Fire Captain - Chemainus Station

The Municipality of North Cowichan is the largest municipality in the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD). It is situated immediately north of and adjacent to the City of Duncan, south of Ladysmith, and extends east to North Cowichan's extensive coastline. The community centres of North Cowichan are Chemainus, Crofton, Maple Bay and the South End. North Cowichan has four Fire Stations located in these four communities which are entirely staffed by paid-on-call, trained and dedicated Firefighters.

Each Fire Station has its own Station Chief, Station Deputy Chief, Captains, and regular Firefighters, all of whom are members of the North Cowichan Fire Department. In addition to being employed at their regular jobs, our dedicated Firefighters work hard to keep North Cowichan protected. Our Firefighters are issued a pager and respond to their assigned Fire Station or emergency scene when it's activated.

We are inviting applications from candidates with the proven skills, qualifications and abilities for the position of Fire Captain. If you are self-motivated, looking to take on a new challenge where you can make a difference, enjoy both responsibility and accountability, and are ready to join one of British Columbia's most inclusive and environmentally conscious municipalities, we look forward to receiving your application!

Reporting through their Station Chief to the Fire Chief or Designate(s), the Fire Captain is responsible for ensuring that the directions and standards defined by the Fire Chief or Designate(s) are applied and maintained for the North Cowichan Fire Department. Under the Direction of the Deputy Chief of Operations and Training or Designate, the Fire Captain will assist with Operations a comprehensive training program and training schedule for Firefighters, at all levels, to keep complete records in the Fire Department database including all training conducted and equipment used. The Fire Captain will assist with preparing recommendations, conducting required examinations and assessments, reporting the results up the chain of command, and entering into the FP2 records management system. Provide maintenance and testing procedures for specific apparatus and record all actions in addition to evaluating new programs and equipment required.

Core responsibilities include:

• Respond to alarms and requests for assistance promptly and efficiently.
• Assist in the supervision and direction of firefighting, rescue, practice and operations of the Fire Department personnel as specified in the Fire Protection Bylaw.
• Assists with delivery or set up of weekly practices and training.
• Ensures fire ground and station duties are performed safely in accordance with WorkSafe BC and North Cowichan Fire Department Standard Operational Guidelines.
• Supervise members in the station, equipment and apparatus to ensure the highest standards are maintained.

Deployment to other duties may be required from time to time.

Required Skills, Qualifications and Abilities:

1. Completion of Grade 12 and ideally with post-secondary education.
2. Certified to or have met NFPA 1001 level 2.
3. Driver / Operator on all Fire Station Apparatus.
4. Completed a recognized NFPA IFSAC / Pro Board compliant Fire Officer Program (Fire Officer 1).
5. Enrolled or completed a recognized NFPA IFSAC / Pro Board compliant Fire Officer Program (Fire Officer 2) is an asset.
6. Minimum three (3) years of experience in a Fire Department and supervisory experience with knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision and training.
7. Must have a valid BC Class (minimum) Driver's license with air brake endorsement; a current CPR Level C certificate and/or EMA First Responder Certificate; and Class 1, 2, or 3 Driver's License is preferred.
8. Demonstrated progressive responsibility level within the fire department.
9. Knowledge of Fire Department Standard Operational Guidelines, policies, procedures and applicable North Cowichan Bylaws and Provincial Codes, Acts and Regulations.
10. Knowledge of the OFC's Playbook Standard and WorkSafe BC Regulations.
11. Knowledge and training in British Columbia Emergency Management System (minimum ICS 200).
12. Knowledge of the community and fire protection area.
13. Knowledge of technical and hands on experience of methods, practices, materials, tools, equipment as they apply to firefighting, rescue, and lifesaving activities.
14. Ability to communicate, understand and effectively give, as well as carry out, oral and written instructions.
15. Ability to assist in the training of all personnel based on Standard Operating Guidelines and related training programs.
16. Familiarity with a recognized training program and ability to assist with developing, writing and implementing an adequate training plan.
17. Ability to enter information competently into North Cowichan's records management program and monitor input of information that is reported for training and response.
18. Ability to deal tactfully, and fairly with the public and to maintain professional relationships with community leaders, firefighters and North Cowichan staff.
19. Ability to plan, assign, and review work.
20. Willingness and commitment to participate in training programs and workshops.

The position may be physically demanding; candidate must be able to successfully perform all duties associated with the position. A medical certificate attesting to suitability for this position may be required.

This is a unionized position (CUPE Local 358) and the Collective Agreement may be viewed on our website.

Candidates being considered will be required to undergo a comprehensive evaluation of skills, qualifications, and abilities. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Vulnerable Sector Check, in addition to a criminal record check.