Emergency Communications Officer

Job Summary

The City of Grande Prairie is transitioning to a municipal police service supported by an integrated dispatch model. The Public Safety Communications Centre (PSCC) manages 911 emergency calls and other designated service lines to maintain operational readiness.

The Emergency Communications Officer (ECO) provides emergency call-taking and dispatch services within the Public Safety Communications Centre (PSCC). This includes receiving, evaluating, and prioritizing emergent, non-emergent, and administrative calls using established protocols and procedures.

The ECO will dispatch units and personnel using the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and radio systems, monitor radio traffic for status updates and safety checks, access databases to respond to queries, communicate with other agencies and individuals using multiple communication methods, and maintain accurate records necessary for operations.

Current Hiring Focus

The PSCC is exclusively looking for candidates with a minimum of 1 year of Emergency Police Dispatch experience. Initially, the role is focused on police dispatching, with the expectation that cross-functional training will be completed over time to achieve dual-discipline (Police and Fire) proficiency.

There are 4 full time positions and 4 part time positions.

Position Responsibilities

• Receive and prioritize emergency and non-emergency police calls using approved protocols.
• Dispatch police units and coordinate resources using CAD and radio systems.
• Maintain continuous radio contact to support situational awareness and officer safety.
• Monitor unit status, identify high-risk incidents, and request additional resources as required.
• Coordinate with allied agencies during critical incidents.
• Maintain accurate, real-time operational records.
• Participate in quality assurance, training, and operational debriefings.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 12 months’ experience in emergency communications or a high-volume call environment.
• Ability to obtain Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification (required).
• Emergency Telecommunicator Certification (ETC) or equivalent.
• Typing speed of 30+ WPM with high accuracy.
• Strong computer skills (Windows, MS Office, CAD, radio systems).
• Ability to obtain and maintain an enhanced security clearance.
• Ability to complete Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification and additional cross-training.
• Ability to obtain Standard First Aid & CPR Level “C”.

Hours & Compensation

Emergency Communications Officers average 42 hours per week, working rotating 24/7 shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and statutory holidays. Wages as per the IAFF Collective Agreement range from $39.32- 52.43. Experienced Police dispatchers will be placed on wage table accordingly.

Benefits

The City of Grande Prairie offers a comprehensive benefits package, paid training, professional development, LAPP Pension and supplementary pension for IAFF Employees, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and a Health & Wellness Account. You will also participate in a modern, integrated public safety communications environment.

Selection Process

The selection process includes several steps: application review and short-listing, Aptitude Test, Behavioural Test, Job Observation, and Interview. Offers are conditional on vision and hearing tests, and the ability to obtain and maintain an Enhanced Security Clearance. You will be required to travel to Grande Prairie, AB for portions of this process.

Key skills/competency

• Emergency Communications
• Police Dispatch
• 911 Call Taking
• Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)
• Radio Systems Operation
• Situational Awareness
• Real-time Record Keeping
• Crisis Coordination
• Emergency Telecommunicator Certification (ETC)
• Data Entry Accuracy