Division Chief, Fire Prevention & Risk Reduction

Job Summary

As an integral member of the Senior Fire Management Team, the Division Chief, Fire Prevention and Risk Reduction provides strategic leadership and oversight for the City's fire prevention, public education, and risk reduction programs. Reporting to the Deputy Fire Chief, this role is responsible for the administration and delivery of fire prevention services, fire safety education, fire and explosion investigations, and regulatory enforcement activities. The Division Chief leads and develops a team dedicated to enhancing community safety, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and fire codes, and advancing progressive fire prevention and risk reduction initiatives across the City.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Attends and participates as delegated, in the Incident Management Team for the Emergency Operations Centre for the City of Mississauga (if activated).
• Acts as the Deputy Fire Chief where delegated by the Fire Chief, and as an Assistant to the Fire Marshal of Ontario under the provisions of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA).
• Ensures enforcement of municipal fire prevention by-laws, the Ontario Fire and Building Codes, the National Fire Code (where applicable) and other applicable codes and standards by assigning staff to carry out these duties.
• Manages the surveys of premises, by enforcing municipal fire prevention by-laws, the Ontario Fire and Building Codes, the National Fire Code (where applicable) and other applicable codes, standards and statutes, and the examination of building plans for compliance with applicable codes and standards.,
• Co-ordinates the inspections of premises that requires a license from the municipality, provincial or federal government in order to ensure fire safety.
• Causes information to be laid and prosecutes infractions of all applicable By-laws, codes, acts, standards and statutes.
• Acts, or assigns fire prevention and life safety staff to act as a witness in court where there are prosecutions under the FPPA, municipal by-law codes, acts, standards and statutes.
• Co-ordinates the examination of fire scenes (when required) for the purpose of investigation of the origin and cause of the fire / explosion and reporting same to the Fire Marshal of Ontario as required by the FPPA.
• Ensures that all public education programs meet the needs of the legislative requirements of the FPPA and the circumstances of the community.
• Responsible for the supervision of plan examination activities for building permit application, inspections of premises, enforcing municipal fire prevention by-laws, the Ontario Fire and Building Codes, the National FireCode (where applicable), and other applicable codes and standards, public education and fire investigation activities.
• Responsible for managing the activities of all staff (Public Educators, Inspectors, Plan Examiners, Administrative Support, Officers and other staff assigned to the division including permanent or temporary employees), including assigning and reviewing assignments, daily workflow and performance appraisal as well as ensuring appropriate staff training.

Duties and Responsibilities Continued

• Reviews fire prevention inspection reports conducted by in-service fire crews where compliance with applicable fire regulations has not been obtained and assigns fire prevention staff to follow up where necessary.
• Manages the employee Attendance Management Program including conducting meetings with employees, proper documentation and appropriate disciplinary action.
• Monitors sick time usage in accordance with the Attendance Management Program.
• Manages employee relations issues including conducting meetings with employees, ensuring proper documentation and appropriate employee discipline.
• Reviews and authorizes overtime, vacation periods and time off requests etc. (where and when appropriate).
• Participates in the selection process of new staff, and promotional process of existing staff.
• Responsible for providing timely response to enquiries from the Mayor and Council (preparing reports or assigned projects when required on behalf of the Fire Chief), internal and external clients. 
• Prepares a yearly budget of operational expenditure for the Division of Fire Prevention and submits it to the Deputy Fire Chief.
• Responsible for the monitoring and usage of the designated budget.
• Maintains a records system and file all required reports with appropriate agencies.
• Develops and administers business and information systems related to Fire Prevention programs and activities.
• Reviews policies and procedures relevant to Fire Prevention and Life Safety, recommending additions, changes or revisions where necessary.
• Prepares reports as required for dealing with fire protection issues.
• Oversees the coordination of presentations, lectures, etc., on fire prevention to operational personnel, civic groups, etc.
• Maintains Fire Department photographic capabilities and causes fire hazards and fire scenes to be photographed for permanent records and court purposes.
• Performs related work such as discussing the fire safety problems with the public, building inspectors, etc., and speaks on fire safety and fire prevention topics when required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Post-secondary graduation in Building Construction, Engineering, Fire Protection Technology or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Fire Prevention, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess a Fire Inspector II (NFPA 1031-2) Certification in Ontario.
• A Fire Investigator (NFPA 1033) Certification in Ontario considered an asset.
• Must hold and maintain a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) for General Legal Processes and Fire Protection.
• 7+ years of experience working with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA), Building Code Act (BCA), the Ontario Fire Code, and the Ontario Building Code is preferred. 
• Proven supervisory skills and ability to direct, evaluate and effectively manage staff.
• Strong written and interpersonal skills required, including the ability to establish effective working relationships and provide quality customer service.
• Experience working in a unionized environment considered an asset.
• Must possess a valid, Class “G” Driver's Licence or above (or equivalent for out of province applicants) along with a Driver Abstract deemed acceptable to the City of Mississauga..
• A Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) will be required of the successful candidate, at their own expense, to verify the absence of a criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted.