Communication Technician (Probationary)

at  City of Kingston

OPENING STATEMENT

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah- nish-in-ah-bay), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government.
At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.
As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people’s lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you’ll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you’ll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

POSITION SUMMARY

Communication Technicians perform communications duties for Kingston Fire & Rescue and all Fire Departments in the County of Frontenac and Lennox & Addington by answering citizen calls for service, both emergency and non-emergency and dispatching firefighters and equipment to handle the emergency incident or contact a more appropriate agency to respond. Communication Technicians provide the vital first-link between citizens and the resources of Fire & Rescue Services. The performance of the Communication Technician directly contributes to the safety and well-being of Fire Service personnel and the municipality’s residents.
Receive and process non-emergency and 911 emergency calls requesting fire, medical, or other emergency services from a wide range of customers with distinct needs and expectations by applying ethical reasoning, customer service skills and diversity awareness
Efficiently operate console equipment, including telephone, radio, status control and a computer aided dispatch system
Exercise critical thinking skills to solve problems, determine priorities and make decisions affecting resource allocation and delivery, for emergency and non-emergency scenarios
Obtain information quickly and accurately in order to determine the nature and location of the emergency
Maintain contact with all units on assignment and maintain status and location of fire units
Liaise with senior staff to provide situation updates
Enter, update and retrieve information from computer system and provide pertinent data/dispatch and monitor contracted fire department radio transmissions
Maintain a high standard of service, professionalism and integrity
Perform the peacetime emergency communication functions as required

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES

Grade 12 diploma or equivalent education
Post-secondary education in Emergency Services Communications an asset
Experience in fire operations and communication/dispatching preferred
Experience in customer service, call centre or emergency response operations an asset
Experience with MS Office software including Word and Excel with strong keyboarding skills (40 wpm)
Knowledge of standard radio, telephone, communications, receiving and transmitting equipment, standard broadcasting procedures of radio dispatch equipment is preferred
Able to obtain current First Aid and CPR certification
Must demonstrate corporate competencies: Customer Focus, Results Orientation, Integrity, and Teamwork

SKILLS, ABILITIES, WORK DEMANDS

Able to prioritize and multitask in emergency situations and handle stressful situations in a calm and organized manner
Must be fluent in English and able to speak clearly and calmly on the radio and phone
Able to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, listening and memory skills
Able to operate a visual display terminal for extended periods of time and have auditory and visual acuity to perform the duties of the position acceptable to Kingston Fire & Rescue
Demonstrate general knowledge of street and road systems and able to work with and interpret street maps
Able to perform the essential duties of the job including repetitive arm/hand movement
Required to work various 12 hour shifts as assigned; due to the unpredictable and critical nature of the work along with the ability and willingness to work rotating shifts including nights, holidays and weekends
Fluency in a second language an asset
Must obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal records check

Please refer the Job description for details