Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To develop and implement Hazardous Materials ( Haz Mat ), Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosion Response ( CBRNE), and Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) training and response programs.
To provide group leadership, advice and direction to members of the Office of the Fire Marshal, municipalities providing Haz Mat, CBRNE and HUSAR services to the province through memorandums of understanding and other agencies in implementation and maintenance of response programs, training criteria and coordinated response protocols.
To develop effective interagency relationships and act as an OFM expert and spokesperson during responses to incidents.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Responding to provincial incidents involving Haz Mat, CBRNE and HUSAR. Providing support to Emergency Management Ontario at the Provincial Operations Centre and the Ministry at the Ministry Emergency Operations Centre by providing expert advice and assistance.
2. Ensuring a continuous state of readiness and maintenance for response, of all specialized provincial equipment and response vehicles located throughout the province, to respond to any provincial emergency, or municipal emergency where assistance is requested, involving CBRNR, Haz Mat and HUSAR. Providing liaison activities with local response agencies and project responders.
3. Developing a variety of educational strategies including short-term programs to enhance public safety from incidents involving Haz Mat, CBRNE and HUSAR; to establish longer-term protection and response programs for Haz Mat, CBRNE and HUSAR.
4. Researching, identifying, developing, implementing and evaluating key Haz Mat, CBRNE and HUSAR programs to reduce deaths, injuries, property losses and hazards to the environment in Ontario. Conduct needs analyses, statistical data analysis, develop program proposals for fire services, police, health and other related response agencies. Monitor, evaluate and revise programs and implementation plans (e.g. joint agency response protocols) on a continual basis.
5. Researching, evaluating and recommending complex equipment and programs for the OFM and all related agencies providing Haz Mat, HUSAR and CBRNE services.
6.Identifying and securing partnership opportunities with other government organizations and the private sector (e.g. specialized equipment suppliers and monitoring agencies) to create effective CBRNE, Haz Mat and HUSAR response and training programs and initiatives; negotiating terms of partnership agreements utilizing independent decision making within predetermined parameters, writing partnership proposals, developing strategies to ensure partnership success; liaising with various government agencies and private organizations to ensure integration of programs.
7. Conducting annual evaluations of the designated expert and operational response teams for Haz Mat, CBRNE and HUSAR.
8. Providing technical advice and assistance to the Office of the Fire Marshal, the Ontario fire service and other related organizations and agencies. Participating on and leading various committees established to develop and promote programs to manage risks. Managing special projects and reviews of all Haz Mat, CBRNE and HUSAR programs supported by the Office of the Fire Marshal. Providing expert testimony at inquests and inquiries regarding incident response.
9. Supporting OFM led fire investigations, in accordance with established policy and protocols, including participating as a member of a support team during investigations of complex incidents and of a larger team during phase 2 and 3 fire evaluations, by conducting reviews of Haz Mat, CBRNE and HUSAR practices, records, documents, communication tapes and conducting post-incident audits and inspection of emergency scenes. Providing support to the Coroners Jury inquest process as assigned.
10. Providing fire protection and life safety advisory services and programs including: supporting the development and implementation of mutual aid system plans and programs; providing mentoring, mediation and conciliation in the resolution of a range of issues related to the program; maintaining the fire co-ordinators website, assisting in the selection and appointment process for fire co-ordinators, participating in the annual update of mutual aid plans and programs, developing agendas and arranging meetings of fire co-ordinators, as assigned, and the development and delivery of the annual fire co-ordinators meeting and training session.
11. Providing considerable consultation to lead, motivate, promote and assist fire departments and other response agencies to meet their legislated mandate and operational goals to provide Haz Mat, HUSAR,CBRNE and mutual aid programs in the province.
12. Developing, implementing, facilitating, coordinating and evaluating complex interagency practical training exercises and programs for all related agencies providing Haz Mat, HUSAR, CBRNE and mutual aid services.
13. Conducting newspaper, radio and television interviews regarding Haz Mat, CBRNE and HUSAR issues in both controlled and crisis situations, if / as directed by Ministry Communications Branch; contributing to the development of media communication plans and strategies, as required. Attending emergency scenes to gather first hand information.
14. Organizing, marketing, promoting and participating in/at emergency service and other related response agency conferences/educational workshops and interacting/liaising with OFM staff and other groups and organizations; working with OFM staff to ensure maximum participation in Haz Mat, CBRNE and HUSAR awareness programs to fulfill mandate of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
15. Developing, designing, revising, evaluating, and coordinating a wide range and complexity of specialized and advanced curriculum, certification modules, education, development, and training programs including all related resource materials (e.g. learning outcomes, lesson plans, participants manuals, performance based testing tools) for Ontario's Fire Service and outside agencies associated with the delivery of Haz Mat, CBRNE and HUSAR programs. Conducting educational, developmental, and training needs analyses and evaluating educational, developmental, and training programs. Ensuring educational, development, and training materials meet the requirements of the Ontario Fire Service Standards, respond to the needs of learners and utilize a range of adult learning techniques. 16. Conducting ongoing content research in support of curriculum development including discussions with fire services personnel, outside experts in specialized fields, (e.g. literature reviews, internet, resource centre materials, course evaluations) to ensure accuracy of materials, validation of content against textbooks and other sources and to remain current with new Haz Mat, CBRNE and HUSAR theories and technologies, management and leadership theories, and theories in adult education and training delivery as well as modern fire protection subjects, methods and procedures.
17.Coordinating, facilitating, and delivering a variety of academic and practical programs and seminars at the Ontario Fire College and throughout the province, and in response to specialized educational, development, and training requests related to Haz Mat, CBRNE and HUSAR; adapting teaching model to meet student needs and abilities; providing remedial assistance to learners as required. Researching, acquiring, and evaluating the work of guest lecturers, who may potentially provide specialist training at OFC seminars, courses, and/or workshops.
18. Providing leadership by ongoing mentoring, monitoring, and evaluating of associate and seconded instructors, and ensuring quality and content of programs are maintained during program delivery.
19. Providing leadership and direction to various employees of the OFM in the design and criteria to be used for curriculum development related to emergency response academic standards and evaluation, response equipment purchases and messaging to Ministries and Agencies in relation to emergency responses and programs.
20. Assigning, delegating, co-ordinating, and providing leadership to other response specialists (e.g. Police, Health, Federal agencies etc.) to ensure that protocols and standards would be accepted by OFM. Advising and assisting Senior OFM Managers and Senior Provincial Government Officials, on issues related to, or as a result of, CBRNE, Haz Mat and HUSAR issues, incidents or responses.
21. Maintaining competency at the NFPA 472 Technician level and staying current with technologies, methodologies, theories to provide leadership and assistance to OFM staff and other related response agency personnel, including program content, performance recommendations, and protocols to managers. Representing the Ministry as a recognized expert to clients, related response agencies and multi-agency committees at meetings, conferences and forums.
22. Prepare budget and monitor expenditures under the direction of the manager.
23. Travelling throughout the province on a regular basis, occasional out of province travel and carrying a pager and/or a cell phone is required to deliver and evaluate training programs, maintain competency, participate in the Emergency Management and Response Unit rotating on-call schedule and respond to incidents.
24. Performing administrative responsibilities related to the Emergency Planning and Response Unit and in support of advisory and related activities including: preparing administrative, investigative and evaluative documentation, developing and maintaining files associated with the training, monitoring and evaluation of partnership agreements, preparing expense accounts, reviewing expenditures and invoices by response partners, ensuring and recording vehicle maintenance, and maintaining office equipment.
25. Ability to work unconventional hours.
26. Other duties, as assigned.

