Job Description

As the Deputy Chief, Operations Support you will be responsible for leading and managing the safety, logistics, training, planning and materials management of the Emergency Services Department. You will lead and coordinate the provision of services that support the delivery of operations and be a key leader in the achievement of operational and professional development performance objectives.
 

As a member of the Emergency Services Management team, you will be integral to providing strategic and fact-based advice, contributing to corporate goals, leading, translating and finding fit and clear purpose for those they lead, actively participating as an integral part of a cohesive department leadership team and acting as a representative to citizens and stakeholders on public safety matters.  
 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the development and delivery of safety, logistics, training, and materials management programs that support effective and efficient operational services
• Promote a culture of safety by ensuring appropriate resources are available and by continuously improving practices that enhance employee well-being and operational readiness
• Proven in-depth knowledge of effective operational design models for metro emergency services organizations 
• Demonstrated understanding of best practice professional development, training, and adult education programs
• Manage equipment and materials to ensure timely availability, optimal lifecycle use, cost efficiency, and accurate inventory control
• Analyze operational trends and performance data to identify opportunities for improvement; review and approve specifications and bid documents to ensure quality and value
• Lead workforce planning, recruitment, and training initiatives to ensure staffing levels and capabilities meet current and future community needs
• Collaborate across departments—including Human Resources, Fleet, IT, and Facilities—to coordinate resources and maintain high-quality, integrated service delivery
• Plan and manage operations to achieve program excellence, efficiency, and alignment with organizational priorities and community safety goals
• Drive strategic outcomes by translating corporate and departmental priorities into actionable plans, measurable deliverables, and tangible results
• Develop and manage work plans and budgets to ensure services are delivered effectively on schedule, and within financial parameters in a dynamic operating environment
• Provide inclusive, values-based leadership—supporting corporate direction, guiding teams with clarity and purpose, fostering collaboration across departments, and representing the organization with professionalism to stakeholders and the public
• Engage externally by participating in regional, provincial, and national discussions to share insights, monitor trends, and integrate best practices in emergency services
• Lead emergency response efforts during complex or large-scale incidents, assuming key incident management roles, setting strategy, and coordinating with internal and external partners to ensure an effective, unified response
• Excellent internal and external communication skills, including written, public speaking, and media relations abilities

Qualifications and Skills:

• Minimum of a University degree or working towards a degree in Management and/or Business Administration, Public Administration, Fire Science, or a related field  
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in emergency services or a related field along with 5 years of experience in a leadership/supervisory capacity in an emergency services organization or similar or an organization with clearly transferable experiences and exposures    
• Proven leadership in change management, organizational capacity-building, and partnership development, with a track record of fostering strong internal and external relationships
• Extensive expertise in emergency management, including incident command, emergency planning, communication systems, and occupational health and safety programs
• Strong understanding of unionized and non-unionized environments, with demonstrated ability to lead effectively within a paramilitary organizational structure
• Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory frameworks and quality systems, including ISO 9001, the Incident Command System, and relevant federal, provincial, and municipal legislation governing emergency services and community safety
• Strategic and self-motivated leader with the ability to identify complex business challenges and develop practical, results-driven solutions
• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and empower teams in a dynamic, high-performance environment
• Highly organized and adaptable, skilled at managing multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced setting
• Strong communicator and relationship builder, demonstrating sound judgment, political acumen, and professionalism when engaging with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Analytical and decisive thinker, capable of evaluating complex issues, weighing alternatives, and making timely, informed decisions in support of organizational goals
• Experienced incident leader, confident in directing emergency situations requiring composure, precision, and strategic coordination under pressure

Conditions of Employment:

• Submission of Satisfactory Criminal Record Check   
• Valid Alberta Class 5 (Class 3 preferred) Driver’s licence and submission of a 5-year Driver’s Abstract with less than 7 demerits   
• Ability to fulfill 24/7 on-call coverage on a rotational basis  
   

Who We Are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta.  Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation. 

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • Extended health and dental coverage   
  • Health and wellness spending account   
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Retirement and pension programs 
  • Management flex time
  • Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered. 
 

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

Apply now

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