’s Senior Leadership Team and contribute to corporate strategic planning, initiatives and cross-departmental projects.

• Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations as well as the corporate Occupational Health and Safety Program, related policies and procedures.

• Administer other related duties or special projects, as assigned, which are in accordance with job responsibilities or necessary departmental or corporate objectives.

Qualifications And Experience

• University degree in a related field (Business, Emergency Services, etc.) or related experience.

• Formal firefighting training including but not limited to; Fire Officer IV (NFPA 1021) and Fire Investigator (NFPA 1033).

• Minimum five (5) years experience in an officer role, preferably a Chief or Deputy.

• Minimum five (5) years experience in Fire Services and Emergency Response administration.

• Must be certified (or willing to obtain) with experience as a Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC)

• Knowledge of all Fire Codes, Acts, By-Laws and Legislation pertaining to Fire Prevention

• Valid Ontario driver’s license, class DZ and abstract in good standing

• Strong technological ability and experience, including experience with Firepro, spreadsheets, GIS and mapping applications

• Certification and experience for the delivery of NFPA 1021 Fire Service Officer Level I and II an asset.

• Certification and experience for the delivery of NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor Level I and II an asset.

• Excellent communication skills, report writing and presentation abilities.

• Proven leadership experience overseeing staff and administrative processes with excellent organizational, analytical, interpersonal and problem-solving skills

• Demonstrated high level of critical thinking with the ability to perform in a proactive and strategic manner and plan, prioritize and balance multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities successfully.

• Clean criminal record check including vulnerable sector.

Accommodations If you require disability-related accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please advise the Human Resources department as soon as possible. Accommodation may be provided in all steps of the hiring process.