Staffing and Licencing :

Class D Drivers Licence with Z endorsement to operate specialized vehicles and equipment.

Knowledge :

Job requires expert knowledge of current theories and techniques, statistical analysis, methods and practices regarding risk assessment, risk management, emergency services management, fire protection and fire prevention services. Knowledge of the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of emergency planning/ management models and programs. Knowledge of latest developments, trends, technology and programs in the field of CBRNE, Haz Mat and HUSAR.
Job requires knowledge of adult education techniques; curriculum development and delivery; teaching and learning strategies appropriate to diverse groups; facilitation, presentation and instruction methods to deliver advanced Haz Mat and CBRNE courses and other workshops. Knowledge of applicable legislation, codes, statutes, regulations and by-laws to ensure programs developed and delivered are appropriate to meet the needs of the client group and public safety and to offer expert testimony in court, or other inquiries or tribunals as required.
Job requires knowledge of fire service, and other related response agency development, organization, and management practices to fulfill the expected leadership role in development, implementation and evaluation of effective programs and delivery strategies that address the diverse needs of CBRNR, Haz Mat and HUSAR response agencies. Knowledge of the mutual aid system and its use and application during major emergencies in municipalities. Knowledge of the provincial emergency plan and its use and application during provincial emergencies. Knowledge of media strategies practices and tools to support programs and initiatives and to instruct emergency service personnel in this topic. Knowledge of related programs in other ministries, government and private agencies to ensure effective integration with interagency programs. The job requires advanced knowledge of research and evaluation methods and practices. Knowledge of and skill in using a variety of software applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and E-Mail.

