Emergency Dispatcher

The Opportunity

Working in a team environment, the incumbent is responsible for receiving, evaluating, coordinating and dispatching various requests for assistance or response of local and/or regional emergency services and other related agencies. This position demands the use and operation of a variety of communications and computer equipment. Additionally, the incumbent provides required data entry and generates required reports.

• Answer and assess 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls; determine appropriate response and coordinate dispatch
• Transfer and coordinate calls between internal teams and external emergency agencies as required
• Maintain clear, accurate, and timely communication with responders and partner agencies
• Operate and troubleshoot communication systems (CAD, radio, telephone, and records systems)
• Accurately enter, manage, and review incident data and records
• Track and communicate the status of emergency resources (personnel, equipment)
• Support incident coordination within an Incident Command System (ICS)
• Notify and activate appropriate personnel and resources during emergencies
• Perform administrative and clerical duties, including reporting and documentation
• Ensure confidentiality of all sensitive information
• Comply with organizational policies, procedures, and health & safety requirements
• Participate in required training and contribute to a collaborative team environment
• Work independently while adapting to changing and high-pressure situations

• Demonstrated effective ability to communicate verbally under emergency situations whether communicating over a telephone, radio system or face to face.
• Ability to act calmly and with accuracy in decision making and recording of information in an emergency.
• Ability to deal effectively with conflict situations, deal with and work under high stress.
• Ability to prioritize, assign and organize emergency resources as appropriate under stressful circumstances.
• Must have a grade 12 education (or equivalent)
• Excellent ability to speak, read and write clear and concise English.
• Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to effectively and rapidly communicate in writing using electronic mediums.
• Demonstrated respect for and discretion with private information accessed through the job.
• Must possess current certification as an Emergency Fire Dispatcher.
• Previous experience/use of: telephone switchboard systems, computer systems with various software, two-way radio systems and equipment, and filing/records management systems. Typing skills must be at minimum 40 words per minute corrected for errors.
• Possess a minimum 20/20 vision, with corrective lenses if required, and have no degree of colour blindness
• Demonstrate adequate hearing in the normal setting - with corrective devices if required (must successfully complete a hearing in noise test).
• Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public and the ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Must pass a criminal record check.
• Must successfully complete an emergency communications skills evaluation (critical aptitude assessment)
• Must possess a valid Alberta Driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
• The following would be considered additional assets:
  • Certifications in Emergency Medical Responder (or higher), rescue, HAZMAT, fire and other related areas of emergency services work.
  • A thorough working knowledge of the names and locations of the streets and principal buildings within the city of Red Deer.
  • A general working knowledge of Central Alberta communities – their locations and the rural addressing system.
  • Versed in the use of electronic mapping systems and conventional maps for both urban and rural settings.
  • General knowledge of the operations of Emergency Services (Police, Fire, EMS)

International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1190

Regular Part-Time

$44.00 to $55.29 per hour.

The normal schedule of work for part time employees will be at least 48 hours biweekly with scheduled 12 hour shifts. During the initial training period successful applicants will work Monday to Friday for 4 weeks for training.

More than one position will be filled from this posting.