Communicator (Probationary)

*Join us to shape the future of St. Catharines*
At the City of St. Catharines, we are committed to realizing the vision outlined in Strategic Plan . Our goal is to cultivate a city that thrives on safety, innovation, sustainability, and caring—not just for today, but for generations to come. Join our team and be part of a meaningful journey to shape the future of our community, leaving a lasting impact that extends far beyond the present.

Here is what you can count on when you work with us:

• Great People: Work with a supportive team and leadership focused on your success.
• Make Your Mark: Share your ideas, drive change, and leave a lasting impact through modernization efforts.
• Training & Development: Access training and development funds to support your professional growth.
• Competitive Pay: Receive competitive pay from a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.
• Pension Plan: Enjoy enrollment in the OMERS pension plan with matched contributions.
• Balance & Benefits: Experience flexibility through our hybrid work environment, plus health, dental, and vision benefits (available to eligible employees).

Job Details
Job ID:

Pay Rate:
$72, July 1, 2023 Rates)

Hours:
84 hours bi-weekly per week

Schedule:
Variable

Location:
St. Catharines, ON

Work Mode:
In Person

Employee Group:
Fire Fighters Association Local 485

Position Type
Permanent, Full-time

Duration:
Ongoing

Posting Close Date:
Until Filled

About The Role
Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Fire Communicator answers emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance on 9-1-1 lines, from agency direct and partner emergency services and initiates calls for service for 28 fire departments in a coordinated manner and performs other related work as required and/or assigned.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provides outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers.
• Receives and processes all requests for emergency and non-emergency calls, complaints, and inquiries from the public.
• Determines nature and urgency of requests for service and prioritizes effectively.
• Dispatches fire and other public safety units, in accordance with established procedures, and based on the nature of the call, staff availability, and location of the incident.
• Operates a variety of communication equipment, including emergency radio system, computerized dispatch consoles (CAD) and keyboards, multi-line telephone equipment, and camera monitoring equipment.
• Retrieves information in response to requests from fire units, and monitors and maintains status and location of units.
• Contacts partner agencies to coordinate public safety and mutual aid/automatic aid operations.
• Maintains a daily report of fire alarm system status.
• Responsibilities include notification of the Community Control Group as part of activation of the City of St. Catharines Emergency Plan.

What's Required:

• Must have Grade 12 diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess current certification of CPR and Standard First Aid training.
• Exceptional oral communication and listening skills.
• Demonstrated multi-tasking ability.
• Experience and/or education required in public safety telecommunication fields, including Fire, Police and EMS Communications.
• Ability and commitment to learn and maintain advanced knowledge of the geography of the Niagara Region, Haldimand County and Norfolk County, including, but not limited to, major streets, highways, bodies of water and landmarks.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Ontario Driver's License, minimum Class "G".
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position (e.g. repetitive arm/hand movement; intense visual and auditory concentration)
• Able to work rotating 12-hour shifts including day/night shifts
• Proficient computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software programs with the ability to adapt to various software platforms.
• Experience and/or education in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) background is an asset.

• Candidates will undertake continuous skill and educational upgrading as soon as practicable as a requirement of the position including but not limited to:

• APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator – most current edition

• NFPA Telecommunicator I and II Professional Qualification Standard

Other Requirements
Other Position Requirements include: Class G Driver's Licence

Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete the Ministry of Labour's Worker Health and Safety Awareness training and provide proof of the educational credentials listed on their resume and job application.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of St. Catharines is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful work environment. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Our community is enriched by people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences—a value reflected in our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.

Don't Meet Every Requirement?
We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and education levels to apply. While specific qualifications may be required for certain roles, we assess each applicant's overall suitability. Please note that unionized roles are subject to collective agreement requirements.

Accommodation
We are an equal opportunity employer and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact Human Resources at

Application Process
To ensure transparency and fairness, all applications must be submitted online through our application portal. Please keep your contact information up to date and regularly check your spam and junk email folders, as important communications may be directed there.

Interviews and Assessments
Depending on the role, interviews may be conducted via video conferencing or in person. Various tests and/or assessments may be administered as part of the selection process.

Use of AI
The City of St. Catharines does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in any part of the recruitment process.