Station Commander: Fire Safety

Department: Fire Administration – Community Services (Fire Brigade & Disaster Risk Management Services, Fire Safety & Disaster Risk Management)

Location: Worcester

Position: Station Commander – Fire Safety (Permanent)

About the role

To perform managerial, administrative, and technical tasks related to the interpretation, application, and enforcement of fire code regulations and technical fire safety inspections. This includes serving as a Fire Investigation Officer in accordance with the Fire Brigade Services Act (99 of 1987).

Responsibilities

• Prepare the annual plan for the Fire Safety section in alignment with statutory requirements (e.g., SANS 10090) and service delivery objectives.
• Interpret, apply, and enforce fire prevention, hazardous materials, and fire safety laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Develop, organize, and implement public fire and life safety education programs for communities.
• Conduct fire cause determination and investigations using specialist techniques and witness interviews.
• Supervise and control personnel and associated tasks within the section.
• Manage resources, including property, plant, and equipment assigned to the section.
• Maintain efficient records and ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Ensure effective communication and customer satisfaction with all stakeholders.
• Maintain a designated vehicle and accurately capture kilometers in accordance with procedures.
• Ensure a safe and healthy workspace for all employees.
• Perform interchangeable duties with other Station Commander functions (e.g., Operations, Special Operations, Training) as required by the Chief Fire Officer.
• Work shifts, overtime, standby duties, and at any Fire Station or facility within the Breede Valley Municipality’s jurisdiction, often with little or no notice.

Requirements

• SAESI Diploma in Fire Service Technology or IFE Diploma in Fire Engineering Science (or equivalent service-related qualification).
• Certificate in Fire Investigation.
• 6 years of continuous service in a recognized Fire Services environment.
• Valid Code C Driver’s License.
• Excellent computer skills (MS Word).
• Knowledge of municipal functionalities.
• People management, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to investigate and respond to customer complaints.
• Proficiency in at least two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.

Preferred Requirements

• Fire Prevention 1 or equivalent qualification.
• 2 years of experience in a Fire Safety Environment.

Competencies

• Core Professional Competencies: Community and Customer Focus, Problem Solving, Negotiation and Influencing, Resilience, Communication, Ethics, and Professionalism.
• Functional Competencies: Fire Fighting, Rescue Operations, Special Operations, Fire Safety and Prevention, Safety and Welfare, Emergency Medical Care, Call Taking, and Dispatch.
• Public Service Orientation Competencies: Interpersonal Relationships and Service Delivery Orientation.
• Personal Competencies: Action and Outcome Orientation, Resilience, Change Readiness, Cognitive Ability, Learning Orientation, and Problem Solving.
• Management/Leadership Competencies: Impact and Influence, Team Orientation, Direction Setting, Coaching, and Mentoring.

Pay

Basic salary: R 440,620.85 – R 571,935.54 per annum (T12). Total cost to council: R 635,281 – R 805,554 per annum.