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Edmonton Emergency Communications Specialist Recruitment

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) requires Emergency Communication Specialists (ECS) to be the crucial communication link between Edmonton Fire Rescue Operations and the citizens of Edmonton. You will take numerous critical calls from the public each shift and ensure each is treated with the same urgency, professionalism and respect. You will work on a dynamic team of highly skilled telecommunicators and will demonstrate ongoing dedication to learning from the challenges faced in each call. We are looking for adaptable, trustworthy individuals with strong multi-tasking and attentive listening skills. EFRS Emergency Communication Specialists work in a fast-paced environment. They deal with potentially emotionally charged calls that may be traumatic, violent and disturbing; emotional and psychological resiliency is a must. The successful candidate must commit to working shift work, long hours and understanding the impact of emergency services work on family and personal life.

What will you do?

• Represent the City of Edmonton in a professional and respectful manner
• Receive, evaluate and prioritize emergency calls using strict fire protocols and deploy the appropriate resources
• Provide callers with appropriate Pre-Arrival and Post-Dispatch Instructions as per specific protocols
• Direct the deployment of emergency apparatus
• Provide communications, liaison services, operational support, and inter-agency coordination
• Keep up to date with all Standard Operating Procedures, directives and guidelines
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Grade 12 high school diploma or GED 
  OR 
• Emergency Communications Certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution
• Minimum of two years related experience in a major communications centre with Grade 12 high school diploma or GED 
  OR
• Six (6) months of related experience in a major communications centre with Certificate
• Completion of Emergency Fire Dispatcher certification within one (1) year of start date

Assets:

• Familiarity with fire operational and medical terminology
• Experience in a relevant communications centre
• An Emergency Response Communication Certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution
• International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) certification 

Skills required for success:

• The ability to effectively operate a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and related integrated systems in a fast-paced work environment
• The ability to provide timely, accurate, professional, customer-oriented, teamwork-driven services while multi-tasking in a high-volume, high-stress work environment
• Extensive knowledge of the City of Edmonton streets, roads, major routes, and commonplace locations
• Extensive geographical knowledge
• Excellent communication (both verbal and written) and problem-solving skills
• Work effectively in a team environment and have the ability to multitask from a customer service perspective
• The ability to work a variety of shifts on a 24/7 rotating basis
• Proven reliability with a consistent record of attendance at work

Conditions of employment: 

• Must complete International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) certification within one (1) year of the start date
• Hire is dependent on a Criminal Records Check (CRC) security clearance that is satisfactory to the City of Edmonton and is a requirement of this position; there may be a cost associated with this requirement
• Candidates are required to hold a valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license (or provincial equivalent) or higher. Candidates will be required to arrange their own transportation and, where appropriate, will be reimbursed in accordance with City of Edmonton policy. 
• This may require the candidate to obtain business-use auto insurance
• Applicants may be tested. Applicants will undergo geographical, behavioural, multi-tasking and resiliency screening
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion

Please note that this position falls under the jurisdiction of the Edmonton Fire Fighters Union. The EFFU has a mandatory retirement age of 60.

The City of Edmonton is committed to inclusive, respectful and equitable workplaces that represent the communities we serve. We continuously improve our systems, policies and practices to remove barriers and ensure our employees, in all their diversity, can succeed. We value applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies and encourage you to apply. To learn more, see the Art of Inclusion: Our Diversity and Inclusion Framework here: Art of Inclusion: Our Diversity & Inclusion Framework 

The City of Edmonton strives to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the application and selection process. If you would like to request an accommodation at any stage of the process, please contact [email protected].  Learn more about our benefits (https://bit.ly/COEbenefits).

1 temporary full-time position for up to 11 months

Hours of Work: 42 hours per week, rotating schedule
Salary Range:  $36.445 - $62.476 (Hourly)
Work Location(s): Various locations in the Edmonton area
Recruitment Consultant: PC/MZ
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Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.