The Deputy Chief is a senior leadership position within the Saint John Fire Department and Emergency Management Organization (EMO). Reporting to the Fire Chief, the Deputy Chief is a member of the City’s senior leadership team and is responsible for strategic leadership, governance, compliance, and administrative oversight of Emergency Management, Fire Service compliance functions, and Fire Department administrative services.
This role provides enterprise-level leadership for Emergency Management Operations, regulatory compliance, performance management, and organizational effectiveness, while supporting operational readiness and the long-term transformation of the Fire Department through the implementation of the Fire Service Strategy. The Deputy Chief, when assigned by the Fire Chief, will act as the Department Head in the absence of the Chief. The Deputy Chief is expected to maintain a high level of confidentiality and be solutions oriented. They will be expected to understand the key relationships of the Fire Chief and work to sustain, build, and protect the fire service network as developed by the Fire Chief.
Primary Purpose:
Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Chief:
- Manages the Saint John Emergency Management Organization (SJEMO)
- Ensures compliance with applicable legislation, by-laws, policies, and standards
- Provides senior leadership of administrative services, performance management, and data-informed decision-making
- Supports the development and execution of the 15-year Fire Service Strategy
- Drives organizational culture change, operational integration, and continuous improvement across the Fire Department
- Provides operational leadership during emergency incidents
This position plays a pivotal role in advancing public safety outcomes, enterprise resilience, and service excellence for the citizens of Saint John.
Key Responsibilities
Emergency Management Leadership
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Emergency Management Organization (SJEMO)
- Develop and implement EMO strategies, operational plans, and preparedness frameworks
- Manages EMO operations during activations, including multi-agency coordination within the SJEMO structure
- Build EMO capacity through training, exercises, and stakeholder engagement
- Facilitate regional collaboration initiatives and explore shared service opportunities
- Provide leadership for major emergency incidents, either on scene or within emergency operations structures
Compliance, Governance and Risk Management
- Ensure departmental compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, by-laws, policies, and professional standards related to fire services and emergency management
- Provide expert administrative and technical advice to the Fire Chief on compliance, governance, and regulatory risk
- Lead fire prevention, inspection, investigation, and code enforcement functions through oversight and integration with operations
- Monitor legal liability, policy adherence, and organizational risk, recommending corrective actions as required
Administrative and Corporate Leadership
- Provide leadership to administrative services, including managers and direct reports
- Develop, execute, and oversee short and long-term departmental projects, programs, and initiatives
- Lead performance management frameworks using data, metrics, and continuous improvement practices
- Analyze operational and financial data; prepare executive-level reports, briefings, and recommendations
- Assist in the development, administration, and monitoring of departmental budgets
- Ensure alignment of departmental plans and initiatives with Council priorities and City policies
Fire Service Strategy and Change Management
- Lead and champion the implementation of the Fire Service Strategy and Fire Service Review recommendations
- Act as project champion and primary liaison for strategic initiatives across the organization
- Drive culture change initiatives that bridge traditional fire service operations and fire prevention functions
- Renew and embed organizational Mission, Vision, and Values into decision-making and performance expectations
- Identify data-driven efficiencies and service improvements aligned with community risk and growth
Operational Support and Readiness
- Provide administrative and strategic support to the Operational Deputy Chief to ensure effective delivery of daily fire operations and emergency response services
- Serve as backup to the Operational Deputy within the department or as senior command on scene during times of the Operational Deputy’s absence or as required by the department
- Enable operational readiness by coordinating policy development, performance reporting, business processes, and resource allocation in alignment with operational priorities
- Ensure effective integration and collaboration between Fire Prevention, Fire Operations, and administrative functions to support risk reduction and operational effectiveness
- Lead and oversee asset management, budgeting coordination, and administrative systems to ensure operational resources are sustained, compliant, and aligned with service needs
- Champion departmental level leadership for workforce planning, succession planning, mentorship frameworks, and leadership development initiatives that support operational continuity and future readiness
- Champion a department wide culture of health and safety, professionalism, accountability, and customer service through policies, administrative practices, and organizational standards
- Support the Operational Deputy by translating operational requirements into administrative actions, reports, and recommendations for senior leadership and Council as required
Stakeholder, Council and Intergovernmental Relations
- Representing the Fire Department and EMO at City committees, Council meetings, and external forums
- Build and sustain effective relationships with internal City departments, provincial and federal agencies, industry partners, and community stakeholders
- Participate in public safety briefings, presentations, and inter-agency planning initiatives
- Support media relations and public communications as required
Education
- Undergraduate degree from a recognized university in emergency management, public administration, business, community development, or a related discipline
or NFPA 1021 Fire Officer IV Certification or equivalent
- Incident Command System (ICS) training is required
- Additional education or certification in project management, safety, compliance, or leadership is considered an asset
Experience
- Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience within the fire service, emergency management, or a related public safety organization
- Demonstrated experience in emergency operations leadership and ICS-based multi-agency coordination
- Proven experience executing strategy, leading complex initiatives, and managing organizational change
- Experience in administrative leadership, performance management, and data-driven decision-making
- Demonstrated success in collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and team development
Assets and Technical Skills
- Formal project management experience
- Experience with enterprise systems and initiatives (e.g., NextGen 911, ERP, RMS, asset management)
- Knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks affecting fire and emergency management services
- Strong research, policy analysis, and report-writing skills
- Media relations and public communications experience
- Advanced interpersonal, leadership, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills
- Resilience, adaptability, and demonstrated capability to lead through organizational change
Additional Requirements:
- Possession of a valid New Brunswick Class 5 driver’s license
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered at the City’s discretion
- The ideal candidate brings significant operational fire command experience, with a demonstrated ability to lead during complex and high-risk emergency incidents; however, equivalent combinations of leadership experience, emergency management expertise, and advanced organizational or strategic skills will also be considered
Equity Statement
The City of Saint John is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups. Candidates who are members of these groups and who are qualified may be given preference during the selection process.
Applications will be accepted through our online system only. Qualified applicants should submit their cover letters and resumes to:
City of Saint John
Attn: Hiring Committee
www.saintjohn.ca (careers)
