Make a meaningful impact and help create a safer Ontario for everyone.
Join our team as a Program Specialist and help support the development, implementation and monitoring of programs related to fire protection services in unincorporated regions of Ontario. These positions are specific to the Northern Fire Protection Program in northern Ontario.
Please note:
The positions' headquarters is located at 640 Mountdale Ave, Thunder Bay, North Region. The successful candidate will report to the Thunder Bay office or satellite office at 3767 Hwy 69 S, Sudbury when required.
Upon approval you may work from district offices located in the following districts:
• Kenora
• Algoma
• Cochrane
• Rainy River
• Nipissing
Pending the results of the competition, consideration will be given to the successful candidates to allow them to work out of a District Office, based on the successful candidate's current home and operational needs.
The work location will be determined based on the location of the successful candidate.
About the job
The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) leads the program administration and advisory services for the Northern Fire Protection Program (NFPP). The NFPP facilitates and establishes fire protection services in unincorporated Ontario through agreements with stakeholders. NFPP fire departments are provided essential equipment, resources, coordination of firefighter training, and other administrative supports for the effective delivery of fire protection services in unincorporated communities.
The OFM administers the NFPP through two divisions:
Operations and Training
In this division, as a Program Specialist, you will:
• implement and monitor programs that support the day-to-day operations of NFPP fire departments
• coordinate firefighter training programs and facilitate training on firefighter skills and equipment
• develop and deliver effective training, resources, and programming for fire service stakeholders
• provide knowledgeable support and advice to internal and external clients
• regularly work with stakeholders in the field within assigned regional areas and across northern Ontario during special projects
Strategic Planning, Procurement, and Logistics
In this division, as a Program Specialist, you will:
• lead and develop strategic and operational policy, procedures and programming
• oversee and coordinate the procurement of equipment and coordinate maintenance to ensure operational readiness of all program equipment and resources
• support program and project implementation across northern Ontario as required
• coordinate stakeholder consultation, conduct research and analysis, develop program content and appropriate resources
• coordinate projects, lead communications and incorporate risk management planning
• lead NFPP projects and support projects led by other sections of the Office of the Fire Marshal
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
• You must have a valid class 'G' driver's licence or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver's licence upon being hired.
Technical knowledge
You have knowledge of:
• legislation and regulations related to firefighting, fire safety, protection, and prevention
• public fire safety theories, techniques, equipment, methods, and practices
• risk assessment processes and practices
• fire protection service delivery methods and federal, provincial, municipal, and community roles/functions
• occupational health and safety legislation, regulations and programs as they relate to fire protection service delivery
Communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
You can:
• work with officials, maintain relationships among staff and program stakeholders, and provide guidance to staff
• develop recommendations and mediate disputes
• promote and disseminate program and fire safety information
Research, analytical, and evaluative skills
You have:
• interpretive skills to assess complex information and prepare reports
• experience with developing, delivering, and evaluating fire training programs and fire safety education programs
• research and analytical skills to develop policy and guidelines and assess program effectiveness and efficiency
Project management, organizational, and coordination skills
You have:
• experience managing and leading projects including developing terms of reference, timelines and desired outcomes
• project management and time management skills to lead or participate in complex project management assignments which are high profile and sensitive
Computer skills
You have:
• proficient experience with computer software systems to manage and evaluate data, create presentation/course material, and prepare reports
• experience using spreadsheets, word processing, and other software for collaborative work and can use technology for when working remotely
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
What we offer
We are a small and supportive team providing advice, assistance and operational equipment and resources to support front line firefighters in the Northern Fire Protection Program. NFPP departments provide critical public fire and life safety services within their communities and broader areas. We foster a respectful workplace giving team members the freedom to shape their roles to be as meaningful and as impactive as possible.
The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province.
We offer:
• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups
• tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more
Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package includes:
• a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement)
• group health, dental, life and disability benefits
• a range of vacation and leave options
• an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services