Public Educator

Toronto Fire Services’ Public Educators are responsible for delivering essential education information to residents of Toronto regarding fire and life safety, smoke alarms, home escape planning, residential fire safety, high rise fire safety, and how to safely use lithium-ion batteries. They provide in-person and online presentations and workshops across the City to schools, daycares, businesses, residential buildings, seniors’ residences, summer camps, special interest groups, newcomers to Canada groups and more. The Public Education Division works closely with our data analytics section by relying on collected data to guide the development of all educational programs and campaigns.

Reporting to a Public Education Captain within the Community Risk Reduction Division of Toronto Fire Services, the Educator’s duties include:

Major Responsibilities

  • Utilizes fire loss data in the development and design of appropriate fire safety education programs.
  • Utilizes analytics and data in the development and delivery of targeted public education messages.
  • Designs and delivers public fire safety education presentations and seminars to a variety of audiences including community groups, dwelling unit owners/residents, elementary school students, seniors, ESL students and workplace employees.
  • Designs and delivers special events, media campaigns and other activities to promote and provide education on fire prevention and safety awareness.
  • Performs public relations activities, presents seminars on fire prevention and life safety to groups and members of the public.
  • Delivers education programs related to fire safety and life by driving to various locations within the city.
  • Provides fire safety materials to support program delivery, including lessons plans, PowerPoint presentations, and brochures.
  • Performs in person and virtual presentations.
  • Utilizes all forms of media and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) to support effective fire safety messaging to the public.
  • Undertakes media related activities as required, such as interviews (print, radio, television, and social media) and the preparation of media advisories and releases.
  • Performs education functions as specified within the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, and guidelines issued by the Fire Marshal and Toronto Fire Services.
  • Follows all directives issued by the Fire Marshal.
  • Engages with various internal and external stakeholders.
  • Supports fire services operations staff in the delivery of the Alarmed for Life and school fire drill programs, station tours, and community events.
  • Engages stakeholders to deliver fire safety education, including Toronto Public Health, Toronto Police Services, Toronto Public Library, Toronto District School Board, National Fire Protection Association and Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council.
  • Delivers specific, targeted fire safety programs such as The Arson Prevention Program for Children (TAPP-C), Fire Safety Program or Older Adults, and Learn Not to Burn (elementary students).
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

  • Continually maintain a high standard of professionalism, integrity, reliability, and credibility, which are fundamental requirements for this position.
  • Function as an integral member of the City of Toronto workforce to support corporate vision and mission statements
  • Function as an integral member of the Toronto Fire Service workforce to deliver and support Division specific vision and mission statements.
  • Function as an integral member of the Toronto Fire Service emergency response team to deliver and support Division specific goals of emergency response and preparedness.

Applicants are required to demonstrate they meet all the minimum qualifications throughout the recruitment process. Applicant’s resumes need to accurately demonstrate that they need to have all of the certifications, skills and competencies outlined below in order to be selected.

Key Certifications

  • Must possess post-secondary training in fire safety, adult education, early childhood education, a teaching degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
  • Successful completion of NFPA 1035, Level 1 (Ontario certified).
  • Possession of a current and valid minimum Level C, CPR Certificate issued prior to the date of application submission.
  • Possession of a current and valid minimum level Standard First Aid Certificate issued by a WSIB approved First Aid Trainer issued no more than 1 year prior to the date of application submission.
  • Must possess a valid Ontario Driver’s License Class G.
  • Experience in the preparation of presentations, lesson plans, and other written and audio-visual materials to support program delivery for a wide range of audiences.
  • Previous experience in presenting to an audience.
  • Experience in report writing and in the preparation of media related materials.
  • Knowledge in powers and duties of the Fire Marshal, Assistant to the Fire Marshal, Fire Chief and OFMEM Directives, Guidelines and Comprehensive Fire Safety Effectiveness Model.
  • Must have knowledge of Fire/Life safety education principles/adult learning principles and knowledge of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Ontario Fire Code and related standards and legislation.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

  • Must provide a Vulnerable Sector Check obtained from a police service in Ontario, to the satisfaction of Fire Services.
  • Must successfully pass Toronto Fire Services Driver Training Course.
  • Must be willing to drive on highways for extended periods of time.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and public speaking experience.
  • Problem solving/analytical skills.
  • Interpersonal skills when dealing with the public, Fire Services staff and all other levels of City personnel.
  • Ability to effectively prioritize tasks/demands.
  • Ability to work within a team environment.
  • Ability to lift equipment up to 50 lbs, load equipment into vehicles, etc.
  • Ability to work independently with minimum supervision to ensure effective delivery of public fire safety education programs.
  • Ability to work and positively interact within diverse work environment.
  • Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders and interdisciplinary teams in the delivery of public fire safety activities.
  • Strong customer service skills with various stakeholders, such as City Officials or members of the public.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills when dealing with the public, Fire Services, and other City divisions.
  • Ability and willingness to actively participate in professional development.

Assets

  • Experience related to Public Education.
  • Expertise or expert knowledge in Public Education.
  • Experience as a first responder in fire services is considered an asset.
  • Expertise in the preparation of lesson plans and use of audio visual and PowerPoint.
  • Post-Secondary education in Fire Protection Technology.
  • Commitment to personal and professional development and in continuing education through ongoing learning.
  • Ability to correlate TFS Fire Safety curriculum to provincial curriculum.
  • Degree in education or in early childhood education.
  • NFPA 1035 Level II.
  • Multilingual skills preferred, including sign language.
  • Pass in-house entry level Toronto Fire Services exam on Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Provincial Offences Act, Building Code Act, Ontario Fire Code, Ontario Building Code, related legislation and By-Laws and other related material. 
  • Psychometric testing may be required. 

The City of Toronto is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City of Toronto’s commitment to employment equity.