Emergency Communication Specialists work in a fast-paced environment evaluating emergency calls and dispatching appropriate units.  They obtain crucial information, provide immediate instructions to the caller and provide ongoing communications to Fire Rescue Operations.   

They also provide support and information to on-scene Incident Commanders throughout events, as well as liaise with other emergency response agencies, civic agencies and utility companies to ensure events are mitigated.

Job Duties

Emergency Communications Specialists:

  • Represent the City of Edmonton in a professional and respectful manner
  • Receive, evaluate and prioritize emergency calls using strict fire protocols and deploy appropriate resources
  • Provide callers with appropriate pre-arrival and post dispatch instructions as per specific fire protocols
  • Direct the deployment of emergency units
  • Provide communications, liaison services, operational support and interagency coordination
  • Keep up-to-date with all standard operating procedures and guidelines
  • Perform other related duties as required
Recruitment

Applicants must have the following qualifications:

  • Grade 12 diploma or equivalent 
  • Current Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) Certification from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (candidates with proof of registration may be considered)
  • Basic Rescuer CPR certification
  • An Emergency Response Communications certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution, or a minimum of 2 years experience in a major Communications Centre
  • Ability to provide timely, accurate, professional, customer-oriented teamwork services while multi-tasking in a high volume work environment
  • Must demonstrate a strong knowledge of the Edmonton streets, roads, major routes and common place locations
  • Excellent communication (both written and verbal) and problem solving skills
  • The ability to operate the computer-aided dispatch system and related interface systems in a fast-paced work environment
  • Proven reliability with a consistent record of attendance at work
  • Ability to work 10-hour and 14-hour shifts on a 24/7 rotating basis
  • Hire is dependent upon a Police Information Check satisfactory to the City of Edmonton
  • Valid Alberta Class 5 drivers licence (or provincial equivalent)

Visit the City's job postings to ensure Emergency Services is currently recruiting. If Emergency Communications Specialist positions are posted, follow the posting steps to apply.

Training

Trainees initially work with a Dispatch Training Captain for the first 5 to 6 weeks, learning our computer-aided dispatch, call evaluation, dispatching and station location, as well as completing weekly quizzes. After successful completion the trainee will be assigned to a platoon and mentored by senior Emergency Communications Specialist.

The Dispatch Training Captain designs, develops and delivers courses and programs for new and experienced Emergency Response Communications Centre (ERCC) dispatchers. All members working in the ERCC must complete 24 hours of continuing dispatch education to recertify every 2 years with the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch to obtain a current Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification.