Battalion Chief – Operations

YVR is a place of connection, bringing together people, places, and cargo while ensuring a safe and efficient experience for everyone. YVR Fire & Rescue is guided by integrity and a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Our team is dedicated to protecting and educating our customers, community, and environment through professional aircraft rescue and firefighting services. This drives us toward our Vision to be the best Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting department in Canada

Position overview  

Are you a driven leader with a passion for guiding and supporting firefighters in delivering top-tier tactical operations? Do you thrive in high-responsibility roles where sound judgment, strategic thinking, and independence are key?

If you're committed to upholding standards, fostering excellence, and aligning with both corporate and departmental goals—this 18-month Term Full-Time Battalion Chief opportunity could be your next big move.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the Deputy Fire Chiefs with operational support in the development and implementation of an overall long-term strategic fire protection plan to ensure the department meets or exceeds required tactical abilities in aircraft rescue and firefighting.
• Provide relief coverage for the Operations Battalion Chiefs as well as daily/weekly coverage as the on-call duty chief for policy administration.
• Use your knowledge and significant fire ground operational experience to provide expertise in managing YVR Fire & Rescue operational systems and policies as well as corporate policies.
• Your excellent ability to communicate will be critical as you interact with firefighters, fire officers, the administration team, key stakeholders, and other agencies.
• Administrative related duties include data quality assurance, attendance management, performance metrics, performance reviews/check-ins, administering discipline as required, as well as utilizing record management systems and time management software.
• Maintain all mandatory ARFF training in compliance with CARS regulations.
• Manage and evaluate levels of staffing for proper response, and coverage policies and present recommendations to the Deputy Fire Chief.
• Assume the Deputy Fire Chief’s responsibilities in their absence to ensure compliance with CARS regulations, NFPA standards, and the Airport Emergency Plan or any other standards or regulations as assigned by the Fire Chief  

Key qualifications include:

• NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications – Fire Officer III
• NFPA 1521, Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer - Incident Safety Officer
• Incident Command System – Level 300
• Valid BC Driver’s License, Class 3 with air brake endorsement
• Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership position experience in fire and rescue services.
• Candidates are expected to have supplemented their professional development with additional courses/curricula demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning.
• Available for rotational after-hours on-call duty with a maximum emergency incident response time of 45 minutes from the time of notification to on-scene
• Demonstrated computer competency in related business and office software programs, business writing competency including briefings, memorandums, and reports.
• Ability to obtain D AVOP License and Restricted Radio Operator License - Aeronautical within three months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Emergency Management, Fire Service Leadership, or a related field
• NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications – Fire Officer IV
• NFPA 1041, Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications – Level II

Although not required, French language skills are an asset as we are committed to providing bilingual services to our visitors and passengers. Candidates who do not speak French are still strongly encouraged to apply 

This position is open to Vancouver Airport Authority employees and external applicants. Previous job performance will be taken into consideration for all internal candidates that apply for this position.  

This is an on-site position with a rotating shift schedule of 24-hr shift. 

Salary Range : $105,680 – $158,520 per annum, based on a 37.5-hour work week. This is individually tailored to reflect your unique experience, qualifications and internal equity. Performance-Based Incentive: Eligible for an annual bonus target at 15% of your annual salary.

YVR is more than just an airport. We connect our beautiful province and all it has to offer to the world. We are all leaders and trailblazers for change and innovation, so no matter the department or team you’re a part of, the work you do matters.

At YVR, we are flexible in everything we do. We will work together to find ways to deliver customer excellence that helps us all thrive.

Whatever your background and wherever you’re from, you belong at YVR. If you have any questions about accessibility or require any assistance applying, please reach out at careers@yvr.ca.