fire chief

Regional District of East KootenayFire Chief Elk Valley South CountryCompetition Number: 2026-36Posting Scope: Internal/ExternalPosted Date: September 21, 2026Closing Date: October 23, 12:30 PM MST Job Location:  Elk Valley/South Country Fire Halls - JaffrayDepartment: Protective Services Employment Type:  Full Time Salary:  $99, 517.60--$136,160/year depending on qualifications/experienceEmployee Group: ExemptNumber of Vacancies:   1POSITION FUNCTIONReporting to the Protective Services Manager (?the Manager?), the Fire Chief (?the Fire Chief?) is responsible for the organization and direction of multiple Fire Departments to ensure that the loss of life, property, or injury as a result of an emergency incident is prevented or minimized. The Fire Chief directs all Deputy Fire Chiefs and paid-on-call firefighters across four fire halls, Jaffray, Baynes Lake, Elko and Hosmer, ensuring a safe, professional, and timely response to all incidents, and that firefighting equipment and department property are well maintained. The role requires a broad combination of strategic leadership, emotional intelligence, and active involvement in day-to-day operations, with a people-first, values-driven approach that builds trust, psychological safety, and a culture of continuous learning. Working closely with the Manager on policy and planning while managing operations independently, the Fire Chief identifies future staffing and equipment needs, assesses potential critical impacts to the department, and remains aware of trends in fire protection service delivery.  KEY DUTIES Recruits, develops, and retains paid-on-call firefighters through leadership, mentorship, and regular performance feedback; selects and appoints paid-on-call fire officers and recommends the appointment, promotion, discipline, and dismissal of regular employees to the Manager or Chief Administrative Officer. Directs training programs so new and existing members meet operational demands and maintain required competencies and professional standards. Implements a comprehensive safety program and ensures adherence to WorkSafeBC and other applicable health and safety regulations; documents, reports, and investigates all accidents and incidents. Inspires and advances the RDEK culture by modelling open communication, collaboration, respect, and shared accountability, leading with emotional intelligence, empathy, and integrity, and exercising discretion with sensitive or confidential information. Directs daily administrative and operational activities of the service area Fire Departments, including scheduling, incident reporting, purchasing, correspondence, and records management. Prepares five-year financial plans, controls expenditures within approved budget limits, approves payroll for paid-on-call firefighters and Deputy Fire Chiefs, and ensures purchasing follows RDEK policy. Oversees asset management for each of the four stations, grant management for the department, and new software implementation and usage (e.g., the transition from FDM to First Due); establishes General Operational Guidelines and advises the Manager and Chief Administrative Officer on operations and policy. Prepares and updates short- and long-range goals, evaluates needs, recommends the orderly addition or replacement of facilities, vehicles, and equipment, and ensures operational readiness through regular maintenance and servicing of fire halls, apparatus, and equipment. Responds to emergency calls and assumes direct command or provides operational/tactical supervision at fires and other incidents, which may involve work outside regular business hours. Manages wildfire deployments and supervises crews during OFC/BC Wildfire Service deployments and local incidents; supervises contractors; attends day, evening, and weekend events, including weekly training sessions. Acts as a liaison between the service area Fire Departments and RDEK departments, Fire Chief counterparts, contractors, government agencies, th