General Manager, Fire & Emergency Management Services / Regional Fire Chief Full-Time Benefited Position This is a unique opportunity to join the RDCK in a senior management role and experience all that the Kootenay Region has to offer. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the General Manager, Fire & Emergency Management Services / Regional Fire Chief provides executive leadership and strategic oversight of the RDCK’s Fire Services and Emergency Management programs. The position leads risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery, and organizational resilience, while advising the CAO and Board on service levels, policy, risk, resources, and priorities.

The role works closely with municipalities, First Nations, provincial agencies, and community partners to ensure effective, coordinated services. Emergency response may require EOC or field participation, extended hours, and occasional travel or overnight stays. Nelson and its surrounding rural communities offer all the bene-fits of small town living, solid and diverse economies and thriving business sectors, have convenient access to parks, great schools and heath care services and are located just a few hours away from major city centres.

Locals enjoy a wide range of recreational opportuni-ties including ,skiing, hiking, and biking, as well as access to multiple special interest groups, theatre, music, arts and, of course, excep-tional recreational facilities! Undergraduate degree in Public Administration, Emergency Management, Fire Services Leadership, Business Administration, or a related field. Post-graduate education in emergency management, fire services leadership, public administration, or a related discipline is considered an asset.

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in fire services, emergency management, protective services, or a related field, including significant senior management experience leading complex, multidisciplinary services. Significant experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, policy development,



financial management, and resource allocation, preferably in a public sector or local government environment. Strong understanding of fire services and emergency management systems, regulatory requirements, risk management, and service delivery in a regional, rural, or remote context.

Demonstrated experience working with elected officials, senior leadership, and diverse external stakeholders.

Valid

Class 5 Driver’s Licence.

Satisfactory Criminal Record

Check. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Strategic and systems thinking, with the ability to connect fire and emergency management services to broader organizational priorities and long-term community needs.

Strong executive leadership, delegation, accountability, and change management skills. Sound understanding of emergency management, EOC/ICS structures, fire service delivery, and risk-informed decision-making. Solid financial and business acumen, including budgeting, capital planning, resource allocation, and stewardship of public funds.

Excellent political acumen and ability to work effectively with elected officials, senior leaders, partners, and the public. Strong communication, relationship-building, negotiation, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills. Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and decisive in high-pressure and emergency situations.

Ability to lead continuous improvement, leverage technology and information, and support innovation in service delivery. Commitment to RDCK values of Health and Safety, Accountability, Integrity, and Respect. This is a full-time position of 35 hours per week and offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid vacation time, extended health and dental coverage and a generous pension plan.

This posting, along with a detailed can be found on our website at /jobs. All submissions will be acknowledged although only those individuals shortlisted to participate in the interview/ testing process will be contacted. This posting may be used to fill other similar positions within the RDCK over the next six months.

📌 General Manager, Fire & Emergency Management Services / Regional Fire Chief (Nelson)
🏢 Regional District of Central Kootenay
📍 Nelson