Employment Status: Regular Full-Time

Job Code: 27885

✓ Pension ✓ Dental Insurance ✓ Disability Insurance ✓ Health Insurance ✓ Life Insurance

Assistant Deputy Fire Chief

Competition Number: 27885

Primary Work Location: Waterloo Fire Station 2

Posting Status: Internal & External Job Posting

Salary range: $124,010.00 - $155,025.00 (Band C - 2026 Rates)

Number of Vacancies: 1 (Current Vacancy)

Employment Group: Management

Job Status: Regular Full Time

Posting Release Date: October 15, 2026

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Posting Closing Date: October 30, 2026

Why work with us:

The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. Each day, you will support and/or participate in the delivery of services that impact residents of this city, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone.

Home to two world-class universities, a top-ranked college, a tech ecosystem, entrepreneurs and small businesses, there is a readiness to do things differently in Waterloo. Our vision is to be a leader in sustainability and to build a future-ready community for all. We are committed to workplace wellbeing and providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable work environment.

For more information about the City of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Values & Guiding Principles, please click here: City of Waterloo 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.

What we offer:

- Supportive and caring organization that promotes respect, inclusivity, sustainability, health, safety and wellness.
- Dedication to the organization’s commitment for Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion through ongoing training and access to related programs and workshops, opportunities to connect with others around topics of social justice and equity, and opportunities to be involved with the initiatives that guide this corporate journey.
- A commitment to environmental sustainability as demonstrated in many plans and policies. For example, we are working towards reducing our corporate greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, with real progress underway.
- Certification as a Living Wage Champion with fulsome employer-paid advantages package (extended health and dental care), including paid sick days, long-term disability, life insurance, Employee and Family Assistance Program and Maternity/Parental Leave Top-Up.
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan (OMERS) eligibility for all employees.
- Up to 10 paid Reservist Leave days per year, with single contribution OMERS buyback option for any unpaid time.
- Flexible work schedules, paid vacation and personal days, and the opportunity to bank overtime.
- Easy and sustainable commuting options through the TravelWise program, which offers public transit discounts and a dedicated carpool network for employees.
- Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities along with opportunities to get involved and give back to the community.
- Enjoyable employee-wide events, activities, site visits, BBQs to connect with co-workers.
- Complimentary FitPass for access to leisure, swim, and fitness drop-in programs for employees and family members.

…And so much more!

What you will do:

Reporting to the Deputy Fire Chief of Support Services and Prevention, this role provides strategic leadership and administrative management with primary responsibility for occupational health and safety, employee wellness, attendance management , logistics and facilities. The position works collaboratively with the Fire Department Management Team, Corporate Human Resources, Health and Safety, union representatives, and departmental personnel to promote a safe, healthy, respectful, accountable, and high-performing workplace. The ADC’s work will support service delivery in fire suppression, prevention, training, and community risk reduction. The final assignment of responsibilities will be based on the successful candidate’s qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise.

Management

Team portfolios will be reviewed regularly and may be adjusted or reassigned to reflect departmental needs, priorities, and available expertise.





