Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY

We have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and experienced Fire Chief to champion innovation, operational excellence and community collaboration within the High Level Fire Department (HLFD). Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Fire Chief will be responsible for ensuring operational readiness, managing budgets, strengthening paid on-call recruitment and retention, building strong community and inter-agency relationships and serving as the Incident Commander at major emergencies.

The Fire Chief will lead a composite department that includes a Deputy Fire Chief, Work Experience Program firefighters, a Wildland Urban Interface team, and a dedicated complement of paid on-call firefighters. The Chief will also play an important role in the upcoming Fire Services Review, supporting its process and leading implementation of its recommendations.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and respected leader who cultivates a strong departmental culture, inspires paid on-call engagement, and champions HLFD’s innovative programs including the Work Experience Program (WEP) and the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Team ensuring their continued success as leading models in northern Alberta.

As a visible and trusted presence, the Fire Chief will work closely with the CAO, Mackenzie County, Indigenous communities, the RCMP, and contracted ambulance providers to strengthen partnerships and deliver high-quality emergency and fire services across the Town and region.

THE ORGANIZATION

The Town of High Level is a vibrant northern community of approximately 4,000 residents, serving as the regional service and trading center for a surrounding population of more than 30,000 people. Located in the northwest corner of Alberta, High Level is strategically positioned at the intersection of Highways 35 and 58, providing critical access to northern industries and communities.

The Town is recognized as a hub for healthcare, education, retail, construction, transportation, and resource development. Its strategic location and regional role provide unique opportunities and challenges for municipal service delivery, including fire and emergency services.

The High Level Fire Department (HLFD) is a composite department comprised of a full-time Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, full-time firefighters, Work Experience Program firefighters, a Wildland Urban Interface team, and a dedicated group of paid-on-call volunteers. HLFD proudly provides a full range of services including fire suppression, structural and wildland firefighting, rescue operations, fire prevention and inspection, training, medical co-response, and mutual aid support to regional partners.

Vision

High Level, an inclusive and vibrant community, with a strong and resilient economy that offers an active and healthy lifestyle.

Mission

Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Community, Safety. We foster a thriving community that enhances our quality of life through sustainable planning, economic prosperity, and inclusion.

For more information, please visit their website:

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Culture

• Provide vision, leadership, and direction for the High Level Fire Department.
• Foster a positive departmental culture built on trust, integrity, and professionalism.
• Strengthen paid on-call and staff engagement through open communication, recognition, and team building.
• Champion and expand innovative HLFD programs such as the Work Experience Program and Wildland Urban Interface team.

Emergency Response

• Serve as Incident Commander at major emergencies, ensuring effective command under ICS.
• Participate in duty chief and on-call rotations, providing operational response when required.
• Direct fire suppression, rescue, wildland/urban interface operations, hazardous materials response, and medical co-response.
• Lead pre-incident planning and preparedness for major wildfire and evacuation scenarios.
• Ensure readiness of all personnel, facilities, vehicles, and equipment.

Prevention, Inspection & Education

• Oversee fire prevention programs, safety inspections, and code enforcement.
• Lead FireSmart and community risk reduction programs, in partnership with Alberta Wildfire.
• Promote fire safety and preparedness through public education and engagement programs.

Human Resources & Paid On-Call Management

• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate full-time, work-experience, and paid-on-call members.
• Strengthen paid on-call recruitment, retention, and recognition programs to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that encourages retention and professional growth.
• Provide mentorship and leadership development opportunities through the Work Experience Program.

Finance & Asset Management

• Prepare and administer operating and capital budgets.
• Oversee lifecycle management of vehicles, equipment, and facilities.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and effective use of municipal resources.

Emergency Management & Partnerships

• Support municipal emergency management planning and preparedness in collaboration with the CAO.
• Maintain and strengthen mutual aid agreements, collaborating closely with surrounding municipalities, Mackenzie County, Indigenous communities, and provincial agencies, RCMP, and contracted ambulance providers.
• Enhance partnerships and coordination in medical co-response and other fire service areas.
• Act as a visible and trusted representative of the Town in regional and provincial emergency service networks.

Community Engagement & Reporting

• Provide regular reports on departmental activities, risks, and achievements to the CAO and Council.
• Collaborate with other Town directors to ensure alignment of reporting and communication.
• Demonstrate political acumen when advising the CAO and advocating for departmental resources.
• Build public trust through transparency, professionalism, and proactive engagement with residents, businesses, and regional partners.
• Support the Fire Services Review process and lead implementation of recommendations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of Post-Secondary education (Diploma or Degree in Emergency Service Administration is an asset).
• 5+ years in a Fire Officer position in a municipal environment; 5+ years progressive supervisory and leadership positions in a municipal fire department would be an asset.
• NFPA credentials in support of Senior Officer level.
• ICS 300 required; ICS 400 preferred.
• Safety Codes Officer – Fire (Level I or II) or equivalent is an asset.
• Medical first response certification (EMR/PCP) or willingness to obtain.
• Strong financial acumen, with proven experience in budgeting, capital planning, and resource management.
• Valid Alberta Class 3 or 4 driver’s license with air brake endorsement and clean driver’s abstract.
• Clear criminal record check including vulnerable sector screening.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to foster teamwork, trust, accountability, and cultural renewal.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and analytical abilities, exercising sound judgment under pressure and in complex situations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively to Council, staff, and the public.
• Skilled in building collaborative relationships with Indigenous partners, community stakeholders, regional/provincial agencies, and intermunicipal organizations.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity in managing confidential and sensitive matters.
• Commitment to modernizing systems, processes, and governance to enhance organizational transparency, efficiency, and service delivery.
• Political and cultural acumen, with sensitivity to northern, rural, and intercultural contexts.
• Strong knowledge of fire suppression, emergency management, and medical co-response practices.

Working Conditions

• The Fire Chief role involves irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call availability for emergency response.
• Work may be physically and mentally demanding, requiring extended periods of standing, lifting, and exposure to hazardous environments, extreme weather, and high-stress situations.
• Protective equipment must be worn in accordance with safety protocols.
• The role requires resilience, rapid decision-making, and the ability to lead under pressure in unpredictable and sometimes dangerous conditions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

JESSE JACOBSON |T: 587.453.4242|E: jesse.jacobson@richardsonsearch.ca|

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