Communications Operator

Overview

The Communications Operator is the vital link and trusted lifeline between members of the public and emergency fire and medical services. Under the general direction of the District Chief (Communications Supervisor), the Communications Operator is responsible for answering, processing, and prioritizing calls for fire and medical services.

• Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance.
• Dispatch resources.
• Perform administrative functions and other duties as assigned.
• Inter-agency notifications.

• Post-secondary education in a related field is an asset.
• Canadian accredited Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Program or equivalent (minimum). Consideration will be given to applicants currently enrolled and actively participating in an EMR Program.
• International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Certification in Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) and Fire Priority Dispatch System (FPDS) training is an asset.
• Certification in the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) and Fire Priority Dispatch System (FPDS) or ability to obtain within 8 weeks of starting in the position.
• Completion of a Canadian recognized Medical Terminology Program is an asset.
• Significant work experience in a position working directly with the public or in a customer service environment.
• Previous experience in a public safety dispatch centre, telecommunications environment, or customer-centric setting is an asset.
• Work or volunteer experience related to Paramedicine, Fire rescue, or other emergency services is an asset.
• Proficiency to read and interpret maps to dispatch emergency services. Knowledge of city streets and neighborhoods in Winnipeg is an asset.
• Knowledge of workplace safety and health standards guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to apply FIPPA and PHIA legislation when dealing with confidential and sensitive information with tact, diplomacy, integrity and discretion.
• Ability to work in a team and demonstrate superior interpersonal skills with clients, co-workers, supervisors, and other agencies, fostering a positive, respectful, safe and healthy work environment.
• Ability to think critically and make quick decisions while working independently under stressful emergency situations.
• Ability to learn and operate radio/telephony equipment and software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to function in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment with multiple monitors and inputs.
• Effective verbal communication with the public, Fire Paramedic Service personnel, and other agencies; ability to control the exchange of information with emergency callers.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to follow instructions, protocols, and complete tasks while organizing and prioritizing time and resources.
• Provide high-quality customer service in an empathetic, respectful and professional manner to a diverse population.
• Resilience in difficult, stressful and chaotic emergency situations.
• Fluency in French or a second language is an asset.
• Education from outside Canada must be comparable to Canadian minimum qualifications; foreign credentials require an official assessment report from a recognized Canadian assessment service prior to application.

• Legal eligibility to work in Canada is required.
• Police Information Check and Police Vulnerable Sector Check (original copy) from the City of Winnipeg Police Service, dated no more than 30 days prior to start date; expense to be borne by the candidate. Report any infractions as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a clear Level 2 Security Check from the City of Winnipeg Police Service.
• Child Abuse Registry Check (original copy) from Manitoba, dated no more than 30 days prior to start date; expense to be borne by the candidate.
• Adult Abuse Registry Check (original copy) from Manitoba, dated no more than 30 days prior to start date; expense to be borne by the candidate.
• Maintain a valid EMR license with the College of Paramedics of Manitoba (CPMB) or provincial equivalent; out-of-province applicants must transfer prior to recruit training.
• Meet current Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Vision Standards…