dispatcher sitting in front of computers

City of Edmonton Emergency Communication Specialist recruitment, qualification and training information.

Emergency Communication Specialists work in a fast-paced environment evaluating emergency calls and dispatching appropriate units.  They obtain crucial information, provide immediate instructions to the caller and provide ongoing communications to Fire Rescue Operations.   

They also provide support and information to on-scene Incident Commanders throughout events, as well as liaise with other emergency response agencies, civic agencies and utility companies to ensure events are mitigated.

Job Postings

Visit the City's job postings to ensure Emergency Services is currently recruiting. If Emergency Communication Specialist positions are posted, follow the posting steps to apply.

Job Duties

Emergency Communication Specialists:

  • Represent the City of Edmonton in a professional and respectful manner
  • Receive, evaluate and prioritize emergency calls using strict fire protocols and deploy appropriate resources
  • Provide callers with appropriate pre-arrival and post dispatch instructions as per specific fire protocols
  • Direct the deployment of emergency units
  • Provide communications, liaison services, operational support and interagency coordination
  • Keep up-to-date with all standard operating procedures and guidelines
  • Perform other related duties as required

Recruitment

Qualifications

  • Grade 12 diploma or equivalent 
  • Must complete International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Emergency Fire Dispatcher (EFD) certification within 1 year of the start date
  • Basic Rescuer CPR certification
  • An Emergency Response Communication certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution, or a minimum of 2 years experience in a major Communications Centre
  • Ability to provide timely, accurate, professional, customer-oriented teamwork services while multi-tasking in a high volume work environment
  • Must demonstrate a strong knowledge of the Edmonton streets, roads, major routes and common place locations
  • Excellent communication (both written and verbal) and problem solving skills
  • The ability to operate the computer-aided dispatch system and related interface systems in a fast-paced work environment
  • Proven reliability with a consistent record of attendance at work
  • Ability to work 10-hour and 14-hour shifts on a 24/7 rotating basis
  • Hire is dependent upon a Police Information Check satisfactory to the City of Edmonton
  • Valid Alberta Class 5 drivers licence (or provincial equivalent)
dispatcher moving map markers

Training

Trainees initially work in the classroom with a Dispatch Training Captain for approximately 2 weeks. They are then assigned to a platoon and, under the tutelage of a senior Emergency Communications Specialist, they learn to evaluate emergency calls and dispatch fire apparatus in real-world situations using modern technologies such as Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), ProQA software and Internet-protocol call-handling (IPCH) systems.

The Dispatch Training Captain helps develop and deliver both internal and external courses for new and experienced Emergency Response Communication Centre (ERCC) dispatchers.

All members working in the ERCC must complete 24 hours of continuing dispatch education every 2 years with the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch to maintain their current Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification.

Contact Us

Emergency Response Human Resources

Citizen Services
City of Edmonton
3rd Floor, 10351 96 ST
Edmonton AB  T5H 2H5

Phone  780-496-7872