The Town of Woodstock is seeking an accomplished fire and emergency services professional and people-focused leader to serve as its next Director of Emergency Measures & Fire Services.
The Town of Woodstock
Nestled in the heart of New Brunswick, the Town of Woodstock (Woodstock) is a welcoming community known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic surroundings. Established in 1856 as New Brunswick’s first incorporated town, Woodstock combines small-town charm with modern amenities. Residents enjoy a rich cultural scene, community events, and recreational opportunities, from riverside parks and trails to local festivals celebrating art, music, and heritage. With a strong sense of community, accessible services, and a growing local economy, Woodstock is a welcoming place to live, work, and explore.
The Role
The Director of Emergency Measures and Fire Services provides strategic leadership and oversight of municipal emergency management and fire services. The incumbent in this position is responsible for planning to ensure the delivery of effective emergency preparedness, operational readiness/incident command, fire services, prevention, public education, training and business continuity. This role will lead the administration of the fire department, including management of the full-time unionized fire truck drivers (pump operators), and provide managerial support for the volunteer fire service operations with the volunteer Fire Chief reporting to the Director. The Director will develop and implement operating policies and procedures, training expectations and safety protocols to meet industry standards and best practices.
This role will collaborate with external stakeholders and regional contacts to help support effective governance and informed decision-making. This will include working closely with the Chief Administrative Officer, Municipal Council, New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization (NBEMO), the Office of the Fire Marshal, police, public works, regional partners, community organizations, and other emergency response agencies. The Director ensures services are delivered in accordance with the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Act, Fire Prevention Act, and other applicable regulations, municipal bylaws and provincial standards.
Role Responsibilities
- Lead the overall administration of emergency measures and fire services, including policies, procedures, service agreements, records, reporting, and legislative compliance.
- Develop and maintain emergency management plans, fire service operational plans, continuity plans, mutual aid agreements, and evacuation protocols.
- Plan and conduct hazard, risk, and vulnerability assessments and recommend mitigation strategies to improve community resilience.
- Lead public education and awareness initiatives related to emergency preparedness and community safety.
- Prepare and administer operating and capital budgets, approve purchasing and invoices, support payroll processes, and oversee asset lifecycle planning.
- Manage personnel, including recruitment, scheduling, training, attendance, labour relations, performance management, discipline, and succession planning.
- Ensure readiness of personnel, apparatus, equipment, facilities, communications systems, and emergency response resources.
Emergency Management Office (EMO):
- Develop, maintain, test, and update the Municipal Emergency Management Plan and related emergency plans in accordance with NBEMO requirements.
- Plan for coordinated emergency support functions such as reception centre arrangements.
- Provide senior leadership during emergencies, to support activation and management of the Emergency Operations Centre; and when required lead incident command activities.
Fire Services:
- Ensure proper command and control is in place for all departmental activities/operations
- Establish operational guidelines, policies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Oversight of development of community education programs/awareness related to fire safety and prevention.
- Oversight of fire inspections in accordance with the New Brunswick Fire Prevention Act and Office of the Fire Marshal guidelines.
- Review development plans for fire code compliance and advise municipal departments on fire risks.
- Ensure that training programs delivered and developed by the volunteer service meet NB Firefighter Training Standards (e.g., NFPA 1001, 1021).
- Maintain training records and ensure drivers/pump operator and firefighters meet required competencies.
- Support and promote initiatives which enhance mental health resilience, ensure post incident debriefing.
- Ensure compliance with OHS legislation, Workers’ Compensation requirements, and municipal HR policies.
- Lead employee development and engagement, track performance metrics and conduct annual performance reviews.
The Ideal Candidate
As the ideal candidate you are an experienced and collaborative emergency services leader with a strong background in volunteer fire service operations, emergency management, and regulatory compliance. You demonstrate sound judgment, decisive leadership, and have an ability to manage complex operations, people, and projects in both routine and high-pressure environments. You possess excellent communication and relationship-building skills, expertise in incident command and community risk reduction, and the ability to develop policies, budgets, training, and operational plans while working effectively with government officials, emergency partners, volunteers, and the public.
As the ideal candidate, you possess the following education and experience:
- Post-secondary education in fire service leadership, emergency management, public administration, business administration, or a related discipline is preferred; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
- Minimum eight (8) years of progressive experience in fire services, emergency management, or a related public safety environment, including at least five (5) years in a senior officer, supervisory, command, or management role; preferably with experience working in fire department administration and governance
- Experience working in a municipal, regional, or governmental environment is preferred
- Experience developing emergency management plans, coordinating multi-agency responses, and leading emergency operations is required.
- Appointment or eligibility for appointment under the New Brunswick Fire Prevention Act, where required for the role, would be beneficial.
- Experience using pagers, radio equipment and other relevant technologies
- Valid unrestricted class 5 driver’s license with an ability to meet regular insurance liability drivers abstract requirements
Additionally, as the ideal candidate you possess the following training and credentials:
- Firefighter certification, including NFPA 1001 Level I or equivalent, is required.
- Certification or willingness to obtain the following as needed is preferred:
- Certificate in Fire Service Leadership
- NFPA 1035 – Level 1 Fire & Life Safety Educator
- Fire Officer, including NFPA 1021 Level I or II or equivalent
- Basic Emergency Management certification through NB EMO is required or must be obtained within twelve (12) months of hire.
- Incident Command System (ICS) training, including ICS 100 and 200 is required; ICS 300 would be an asset.
The Director will be expected to attend meetings outside of regular operating hours, as well as respond to emergency situations as determined by operational requirements; but is not required to provide regular fire response.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Mark Gillis, Partner, at mgillis@kbrs.ca or Beth McLennan, Senior Consultant, at bmclennan@kbrs.ca or submit your application online at: https://meridiarecruitment.ca/Career/17845691756980000008hfb
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The Town of Woodstock is an equal opportunity employer.
As part of the recruitment process, KBRS will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. Should you require an accommodation to participate fully in the recruitment process, please inform KBRS at accommodate@kbrs.ca.
