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Fire Chief Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

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Fire Chief information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire chief, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Chief, you need extensive knowledge of fire science, emergency management, and leadership, typically supported by experience as a firefighter and advanced certifications like Fire Officer or Fire Chief credentials. Familiarity with incident command systems, fire reporting software, and emergency communication tools is essential. Outstanding decision-making, communication, and team leadership skills help manage personnel and maintain public trust. These competencies are critical for ensuring effective emergency response, firefighter safety, and overall department performance.

What are the typical challenges a fire chief faces when managing both emergency operations and administrative duties?

Fire Chiefs often juggle the demands of leading emergency response efforts while also overseeing administrative responsibilities like budgeting, personnel management, and policy development. Balancing immediate operational needs—such as coordinating teams during fires or disasters—with long-term planning and resource allocation can be challenging. Effective Fire Chiefs foster strong communication within their teams, delegate tasks appropriately, and remain adaptable to rapidly changing scenarios. This dual focus requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.

What is the difference between Fire Chief vs Fire Captain?

AspectFire ChiefFire Captain
CertificationsFire Officer I & II, Incident Command, EMT/ParamedicFirefighter I & II, EMT/Paramedic, Incident Command
Work EnvironmentAdministrative, strategic planning, overseeing entire departmentOn-scene incident management, supervising firefighters
ResponsibilitiesDepartment leadership, policy development, budget managementLeading firefighting teams during emergencies, training

The Fire Chief is responsible for overall department management and strategic planning, while the Fire Captain focuses on on-the-ground incident command and team supervision. Both roles require similar certifications and work in firefighting environments, but differ in scope and leadership level.

What is a fire chief?

Fire Chiefs are the highest-ranking officers in a fire department, responsible for overseeing all operations and administration. They manage personnel, develop policies, coordinate emergency response, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Fire Chiefs also work with local government, budget resources, and lead public education efforts on fire prevention. Their leadership is crucial in both daily department management and during major emergency incidents.

What does a fire chief do?

A fire chief is a public service officer who oversees the operation of the fire department. As a fire chief, your responsibilities include responding to calls and working as a firefighter, but you are primarily the administrator for the department. Your duties are to train and assess firefighters, set schedules, monitor budgets, make requests for new equipment and fire engines, and ensure that the department is functioning properly. You will also work with local government officials to assess community needs and ensure they are being met.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Chief jobs in Alberta? For Fire Chief jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Chief jobs in Alberta look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Chief jobs in Alberta are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Chief jobs in AB? For Fire Chief jobs in AB, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Fire Chief job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Deputy Chief, Integrated Emergency Response

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Fort Mcmurray, AB • On-site

CA$480/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Requisition ID: 4402
Affiliation: Exempt
Position Type: Permanent Full Time
Number of Openings: 2
Bi-weekly Working Hours: 70 hours bi-weekly
Shift/Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm 
Department/ Branch: Regional Emergency Services/Integrated Emergency Response
Job Location: Fort McMurray

Salary: $141,208 - $149,277 (Pay Band H)
COLA: Bi-Weekly - $480

Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 22/06/2026
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): Open Until Filled
Posting Type: Internal and External
 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Assistant Deputy Chief, Integrated Emergency Response is responsible for assisting with the leadership and management of resources (people, budget, equipment, and materials) to deliver program services within approved budget, operating policies, and procedures for Integrated Emergency Response and department wide equipment inventory. The role leads and oversees daily operations in the areas of fire operations, emergency medical services, emergency 9-1-1 communications, training, and supporting other services within Regional Emergency Services (RES) as required. Primary responsibilities of this position include:

Employee Development: Leads staff in the delivery of advice, recommendations, and decision support. Analyzes department goals and objectives and ensures tasks are aligned and meeting service levels. Responds to inquiries, assists with service delivery, and maintains best practices. Performs face-to-face supervisory tasks for assigned team members. Works with team to plan and balance workload. Ensures teams are managed fairly and consistently and that work processes are followed and coordinated to maintain defined service levels. Effectively leads employees through coaching, mentoring, performance management, and discipline. Develops and fosters positive work environments and promotes a learning environment focusing on change and innovation.

Research and Implementation: Takes a lead role in the continuous research, development, and implementation of quality, innovative, and practical approaches to Integrated Emergency Services operational services and department strategic plans. This can include, but is not limited to, areas of focus such as urban and rural fire operations, emergency medical services, emergency 9-1-1 communications, and equipment and asset management. Anticipates changes and analyzes the ongoing effectiveness of departmental programs and makes suggestions for further improvement. Provides input to department business plans, initiatives, and budget to ensure continuous achievement of department goals and service levels.

Departmental Guidance: Assists with the development and implementation of guidelines and procedures relative to emergency operations (SOG's). Ensures that application of SOG's and organizational policies are applied and followed consistently. Initiates and coordinates second level emergency response support. Assists the Deputy Chief with overall emergency services delivery. Manages through direct involvement in daily operations, service delivery, budgeting and strategic planning of the overall design and deployment of various department programs and initiatives. Manages some administrative functions, record keeping, contract management, etc. to ensure that service contracts currently in place are being followed.

SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proven ability to work under own initiative and make sound decisions, sometimes under stressful conditions.
  • Ability to empower people, and other leadership qualities which include the ability to collaborate and work respectfully with all staff.
  • Ability to navigate through situations involving rapid change, shifting priorities, and/or simultaneous demands.
  • Highly developed analytical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills, political awareness, and sensitivity.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, employees, leaders, and external contacts and interact in a manner that builds trust, credibility, and rapport.
  • High emotional intelligence capacity including the ability to deal effectively with ambiguity, remain calm and neutral in conflict situations.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current RES regulations and directives and the ability to interpret relevant legislation and regulations.
  • Proficient with various Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

EDUCATION: 

  • Diploma in Business Administration or another related program.
  • Emergency Medical Service (EMS) certification is an asset.
  • Basic Emergency Management and Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, or 300 certification is an asset.

EXPERIENCE:

  • Five (5) years of experience in an operational emergency services role with a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a leader.
  • Experience working in a public-sector environment with unionized and non-unionized employees is considered an asset.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • A valid Class Five (5) Alberta Operator's license is required as incumbent will be required to operate a personal or municipal vehicle for business use on a regular basis. 
  • This position is primarily based out of an office environment, however the incumbent will be required to travel throughout the region.
  • This position may require work outside of regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, as business needs required, as well as participation in an on-call standby rotation.

SAFETY:

As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible and accountable for knowing and working in accordance with the Health and Safety Directive. As per section 2 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the incumbent shall ensure while in the employ of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo the health and safety of employees, contractors, and the public.

This position is employed in a supervisory capacity. As such the employee is required to obtain additional safety training in accordance with municipal procedures and directives.

To apply: Please visit our website at jobs.rmwb.ca
We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only individuals
selected for interviews will be contacted.  Late applications will not be accepted.