September 15, 2026
The Gillies Bay Improvement District is seeking a dedicated, community-minded leader
to serve as Chief of the Gillies Bay Volunteer Fire Department. This is an important
leadership opportunity for an experienced fire service member who is committed to
public safety, volunteer team development, emergency preparedness, and service to
the Gillies Bay and Texada Island community.
The Gillies Bay Volunteer Fire Department provides fire protection and 1 st Responder
services to Gillies Bay and the surrounding fire protection area. The Department also
works cooperatively with other emergency service partners on Texada Island and in the
region, supporting a safe, prepared, and resilient island community.
Role Summary:
Reporting to the Gillies Bay Improvement District Board of Trustees, the Fire Chief is
responsible for the overall leadership, administration, operational readiness, training,
safety, and effective management of the Gillies Bay Volunteer Fire Department. The Fire
Chief provides direction during emergency incidents, supports recruitment and retention
of volunteer firefighters, maintains required records, and ensures that departmental
activities are carried out in accordance with applicable legislation, policies, standards,
and best practices.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership, supervision, and operational direction to volunteer
firefighters. - Serve as Incident Commander or senior fire officer during emergency responses,
as appropriate. - Promote a positive, respectful, inclusive, and safety-focused volunteer
department culture. - Coordinate and support training, drills, competency development, and member
readiness. - Oversee fire suppression readiness, emergency response procedures, fire
prevention activities, and community safety education. - Support volunteer firefighter recruitment, onboarding, retention, mentoring, and
succession planning. - Maintain department records, including training, attendance, incident, equipment,
inspection, and maintenance records. - Ensure apparatus, equipment, personal protective equipment, and facilities are
inspected, maintained, and ready for response. - Prepare reports and recommendations for the Gillies Bay Improvement District
Board of Trustees. - Assist with annual planning, budgeting, procurement recommendations, and
policy development. - Liaise with regional emergency services, mutual aid partners, provincial
agencies, and community organizations. - Support compliance with applicable occupational health and safety requirements,
emergency service standards, and local government policies.
Required Qualifications:
- Progressive experience in the fire service, preferably in a volunteer or composite
fire department environment. - Demonstrated leadership experience, including supervision, mentoring, training,
or incident command responsibilities. - Working knowledge of fire suppression operations, emergency scene
management, fire prevention, firefighter safety, and volunteer department
administration. - Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work respectfully with volunteers, elected or appointed officials,
community members, emergency service partners, and the public. - Valid BC driver’s license; a Class 3 license with air brake endorsement is
preferred or may be required within an agreed timeframe. - Ability to meet physical, availability, and response expectations associated with
the role. - Residence in, or ability to maintain effective response availability within, the
Gillies Bay fire protection area or an area acceptable to the Gillies Bay
Improvement District.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Fire Officer certification, Incident Command System training, or equivalent fire
- service leadership training.
- First Responder, emergency medical responder, or comparable emergency
response certification. - Experience developing or implementing operational guidelines, training plans,
safety programs, or emergency response procedures. - Experience working with local government, improvement district governance,
budgets, grants, procurement, or public reporting. - Knowledge of rural, island, interface, or remote community emergency response
considerations.
Why Join Us?
This position offers the opportunity to lead a committed volunteer fire department
serving a close-knit island community. The successful candidate will help strengthen
emergency preparedness, mentor volunteers, support community fire safety, and
contribute directly to the wellbeing of Gillies Bay and Texada Island.
Compensation and Terms:
This is a volunteer leadership position with compensation, stipend, expense
reimbursement, and/or other terms to be confirmed by the Gillies Bay Improvement
District. Appointment is subject to successful completion of required checks, references,
and any conditions established by the GBID.
How to Apply:
Qualified applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and résumé outlining their fire
service experience, leadership background, qualifications, and interest in serving the
Gillies Bay community.
Apply to:
Corporate Officer, Gillies Bay Improvement District
Email: admin@gillies-bay.ca
Application deadline: Open until filled.
Posting reference: Gillies Bay Volunteer Fire Department Chief
