Fire Dispatchers are a vital part of our public health and safety system. They are the public's link to receiving help and support from First Responders. They play a significant role in supporting communities across BC during stressful emergency situations.
All full-time dispatchers start as relief and fill vacancies as they become available. If an individual chooses to do so, they may remain part-time.
Generally, part-time (relief) employees are utilized to backfill full-time employees for holidays, training, and other duties on an as and when required basis. Relief dispatchers are employees of the City of Campbell River and belong to IAFF Local 1668. A full-time dispatcher is an IAFF Local 1668 member and is assigned to a specific team and works regularly scheduled shift patterns.
A regular shift for an employee is either a 10-hour day shift or a 14-hour night shift. Shift start and end times may vary according to coverage/workload-based requirements and allow for some flexibility.
Fire Dispatchers must enjoy responsibility and have the skill and ability to:
Approach problems and decisions methodically
Demonstrate the use of sound judgment when making decisions
Adapt quickly in a dynamic environment
Prioritize multiple competing tasks
Readily assume a leadership role
Help foster a team atmosphere in the workplace
Communicate and actively build relationships with other team members
Actively seek win-win situations
Be comfortable with healthy conflict and support/manage differences of opinions
Keep emotions in perspective with the workplace
Demonstrate self-control and composure while working in a stressful environment
All Fire Dispatchers receive paid on-the-job training. This training provides Fire Dispatchers with the specialized skills and knowledge required to perform the duties of dispatching utilizing a Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD), complaint taking, 911 call handling and operational support. Successful candidates will be able to:
Answer emergency and non-emergency calls for service
Differentiate between types of calls and priorities
Demonstrate techniques used for different kinds of callers
Operate Fire Dispatch computer system/programs
Dispatch fire departments and provide up-to-date status keeping
Respond to requests of Fire departments
Operate telecommunication equipment such as telephones and radios
Respond to public/fire requests for internal/external services
Respond to situations involving critical incidents and hazardous materials
While attending a training program for Public Safety Communications Training is not required, applicants who have completed a training program of this type generally have a better understanding of the environment and do better in the mandatory training.
Completion of these types of programs does not guarantee your employment with the Fire Dispatch Centre.
