Fire Chief (#26-17) at Parkland County – Parkland County, Alberta

Parkland County has an opportunity for a permanent, full-time Fire Chief position in the Fire Services Department. Reporting to the General Manager, Community & Development Services Division, the Fire Chief provides executive leadership, direction, and oversight for Parkland County’s Fire Services and Emergency Communications Centre (ECC), including 911 call answer, fire dispatch, and operational communications. The position is accountable for all fire operations including emergency response delivery, life-safety programs, Safety Codes compliance, and long‑term strategic planning. The Fire Chief leads major emergency management responsibilities for Parkland County and the Summer Villages and provides authoritative advice to Council, CAO, and partner agencies on public safety and emergency management.

The ideal candidate for this position will have the following:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Service Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, Emergency Management or related discipline.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of demonstrated executive-level leadership with strong business acumen, supporting effective strategic planning, resource allocation, and performance oversight across complex fire, emergency response, and communications operations.
• Graduate-level education in leadership, public safety, or emergency management with professional development in adult education, Safety Codes, wildland fire behaviour, and/or emergency communications is considered an asset.
• Meet all minimum requirements as follows:

• NFPA 1001 Firefighter II; NFPA 1002 Pump & Aerial; NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I & II (III preferred); NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I & II; NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator; NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor II; Standard First Aid with CPR.
• Safety Codes Officer Fire Group B, C, and E (preferred).
• Incident Command System 400, Incident Command, Operations Section Chief.

• Skilled in analyzing operational, financial, and technical information and presenting it clearly to multiple audience levels, including Council, senior leadership, partner agencies, and the public.
• Highly capable communicator and presenter who can synthesize complex subject matter into accessible, accurate, and compelling briefings tailored to both technical and non-technical parties.
• Advanced understanding of emergency communications technology, including Next Generation 9‑1‑1 (NG911) systems, IP‑based call routing, and the telecommunications networks that support 9‑1‑1 call management. Proficient with Computer‑Aided Dispatch (CAD) platforms, dispatching workflows, and integrated communications software used in modern Emergency Communications Centres.
• Skilled in evaluating, implementing, and overseeing mission‑critical systems, ensuring reliability, interoperability, cybersecurity, and compliance with provincial and national standards.
• Possession of a valid class 3 driver’s license with Q endorsement and satisfactory commercial driver's abstract is required.
• Current clear criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening must be provided prior to the extension of an offer, following the interview process.

The total rewards package for this position includes:

A starting annual salary of $161,900 to $175,100, with maximum earning potential for this pay range of $204,800, based on a 35-hour work week and option to join the Earned Day Off Program.

In addition, extended health and dental benefits, pension through LAPP and optional APEX pension, access to our confidential Employee and Family Assistance Program, paid sick time, five (5) paid Management Days, four (4) weeks vacation a year with your birthday off, flexible work arrangements, and personal days are offered. Our organization offers access to physical fitness including an employee on site gym and lunch exercise programs, a Social Club, a mental health committee, and a comprehensive training program with extensive learning and development opportunities. Visit our careers page to view the complete Total Rewards Package for this position!

Additional Information
Interested Candidates are Invited to Apply Online at parklandcounty.com/Careers by Wednesday March 4, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

The primary work location for this position is the Acheson Fire Station – 11350 - 274 St, Acheson, AB.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Applications will only be considered through the Parkland County website.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes, respects and values the multivariate diversity of current and prospective employees. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodation throughout the recruitment and employment process. If you have any questions regarding this, please connect with our team at humanresources@parklandcounty.com.