Role: Communications Officer – Emergency Services
Contract length: Full-Time, Permanent
Schedule: 12-hour shifts on a rotating schedule; 36 hours one week, 48 hours the following week. Shifts may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
Rate: Competitive entry-level pay, details shared upon application.
Location: Local positions available.
About the role
When someone calls for help, you will be the first person they reach. As a Communications Officer, you’ll be the vital link between the public and emergency responders — gathering critical information, staying calm under pressure, and helping coordinate the response that saves lives.
Your responsibilities will include:
• Answering emergency and non-emergency calls for service
• Quickly determining what help is needed and what resources are required
• Gathering accurate information from callers who may be frightened, injured, or confused
• Prioritising calls and dispatching law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other public safety resources
• Providing emergency instructions when appropriate
• Operating communications systems including dispatch software, telephone, and radio equipment
• Monitoring multiple radio channels and keeping track of responder locations and status
• Communicating critical information that affects responder or public safety
• Coordinating communications during major incidents, severe weather, medical emergencies, and other critical events
• Maintaining accurate, complete, and confidential records
• Performing multiple tasks simultaneously while staying focused and accurate
What we’re looking for
We will train you on our systems and procedures. What matters most is that you bring the right qualities to this work:
• Calm under pressure — You can think clearly while others are panicking
• Excellent communicator — You listen carefully, ask the right questions, and speak clearly
• Dependable — Emergency services operate 24/7, 365 days a year. Your team depends on you being there
• Detail-oriented — Small details like a street number or vehicle description can change an entire response
• Able to multitask — You may listen to a caller, type information into systems, monitor radio traffic, and process new information at the same time
• Compassionate but composed — You care about the person calling while staying focused on what needs to happen next
• Team-oriented — Emergency communications requires teamwork
• Willing to learn — This role involves initial training and ongoing professional development
Typing is essential
Typing is not just a helpful skill — it is an essential part of the job. You will routinely type information into dispatch systems while simultaneously listening to callers, asking questions, and monitoring radio traffic.
You must be able to type a minimum of 35 words per minute with high accuracy. Typing proficiency will be tested as part of the application process. If you are not yet at this speed, we encourage you to practise and improve your keyboarding skills before applying.
Skills/background needed:
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to type at least 35 words per minute with high accuracy
• Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations
• Ability to efficiently operate a computer and navigate multiple software applications
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record
• Must successfully complete required pre-employment screening and background checks
• Must be eligible for required system access and certifications
• Previous experience in emergency services, customer service, healthcare, military service, or other fast-paced environments is helpful but not required. No prior experience is necessary if you have the qualities and skills listed above
Training and certifications
Following employment, you will receive training and certification in:
• State-mandated communications officer training
• System access certifications
• Emergency medical dispatch training where applicable
• Call-taking and dispatch procedures
• Communications systems operation including dispatch software, radio, telephone, and mapping tools
• Continuing education and recurrent training as required
Full training is provided. Continued employment is dependent on satisfactory progress through training and successful maintenance of required certifications.
What to expect
Emergency communications is a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week, 365-day-a-year operation. You will work 12-hour shifts that may include days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as operational needs require.
The work can be stressful. You may hear people experiencing medical emergencies, injuries, violence, fires, vehicle crashes, and other traumatic events. You must be able to receive difficult information while continuing to communicate professionally and perform your responsibilities.
During major emergencies, severe weather, or staffing emergencies, you may be required to remain beyond your scheduled shift or stay at the communications center.
What few careers offer: you will know that what you did mattered. Your voice and decisions directly affect whether help arrives quickly and safely.
Work environment
The position is performed within a communications center and requires prolonged periods at a communications console. This includes frequent keyboard and computer use, use of telephone and radio headsets, viewing multiple computer displays, and maintaining concentration during routine and high-stress situations.
Reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.
Benefits
Full-time employees may be eligible for:
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Paid training and professional development
• Career serving your community alongside emergency responders
Equal opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and comply with applicable employment laws. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities. People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply.
Applicants receiving a conditional offer of employment are subject to pre-employment screening including background checks and drug and alcohol screening. Employees must maintain a drug- and alcohol-free workplace in accordance with company policy.
In this role, you will handle confidential and sensitive information. You will be required to maintain the confidentiality and security of all protected information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Ready to get started? Submit your application below.