Communications Operator

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.

This position is responsible for determining the resources required to be dispatched in accordance with triage information, policies and procedures, computer aided geographic information and status data provided by field personnel; ensuring the efficient and accurate dispatch of Department resources to fire and/or medically-related incidents; and providing regular information updates to field personnel and/or other emergency services, agencies and institutions as required.

**As the **_Communications Operator_**, you will**:

- Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance.
- Dispatch of resources; operate and monitor a multi-talk group & channel emergency radio system, ensuring efficient and essential communications are maintained.
- Conduct inter-agency notifications.
- Perform administrative functions and other duties.

**Your education and qualifications include**:

- Post-secondary education in a related field is an asset.
- Registered with the College of Paramedics of Manitoba. Consideration will be given to applicants not registered yet, providing they are actively participating in an EMR program and will be registering immediately following completion.
- 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.
- Fluency in both official languages (French and English) or a second language is an asset.
- Significant work experience in a position working directly with the public or in a customer service environment.
- Previous experience working in a public safety dispatch center, 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 and ability to read and interpret a map to dispatch emergency services. Knowledge of city streets, areas and neighborhoods in the City of Winnipeg would be considered an asset.
- Knowledge of workplace safety and health standards guidelines and procedures.
- Ability to work in a team setting demonstrating superior interpersonal skills in dealings with clients, co-workers, supervisors, and other agencies and professionals (e.g. Police and other health care professionals) while fostering a positive, respectful, safe and healthy work environment.
- Ability to think critically and make quick decisions while working independently under stressful, chaotic, emergency situations while remaining calm throughout the matter.
- Ability to quickly learn and operate radio and telephony equipment and software, or other computer software required including Microsoft Office Products such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook.
- Ability to function in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment with multiple monitors, reacting appropriately to multiple aural and visual inputs.
- Ability to effectively verbally communicate with the public, Fire Paramedic Service personnel, and personnel from other emergency and support agencies by telephone and radio, with ability to control the exchange of information with emergency callers.
- Effective written communication skills.
- Ability to follow instructions, protocols, and complete tasks while efficiently organizing and prioritizing tasks, time, decisions and resources.
- Ability to provide high quality customer service in an empathetic, respectful and professional manner to the diversity of the population served.
- Ability to be resilient when faced with difficult, stressful and chaotic emergency situations.

**CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT**:
- The successful applicant must possess and maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada.
- Ability to obtain and annually maintain a clear Level 2 Security Check from the City of Winnipeg Police Service, satisfactory to the Employer. Check will be coordinated by the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service with the Winnipeg Police Service.
- Uncorrected visual acuity - distant - not less than 20/40 vision both eyes open, **or**:

- Corrected visual acuity - distant - not less than 20/30 both eyes open with corrective lenses, **and**:

- Ocular disease - free from diseases that impair visual performance as indicated by the requirement above, or will produce sudden, unpredictable incapacitation of the visual system.
- Normal unaided hearing thresholds no greater than 30 decibel