Deputy Fire Chief – Communications, Training, Apparatus & Maintenance

City of Burlington

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Burlington Fire is a high-performing and progressive organization recognized for its innovation, professionalism, and strong sense of community. Our team is dedicated to protecting lives, property, and the environment through excellence in service delivery, continuous improvement, and collaboration. We are seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking individual for the position of Deputy Fire Chief for Communications, Training, Apparatus & Maintenance. This is an exciting opportunity for a high-calibre professional with technical expertise, strategic insight, and proven leadership ability to support the ongoing modernization and operational excellence of a progressive fire service. The successful candidate will provide executive oversight of Burlington Fire’s Communications, Training, Apparatus & Maintenance Divisions. This includes leading a multi-disciplinary team responsible for emergency communications, staff training and certification, fleet and equipment lifecycle management, and mission-critical technology systems that support both front-line and administrative operations. Confidence working in a political environment, an open and collaborative leadership style, and a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and teamwork will be essential in building effective relationships with staff, City partners, and external stakeholders.

Requirements

10+ years of experience within a Fire department.
Minimum 3 years of progressive fire service experience as a chief officer, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree in Fire Service Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
Proven ability to lead or oversee technology-driven programs or communication systems within a public safety, municipal, or comparable operational setting, with knowledge of CAD systems and related mission-critical applications considered an asset.
Demonstrated ability to lead diverse operational portfolios, including areas such as fleet and equipment management, staff development, and the integration of new technology or process improvements in a public safety or municipal setting.
Comprehensive understanding of applicable legislation, municipal bylaws, and fire service standards governing operations in Ontario, including the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA), Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), and relevant NFPA standards.
Demonstrated project management experience, including procurement, lifecycle planning, and implementation of operational and technology initiatives.
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with a proven ability to foster collaboration, innovation, and accountability within a multi-disciplinary environment.
Commitment to developing people and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace that reflects the City’s values of accountability, adaptability, integrity, and helpfulness.
A valid G-class driver’s licence is required with an acceptable driver’s abstract (no more than three (3) driving related convictions and an accumulation of no more than three (3) demerit points in the previous three (3) years prior to the date of hire).
Police Check Requirement This position requires the successful candidate to provide a clear criminal record check and/or a clear criminal record check with a vulnerable sector screening at their own expense.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership and strategic oversight of the Fire Communications, Training, Apparatus & Maintenance Division portfolios.
Leads and supervises the Chief Communications Officer, Chief Training Officer, and Chief Mechanical Officer to ensure alignment with departmental goals and operational readiness.
Oversees the implementation and management of mission-critical technology systems, including telecommunications, data systems, and supporting applications that enhance emergency operations and interoperability.
Develops and maintains comprehensive procurement and life-cycle management plans for fire apparatus, firefighting equipment, and technology-based systems in accordance with NFPA standards and City policy.
Ensures the operational readiness of the department through the effective administration of training programs, maintenance of facilities and equipment, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborates with the Fire Management Team on annual operating and capital budgets, identifying priorities, efficiencies, and future resource needs.
Works collaboratively with the Burlington Professional Firefighters Association (Local 1552) to promote positive and proactive labour-management relations.
Leads and contributes to departmental and corporate projects related to business planning, strategic initiatives, policy and standard operating guideline development, technology modernization, and performance measurement.
Builds and maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen operational coordination, technology partnerships, and community safety outcomes.
Participates in the on-call rotation as a senior officer, providing leadership and decision-making at major incidents.
Acts on behalf of the Fire Chief as required.
Performs other related duties as assigned.