Communications Operator

Responsible for the operation of the communication devices of the Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service Department; consisting of radios, telephones, recorders, and computers. Receiving reported emergencies and dispatching the proper resources to deal with the situation. Providing administrative support services.

Responsibilities

Operations:

• Answers and monitors fire/emergency telephones for City of Vaughan and King Township, determines assistance required and dispatches the appropriate fire apparatus based on type of emergency and location. Maintains radio contact with all fire apparatus throughout the duration of the incident, providing updated incident details and actioning any requests.
• Completes detailed notes in computer aided dispatch (CAD) for all alarm calls, including benchmarking.
• Monitors all movement of apparatus and ensures emergency coverage is maintained.
• Notifies Chief Officer of emergency incidents in accordance with guidelines.
• Completes various reports, including generating invoices for motor vehicle collisions.
• Records burning permits as issued by Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) or King Fire and Emergency Service (KFES).
• Receives and processes sick and other absence reports from the Fire Department.
• Records street closures, information calls, hydrants out of service, watermain breaks, hazards and burn permits into CAD, as required and notifies appropriate officers.
• Conducts daily/weekly radio checks, advising of any radios for service.
• Operates the digital recording system.
• Provides administrative support to the department, including responding to inquiries.
• Contacts/liaises with internal and external stakeholders, as required.
• Completes Operations (Firefighters, Officers, DC, PC) overtime callouts and completes overtime callouts for Fire Prevention Inspectors or Mechanics who may be required to respond for emergency incidents when outside of regular business hours.
• Completes callout for volunteers for the Rehab (Field Support 760) when required.
• Ensures on-call officer list is up to date.
• Completes paging of KFES, as required. Assesses occurring incidents and initiates/allocates VFRS apparatus to standby assignments in consultation with the Platoon Chief.
• Liaises with York Regional Police (YRP) IT department and Vaughan's Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) regarding technical repairs and troubleshooting.
• Trains and evaluates newly hired Communications Operators.
• Updates and delivers Regional Map Books for all VFRS and KFES stations/apparatus.

Other Duties:

• Participates in Annual Emergency Evacuation exercises with Richmond Hill Fire.
• Performs other related tasks and projects as assigned, which are in accordance with job responsibilities or necessary department and corporate objectives.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and the Corporate Health and Safety policy and all Corporate policies and related procedures.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarian Disability Act (AODA) and related policy and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

• Graduate of post-secondary Emergency Services Dispatch accredited certification.
• Previous experience an asset.
• Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted class 'G' Ontario Driver's license.
• Certification in NFPA 1061 Level I with IFSAC &/or Proboard seals (proof of OFM Grandfathering
• acceptable).
• Demonstrated communication skills and ability to speak clearly and precisely while under high volume and stressful situations (verbal and written in the English language).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Demonstrated customer service and public relations skills.
• Demonstrated keyboarding skills of at least 40wpm (90% accuracy).
• Computer experience in Windows environment.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to perform radio dispatch duties in an often demanding and stressful emergency environment.
• Must be willing and able to wear a uniform.
• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in the City’s core competencies as well as relevant departmental functional competencies.

Working Conditions:

• Standard office environment. Ability to work with consistent ambient noise that comes from services/communications equipment, in additional to multiple phone lines and radio channels that are constantly being monitored. Required to work shift work, in accordance with the collective agreement.

The hiring process involves the successful completion of an interview, CritiCall, typing test and all other applicable testing. Candidates will be required to provide medical certification regarding ability to perform physical/cognitive demands analysis.

Successful candidate(s) will be required to submit a clear Vulnerable Sector Check from an accredited Police Service, prior to commencing employment.