- Participates as a member of the Fire Department Management Team and contributes to departmental strategic planning, operational decision-making, policy development, budgeting, and continuous improvement.
- Supports the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chiefs in developing and implementing departmental strategies, policies, and procedures.
- Participates in the preparation of budgets and resource allocation.
- Assists with project-based work to support the Deputy Fire Chiefs.
- Acts as the employer Co-Chair of the Joint Health and Safety Committee.
- Provides departmental leadership for occupational health, safety, and wellness, promoting a solid and proactive safety culture throughout the organization.
- Supports and monitors compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, applicable regulations, Section 21 Guidance Notes, municipal policies, departmental procedures, and recognized fire service health and safety practices.
- Identifies and assesses occupational hazards and works with departmental personnel, the Joint Health and Safety Committee and the Corporate Health, Safety and Wellness team to develop appropriate prevention, mitigation, and control strategies.
- Works collaboratively with the Joint Health and Safety Committee and departmental representatives to address identified hazards, recommendations, inspections, and workplace concerns.
- Supports programs addressing firefighter occupational exposures, including contamination control, cancer prevention, respiratory protection, hearing conservation, infectious disease, and other occupational risks.
- Supports the development, implementation, review, and evaluation of health and safety policies, procedures, guidelines, programs, and training.
- Promotes shared responsibility and accountability for health and safety at all levels of the organization.
- Coordinates and supports attendance management, accommodation, modified work, disability management, and safe and sustainable return-to-work processes in collaboration with Corporate Human Resources and other appropriate professionals.
- Leads and assists with fire service procurement of contracted services, ensuring specifications meet operational needs and comply with NFPA standards, OHSA standards and the Corporate Procurement Policy.
- Leads municipal emergency management activities in accordance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, including the development and maintenance of the City’s Emergency Response Plan and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA).
- Plans, coordinates, and participates in emergency management training, exercises, simulations, and after-action reviews.
- Provides advice to the Fire Chief regarding emerging community risks, emergency preparedness, organizational resilience, and emergency management priorities.
- Ensures compliance with OFM requirements for records management.
- Oversees inventory systems for firefighting equipment, PPE, medical supplies, and consumables to ensure operational readiness.
- Establishes and maintains appropriate inventory control processes, including purchasing, receiving, distribution, tracking, storage, inspection, replacement, and disposal.
- Implements key performance indicators (KPIs) for emergency response, fire prevention, training, and public education.
- Use data analytics to inform resource allocation, staffing models, and apparatus deployment strategies.
- Assists the Chief and Deputy Chiefs in recruitment and promotional processes.
- Works collaboratively with Corporate Facilities and other departments to identify, prioritize, plan, and address maintenance, repair, renovation, and capital requirements.




- Conducts and/or coordinates regular reviews of facilities to identify operational, health and safety, accessibility, security, and lifecycle needs.
- Supports planning for new fire stations, renovations, expansions, and other capital facility projects.
- Promotes a workplace culture grounded in professionalism, respect, integrity, accountability, inclusion, trust, and psychological safety.
- Acts as the Duty Officer and Community Emergency Management Coordinator as part of the management team’s rotation.
- Other duties as assigned.

What you will bring:

- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a Fire Service, Emergency Management, Health and Safety or related field with preference given to those having at least three (3) years in a leadership position.
- A post-secondary degree in a relevant field such as Business, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Health and Safety, Health Sciences or other related specialties.
- NFPA 1021 Fire Officer is an asset.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Experience working with Record Management Systems and data analytics.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles, and health and wellness as it relates to fire services.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to provide effective leadership.
- Ability to analyze, interpret and report research findings and recommendations.

- Valid MTO Class G driver’s license in good standing with driver’s abstract acceptable to the City (maximum of 3 demerit points; maximum of 2 convictions within the previous 36 months; no driving related criminal code convictions within the previous 36 months; and no ignition interlock restrictions) is required to perform the job.
- Strong commitment to delivering quality customer service.
- A passion for promoting and maintaining a healthy and protected workplace and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a team environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion.

What we will require:

- A Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector screening satisfactory to the City.
- Proof of your current and valid certificate(s), licenses and/or educational qualifications.

Be You @ Waterloo (Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging): The City of Waterloo acknowledges that our work takes place on the land traditionally cared for by the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Chonnonton Peoples, and is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. The City is dedicated to advancing the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion and to reducing barriers to employment opportunities. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ are encouraged for positions at all levels within the organization.

Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.

Accommodations are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation. We encourage applicants to access support(s) that may be needed. To request accommodation during the application process, please email [email protected], quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advancing to the next stages of the recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known.

Our use of AI during recruitment:

Our applicant tracking system includes artificial intelligence (AI) features, such as tools that highlight relevant work history or suggest potential job matches. These features are built into the system and may be visible to staff. AI does not make any screening or hiring decisions, and all decisions about interviews and hiring are made by City staff in accordance with applicable City policies and procedures.

📌 Assistant Deputy Fire Chief (Waterloo)
🏢 Waterloo Fire Rescue Services
📍 Waterloo