Emergency Communications Officer - Dispatcher

at  City of Calgary

If you are dedicated to public service, enjoy teamwork, share our values, and are eager to learn and grow, consider joining The City of Calgary. Our employees deliver essential services, manage programs, and operate facilities that positively impact the safety of our community. We support work-life balance, prioritize physical and psychological safety, and offer competitive wages, pensions, and benefits. Together, we make Calgary a great place to live and work.
The City is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request

As an Emergency Communications Officer (ECO) Dispatcher, you will be a crucial first connection for citizens during emergencies and support resource dispatching of the Calgary Police Service and The City of Calgary’s Peace Officer programs. Your preparedness, and ability to act swiftly and will provide essential support to both the public and the officers in the field. Primary duties include:

• Answer, and respond accordingly, to police emergency and non-emergency calls ensuring the caller receives the resources and support needed (training will be provided).
• Analyze events, assess risks, and adapt to high pressure and ever-changing priorities and situations.
• Coordinate and dispatch Police and Peace Officer resources.
• Document and provide continuous updates on various types of events.
• Monitor the safety of front-line officers.
• Use two-way radio, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, and other technologies to effectively perform tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED) and at least 2 years of experience in an emergency communication center environment.
• Recent experience as both an emergency services call taker and in emergency services dispatching (police, fire, ambulance), in the last two-three years, is required.
• A minimum typing speed of 70 words per minute is required.
• Preference will be given to applicants with the following qualifications:
• Proficiency with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) software.
• Experience utilizing two-way radio communications.
• Familiarity with CPIC, police record management systems, and related technologies.
• Completion of a 1-year Public Safety Communications Certificate or a related post-secondary discipline.
• Fluency in a second language.
• To succeed in this role, candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:
• Strong communications skills, including active listening skills and a commanding telephone presence with the ability to communicate with a wide variety of citizens and partners using telephone, two-way radio, and in-person.
• Confidence using computer-based software and adaptable to technological changes while being responsive to new developments.
• A commanding telephone/two-way radio presence with strong customer service skills, high attention to detail and resilience in high-pressure situations.
• Superior analytical skills, and the ability to make sound decisions based on available information and ensure sensitivity to caller needs and first responder needs.
• Resourcefulness and knowledge of community resources and support systems.
• High standards of morals, ethics, and integrity.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants will be tested for relevant skills.
• An enhanced security clearance and pre-employment polygraph will be conducted.
• Applicants must be free of any detected or undetected criminal activity, including illegal drug use, for at least three years as of the application date.
  Note: Qualified out-of-town candidates may be eligible for a relocation allowance.
  Union: IBEW Local 254 ECO
  Business Unit: Emergency Management &
  Community Safety
  Position Type: 19 Permanent
  Location: 3705 35 Street NE
  Compensation: $37.66 per hour
  Days of Work: This position works rotating shift work
  in a 24/7 environment, including evenings, weekends,
  and statutory holidays.
  Hours of work: This position works an average of 42
  hours per week (4 days on, 4 days off) rotating between
  2 days shifts (0600-1800) and 2 night shifts (1800-0600).
  Audience: Internal/External
  Apply By: February 21, 2025
  Job ID #: 311258

• Answer, and respond accordingly, to police emergency and non-emergency calls ensuring the caller receives the resources and support needed (training will be provided).
• Analyze events, assess risks, and adapt to high pressure and ever-changing priorities and situations.
• Coordinate and dispatch Police and Peace Officer resources.
• Document and provide continuous updates on various types of events.
• Monitor the safety of front-line officers.
• Use two-way radio, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, and other technologies to effectively perform tasks