Fire Chief

Organization City of Wetaskiwin

Region Alberta

Application Deadline Aug 3, 2026 before 23:30

Type Full-time Permanent

Category Fire & rescue services

Description Community and Protective Services Division

Posting: Internal/External

Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 35-hour workweek (Monday-Friday). Earned Day Off (EDO) eligible!

Competition No. CPS-26-13

Join Our Team! The City of Wetaskiwin

Welcome to the home of possibility! Do you want to be a part of a different kind of local government? We are a diverse and eager team that knows it can be done better, and we are doing it! Wetaskiwin is a collaborative and inclusive place where we share ideas for making things better and turn these ideas into actionable plans. Our values are Trust, Resourcefulness, and Integrity. Here, we cultivate well-being through our team's dedication to building positive, trusting, and fulfilling relationships.

Conveniently located only 35 minutes south of Edmonton and 55 minutes north of Red Deer, the City of Wetaskiwin provides all the amenities and quality of life of an urban-rural center.

The Opportunity If you are ready to take the next step in your fire service leadership career and make a meaningful impact in Wetaskiwin, then look no further. The Fire Chief is responsible for leading a trained, responsive team that protects life, property, and public safety through fire protection, emergency response, rescue services, prevention, education, and regulatory compliance.

As Fire Chief, you will guide the department's strategic direction, strengthen emergency preparedness, and support initiatives that advance community safety. Working with the City Leadership Team, City Council, internal departments, regional partners, and residents, you will ensure Fire Services remains aligned with municipal priorities, legislative requirements, and the evolving needs of the community.

Responsibilities

Establish the vision, strategic priorities, and service standards for Fire Services in alignment with Council direction, municipal objectives, legislative requirements, and community risk.

Provide oversight of fire operations, emergency response, rescue services, prevention, public education, inspections, investigations, and related municipal enforcement functions.

Advance municipal emergency management through risk- informed planning, preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, disaster readiness, mutual aid, and regional/inter-agency coordination.

Build organizational capacity by leading workforce planning, accountability, leadership development, succession planning, professional standards, training, and a culture of safety and operational excellence.

Provide fiscal leadership for operating and capital budgets, long-range staffing, equipment, facilities, service growth, departmental resources, fees and changes, and sustainable service delivery strategies.

Represent Fire Services with Council, senior administration, internal departments, regional partners, stakeholders, and the public to strengthen trust, collaboration, prevention, and community safety outcomes.

Education, Qualifications, And Work Experience

Post-secondary certification in business management or related discipline.

Certified as a Level II Fire Officer (NFPA 1021), Fire Investigator Level II (NFPA 1031), Incident Command System (ICS) 300 and a Safety Codes Officer in the Fire Discipline is required. Alberta Class 3 Operator's license with air brake endorsement is required.

Minimum of 10 years of firefighting experience with progressive responsibility within fire services.

Five years of supervisory/management experience, with preference given for service within the public sector or fire service.

Before commencing employment, the successful candidate must provide all necessary certifications and documentation, including but not limited to a driver's abstract and employment‑related record checks.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Able to provide leadership at major incidents and provide advice, assistance and direction to senior officers as required.

Working knowledge of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommendations and standards, the Alberta Building Code, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and Regulations, and the Municipal Government Act.

ICS 400 is a strong asset along with extensive knowledge of provincial and federal emergency management regulations.

Budget and project management experience.

Proven ability to act decisively with sound judgement in high pressure/ high risk situations.

Ability to adapt readily to changing priorities.

Conflict resolution skills and employee engagement strategies.

Experience leading in complex, political environments.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Physical Effort and Safety Commitment As the successful applicant, you will be responsible to adhere to the policies, principals, and practices of OHS legislation, and the City's requirements, as these obligations pertain to this role.

This position is primarily office based but occasionally requires a range of physical activities, including standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, crouching, and lifting up to 50 lbs. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and requires manual dexterity and visual acuity.

Salary & Benefits Salary:

$109,707- $134,926 annual

Amazing Extras

Benefits (Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance) upon first day of hire.

Employee Family Assistance Program.

4 Personal Days per year, plus an additional day off to celebrate your work anniversary.

Competitive paid vacation and sick time off.

Discounted (optional) membership to the Manluk Regional Aquatic and Fitness Centre.

Opportunity for growth within the organization.

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