Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and highly organized Emergency Services Dispatcher to join our public safety team. The ideal candidate will serve as the vital link between emergency callers and first responders, ensuring rapid and accurate communication during critical situations. This role requires strong leadership skills, the ability to manage high-pressure scenarios, and a solid understanding of emergency management protocols. The dispatcher will play a crucial part in coordinating emergency response efforts to protect community safety and well-being.
Duties
- Receive and prioritize emergency calls from the public, providing calm and clear communication.
- Gather essential information from callers, including location, nature of the emergency, and any additional details needed for response teams.
- Dispatch appropriate emergency services such as police, fire, or medical personnel promptly and efficiently.
- Maintain accurate records of all calls and dispatch activities for documentation and review purposes.
- Coordinate with multiple agencies to ensure seamless response efforts during large-scale incidents or disasters.
- Monitor ongoing situations, providing updates to responders and adjusting dispatch priorities as needed.
- Utilize specialized communication systems and software to facilitate effective dispatch operations.
- Provide support and guidance to callers when necessary, demonstrating leadership in crisis management situations.
Qualifications
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to remain composed under stress.
- Experience or training in emergency management or public safety operations is highly desirable.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to convey information clearly and efficiently.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Knowledge of local geography, traffic patterns, and community resources is a plus.
- Previous experience in dispatching or related roles is preferred but not required; training will be provided for qualified candidates.
- Must demonstrate a commitment to public safety and community service.
Education and Experience
- Grade 12 High School Diploma required
- Completed courses in public safety, emergency communications or criminology preferred
- Experience working or volunteering in an emergency services environment is desirable
- Experience working in a call centre environment preferred
- Knowledge of Nova Scotia geography an asset
- Excellent computer skills with fast and accurate keyboarding
Training Requirements
- Must be available for training hours Monday to Thursday for a minimum of 12 hours from 9am to 5pm.
- New Emergency Dispatcher will receive on the job training for Fire, Valley Alarms monitoring, and telephone answering provided at Valley Communications
- Each new Call Taker is provided a paid one week classroom 911 Call Taker Training course with a half day Domestic Violence Training course. Course location is in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The course includes a test at the end of the week which is a combination of written/hands on testing; ongoing assessments follow the course with on the job training. Training is mandatory and will occur during your first 3 to 6 months at Valley Communications. You must have a flexible availability to meet the training and shift requirements.
Shift Patterns
We are a 24/7, 365 day operation, therefore workdays include days, nights, weekend, special events and statutory holidays. Currently the hours of work for part time employees include weekday (Monday to Friday) 4pm to 8pm shifts, and Saturday or Sunday 1-7pm shifts. The full time shifts are four 12 hour shifts on, with four days off. The full time 12 hour shifts are Monday to Sunday, 6am to 6pm or 6pm to 6am. Starting rate of pay is $20 which can be negotiated based on education and experience.
Location: 217 Belcher Street, Kentville, NS
Tasks and Responsibilities
- Use a fire paging dispatch system in conjunction with Fire Pro to determine procedures, protocols, and paging instructions for each individual fire department, and record times of emergency incidents.
- Receive emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, medical or other emergencies.
- Determine the nature and location of the emergency; determine priorities and dispatch emergency agencies as necessary in accordance with established procedures.
- Receive and process 911 emergency calls, maintain contact with all units on assignment, maintain status and location of police and fire units.
- Monitor direct emergency alarms, answer non-emergency calls for assistance.
- Enter, update, and retrieve information.
- Operate a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones, and computer systems.
- Perform a wide range of radio, and telephone operational duties in this 24 hour facility.
Special Requirements and Other Duties (as required)
- Willingness and/or ability to work rotating shifts, occasional nights, holidays, weekends, and during severe weather conditions (ie. power outages, winter storms, blizzards, hurricanes, wind storms, etc.)
- Work on call basis, if required.
- Work irregular duty assignments, if required.
- Successfully pass a criminal records check, child abuse register check, and have never been involved in a criminal investigation.
- Work with others, and be a team player.
- Attend educational sessions as required.
- Travel to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia for training as required (911 Training, 911 Refresher Training, Domestic Violence Training, Suicide Intervention Training).
- Physical and mental health - Candidates must demonstrate a state of physical and mental health consistent with the ability to perform assigned duties.
This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by ensuring swift emergency responses that save lives and protect property. We value leadership qualities, resilience, and dedication in our team members committed to serving the community effectively.
Pay: From $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
