Fire Chief

Overview The City of Kitchener is seeking a strategic, people-first Fire Chief to help solidify the Kitchener Fire Department's position as a provincial leader in fire operations and service delivery, staff growth and development, and the maintenance of a collaborative, trusting, and respectful workplace culture. As Fire Chief, you will work closely with the Fire Department's Senior Leadership Team to provide strategic leadership, mentorship, and guidance to a department with an annual operating budget of $44 million, more than 250 staff, and seven fire stations – soon to be eight. You will maintain and strengthen strong relationships between the Fire Department and a variety of strategic partners at the City of Kitchener, including the Corporate Leadership Team, Corporate Communications, Human Resources, Finance, and Procurement. In addition, you will work collaboratively with numerous external partners – including neighbouring fire departments, Waterloo Regional Police Service, and Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services – to advance the interests of the Kitchener Fire Department and the broader Kitchener community. Responsibilities Reporting to the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, the successful candidate will demonstrate an exceptional ability to: Implement strategic fire service initiatives within a municipal government environment. Engage diverse groups of staff and stakeholders in collaborative decision-making processes. Utilize strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and tact to sustain positive working relationships with internal and external partners, including City Council and the Kitchener Professional Fire Fighters Association. Education Minimum of a three-year degree or diploma in a relevant field. Experience You are a seasoned, empathetic coach and mentor, as well as a positive relationship builder who is committed to the development and success of individual team members and the Fire Department as a whole. You have a demonstrated track record of personal accountability in your actions and decisions and foster an environment that encourages the same commitment to excellence and accountability throughout your team. Through more than 10 years of leadership experience in the fire service, you have developed a strong commitment to public service and a passion for helping others succeed. You are motivated by the opportunity to lead, inspire, and build upon the strong foundation that has made the Kitchener Fire Department one of Ontario's most respected fire services.

The Fire Chief provides strategic leadership and mentorship to over 250 staff across multiple fire stations while managing a $44 million operating budget. The role involves collaborating with internal city departments and external emergency services to enhance fire operations and service delivery.

Candidates must have over 10 years of leadership experience in the fire service and a minimum of a three-year degree or diploma in a relevant field. A proven track record of accountability, empathy, and the ability to maintain positive relationships with labor unions and city council is required.

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Strategic Leadership
• Mentorship
• Budget Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Interpersonal Skills
• Diplomacy
• Public Service
• Collaborative Decision-Making
• Relationship Building
• Operational Management

• Security & Safety
• Government & Public Sector
• Management & Leadership

Minimum education

College diploma

Minimum experience

10+ years

Apply by

Sep 3, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Executive