Skills :

Job requires advanced written communication skills to be able to write program proposals, articles, news releases, media advisories, ministerial briefing notes, communications plans and program content. This position requires good verbal communications and presentation skills to be able to effectively present at conferences, conduct training sessions and to conduct media interviews to ensure the concepts of programs and initiatives are effectively conveyed to partners, managers and OFM employees.
Job requires program development and maintenance skills to be able to conduct needs analyses, conduct research, lead focus groups, conduct interviews, perform evaluations, and develop implementation and delivery strategies.
Job requires leadership skills to provide technical direction, facilitate training, meetings and focus groups and to motivate and influence fire services, fire co-ordinators, stakeholders and related response agencies.
Job requires organizational, planning, administrative and managerial skills; ability to delegate, assign, co-ordinate, and assess tasks, duties and projects. Job requires reasoning and negotiation skills to influence and convince diverse client and interest groups with opposing perspectives and viewpoints.
Job requires analytical, research and evaluation skills to conduct program evaluations, needs analysis, compile and analyse data to identify trends and issues.
Job requires knowledge of apparatus and personal protective equipment associated with CBRNE, Haz Mat and HUSAR responses for extended periods; ability to function effectively in emergency situations, which pose a threat to life and health of position often under difficult circumstances; ability to operate emergency response apparatus e.g. fire vehicles, rescue /Haz Mat response vehicles. Job requires ability to work and provide support as a member of a team, with a variety of senior leaders of emergency response agencies in a high stress work environment.
Job requires ability to function as a leader/member of a CBRNE, Haz Mat or HUSAR support operation; demonstrated skills at the Technician Level NFPA 472 Standard for Professional Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents.
Job requires ability to care for, maintain and use self -contained breathing apparatus. Job requires research and analytical skills to determine educational and training methodologies for the development of training and education programs and curriculum identify training, educational, and developmental needs and ensuring the Ontario Fire Service Standards are integrated to all training, educational, and development programs and materials.
ob requires research and analytical skills to research and analyze changing fire service technology, fire service practices and technology external from the fire service (e.g. building construction and how it impacts HUSAR) to adapt training material accordingly Job requires research skills to conduct research in support of curriculum development including discussions with fire services personnel, expert specialists, literature reviews, internet, resource centre materials and course evaluations. Job requires analytical and evaluating skills to analyze test results of learners and to assess their need for remedial assistance and further education and to adjust tests as necessary to ensure validity of test results.
Job requires facilitation, co-ordination, presentation, and instructional skills to present courses.
Job requires written communication skills to prepare such materials as learning outcomes, curriculum, testing materials and articles for the Ontario Fire Service Messenger, and partnership proposals.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires working within ministry and branch practices and procedures, legislation, regulation, codes, statutes and by-laws governing fire protection, Haz Mat CBRNE and HUSAR in Ontario. Job requires working beyond established emergency related protocols, to extend program parameters to keep them on the leading edge of CBRNE, Haz Mat and HUSAR capabilities.
Job requires independent planning and developing to achieve program objectives utilizing independent decision-making within predetermined parameters.
Job requires identifying and recommending program improvements to fire department officials and related response agencies regarding risk assessment, fire protection, CBRNE, Haz Mat and HUSAR. Job requires referring controversial, costly and/or politically sensitive recommendation to improve public safety to manager.
Job requires assigning, delegating, co-ordinating, reviewing and assessing work of response agencies.
Job requires independent decisions regarding emergency response protocols involving the OFM and recommendations on approaches to problems by selecting and validating them using own expertise.
Job requires identifying issues which may impact on other areas of ministry or business area e.g. new standards of program delivery, impacts on business plan or budget. Impacts of errors could affect the health and safety of the team or the public, result in negative political and financial impacts.