Description
We acknowledge that the City of Kingston is situated on traditional Anishinabek (Ah- nish-in-ah-bay), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat) territory and is the home of many Indigenous peoples. We are grateful to reside and work on this land. Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government. Kingstonians enjoy a high quality of life with access to world-class education and research institutions, advanced healthcare facilities, affordable living and vibrant entertainment and tourism activities.We take our core values of Trust, Respect, Integrity and Pride seriously and apply these standards to everything we do. We foster a working environment that reflects our community’s diversity and respects people’s dignity, ideas and beliefs. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and encourages people from all backgrounds, including but not limited to women, racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, Persons with Disabilities and persons who identify as members *2SLGBTQ+ communities, to apply.
Position Summary
***NOTE*** This is a full-time term position for up to 12 months
Communication Technicians perform communications duties for Kingston Fire & Rescue and all Fire Departments in the County of Frontenac and Lennox & Addington by answering citizen calls for service, both emergency and non-emergency and dispatching firefighters and equipment to handle the emergency incident or contact a more appropriate agency to respond. Communication Technicians provide the vital first-link between citizens and the resources of Fire & Rescue Services. The performance of the Communication Technician directly contributes to the safety and well-being of Fire Service personnel and the municipality’s residents.
Receive and process non-emergency and 911 emergency calls requesting fire, medical, or other emergency services from a wide range of customers with distinct needs and expectations by applying ethical reasoning, customer service skills and diversity awareness
Efficiently operate console equipment, including telephone, radio, status control and a computer aided dispatch system
Exercise critical thinking skills to solve problems, determine priorities and make decisions affecting resource allocation and delivery, for emergency and non-emergency scenarios
Obtain information quickly and accurately in order to determine the nature and location of the emergency
Maintain contact with all units on assignment and maintain status and location of fire units
Liaise with senior staff to provide situation updates
Enter, update and retrieve information from computer system and provide pertinent data/dispatch and monitor contracted fire department radio transmissions
Maintain a high standard of service, professionalism and integrity
Perform the peacetime emergency communication functions as required
Qualifications, Competencies
Grade 12 diploma or equivalent education
Post-secondary education in Emergency Services Communications an asset
Experience in fire operations and communication/dispatching preferred
Experience in customer service, call centre or emergency response operations an asset
Experience with MS Office software including Word and Excel with strong keyboarding skills (40 wpm)
Knowledge of standard radio, telephone, communications, receiving and transmitting equipment, standard broadcasting procedures of radio dispatch equipment is preferred
Able to obtain current First Aid and CPR certification
Must demonstrate corporate competencies: Customer Focus, Results Orientation, Integrity, and Teamwork
Skills, Abilities, Work Demands
Able to prioritize and multitask in emergency situations and handle stressful situations in a calm and organized manner
Must be fluent in English and able to speak clearly and calmly on the radio and phone
Able to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, listening and memory skills
Able to operate a visual display terminal for extended periods of time and have auditory and visual acuity to perform the duties of the position acceptable to Kingston Fire & Rescue
Demonstrate general knowledge of street and road systems and able to work with and interpret street maps
Able to perform the essential duties of the job including repetitive arm/hand movement
Required to work various 12 hour shifts as assigned; due to the unpredictable and critical nature of the work along with the ability and willingness to work rotating shifts including nights, holidays and weekends
Fluency in a second language an asset
Must obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal records check
Closing Statement
Please inform us of any accommodations we need to make to ensure a barrier-free recruitment experience. Accommodations are available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC)and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) at any stage in the recruitment process. We’re happy to provide more information if you email us at HRCity@cityofkingston.ca.
Please apply to Career Opportunities at: www.cityofkingston.ca/Careers
Your resumé must demonstrate how you meet position requirements. Please upload to your profile any educational Degrees, Diplomas and/or Certificates that are relevant and required for the position. We thank all who apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
