Central Coast Regional District – Fire Chief (Part Time)

Fire Chief
Part Time | Bella Coola Valley Volunteer Fire Department

ORGANISATION – Central Coast Regional District
LOCATION – Bella Coola Valley (two halls)
HOURS – 10–15 hrs/week
RATE OF PAY – $33.00 per hour

About the Service

The Central Coast Regional District (CCRD) operates a single, unified fire service in the Bella
Coola Valley, with two fire halls located in Bella Coola and Hagensborg. This structure supports
improved coordination, shared training, and effective emergency response across the valley,
while meeting evolving provincial requirements and training standards.

Position Summary

The Fire Chief provides leadership for the CCRD fire service across both halls. The role is
focused on building a strong safety culture, maintaining training and operational readiness, and
supporting coordinated emergency response. The Fire Chief is a public-facing leader who works
with volunteer members, CCRD administration, partner agencies, and the broader community.
Responsibilities include budget preparation and presenting service information to the Board and
community as required.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Culture

• Lead, coach, and support members across both halls, building a consistent service
culture grounded in professionalism and respect.
• Recommend the appointment of Deputy Fire Chiefs for each hall and provide direction
and mentorship to those roles.
• Support recruitment, retention, and performance expectations for volunteer members.

Training and Readiness

• Organise and oversee annual training plans and maintain accurate training records to
ensure members meet required standards and remain response-ready.
• Promote continuous improvement in tactics, teamwork, and safe operations.
• Ensure officer development and skills maintenance are supported across the service.

Emergency Response

• Provide command and leadership at incidents as required and support coordinated
response across the two-hall model.
• Ensure apparatus and equipment readiness through coordinated checks, scheduled
maintenance, and follow-up on deficiencies.
• Participate in mutual aid and partner coordination as applicable to the Bella Coola Valley
context.
• Other duties as assigned, including supporting Emergency Management response.

Safety Leadership

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure safe work practices are followed in training,
response, and station activities.
• Identify operational risks and implement appropriate mitigations, including safe training
design, PPE compliance, equipment readiness, and post-incident learning.

Administration and Governance

• Prepare annual operating and capital budget inputs in consultation with CCRD
administration, including training, equipment, and hall needs.
• Present budget and service information to the Board and community as requested,
supporting transparent public communication.
• Prepare reports and updates for CCRD administration and the Board as required,
including service activity, training compliance, and emerging needs.
• Operate within CCRD bylaws and governance direction for both departments.

Community Engagement

• Serve as a public-facing representative of the fire service, supporting community
education and engagement on fire safety and preparedness.
• Build positive relationships with community partners and support preparedness and safety
messaging across the valley.

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated fire service leadership experience, ideally in a volunteer or combination
department environment.
• Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including officer or
leadership responsibilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to elected
officials and the public.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence with air endorsement (or ability to obtain within 3
months of appointment).

Preferred (or Ability to Obtain Within a Reasonable Timeframe)

• Recognised fire officer and incident command training (for example, NFPA 1021 Fire
Officer certification and ICS 200 or higher).
• Familiarity with provincial fire service training expectations, including the BC Structure
Firefighter Minimum Training Standards (2022 revision) and the Fire Safety Act context.
• Experience preparing and managing operating and capital budgets and supporting grant
or funding opportunities for training and equipment.

Working Conditions

This is a part-time position with a flexible schedule. The role includes periodic evening
availability for training and meetings, and availability for emergency response as required. Work
involves a combination of administrative tasks, hall-based activities, training delivery, and
incident response in varied conditions.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining relevant leadership, training, and incident
command experience to:

Hiring Contact: Curtis Slingerland, Chief Administrative Officer
Email: cao@ccrd.ca
Closing Date: May 15, 2026

Territorial Acknowledgement
The Central Coast Regional District is located within the traditional and unceded territories of the Heiltsuk Nation,
Nuxalk Nation, Wuikinuxv Nation, Kitasoo/Xai’Xais Nation, and Ulkatcho Nation