Communications Services · Home · Know when to call 9-1-1 · False Alarm and Cost Recovery · Combined Learning Network · Selection Process - Communications Operator

Job Profile

The Communication Operator position is comprised of two distinct job functions: Emergency 911 and Non-Emergency Operator and Police Dispatcher.

Job Duties:

• Receive incoming calls on the emergency 9-1-1 line and initiate the appropriate police, ambulance or fire response
• Receive incoming calls on the non-emergency lines from the public
• Initiate the required police response, connect caller to the requested area or supply the caller with the appropriate non-police information
• Operate various computerized communication consoles and associated equipment to receive, assess and relay information from the public to police personnel in a courteous, accurate and expedient manner
• Receive calls via the internal police lines and take the appropriate action

• Dispatch and respond to requests from police personnel
• Maintain radio contact with a varying number of police officers
• Organize and prioritize calls for police service

• Successful completion of Grade 12 education or an approved equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age and legally eligible to work in Canada
• Must not have been convicted of a criminal offence for which a pardon has not been granted
• Must not have any charges pending before the courts
• Must be of good moral character
• Must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant
• Applicants must successfully complete a variety of tests which may consist of typing, memory retention, written and console simulator
• Must have experience with microcomputers
• Must have well-developed communication skills and be able to perform well in stressful situations
• The following competencies may be assessed during a Behavioural Event Interview: Analytical Thinking, Communication skills, Listening, Understanding & Responding and Teamwork
• Completion of a recognized Public Safety Communication Course would be considered an asset
• Experience in a customer service environment is valuable

Salary: (2009)

• Full time salary from $52,630.13 to $67,202.28
• Part time salary from $25.20 to 32.38 per hour

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefit package begins upon successful completion of the following:
• Full Time – Six (6) month probationary period
• Part-time – 1044 hours probationary period

Shifts: The Communication Centre is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• All members are required to work the following three different shift hours, with some variations:
  • Day shift 7:00 am - 3:00 p.m.
  • Afternoon shift 2:45 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.
  • Midnight shift 10:30 p.m. - 7:15 a.m.
    
    
• The Communication Centre’s shift schedule is based on a 5-week rotating cycle. Full time members are required to work the following shift rotation, with some variations:
  • 8 consecutive day shifts
  • 8 consecutive afternoon shifts
  • 7 consecutive midnight shifts
    

• Members are required to work weekends on a regular basis
• Members work statutory holidays as part of the shift rotation
• Members may be requested to work overtime, before or after shift (Depending on the urgency of the siutation, notice will be immediate.)

• Members must successfully complete a 30-week intensive training program, which is comprised of 15 weeks of calltaker training and another 15 weeks of dispatch training
• Members will receive regular performance evaluations
• Members will be paid during the training program

• Restrictive environment with scheduled breaks and lunch period
• Rapid pace - intense concentration for extended periods
• Operate a console and a computer terminal for an entire shift
• High stress environment
• Exposure to difficult situations such as suicidal callers, violent crimes in progress, etc

Just 6 simple steps……

1. Apply to the Toronto Police Service. Applications can be obtained at Headquarters,  Employment Unit, 40 College Street, 2^nd floor, Toronto, Ontario

It is recommended that a resume be included with each application.

Resumes should include;

• pertinent information relating to education
• pertinent information relating to work experience, special attention should be made to customer service related work
• reference to second languages
• reference to computer and communicator courses

1. Selected applicants must successfully complete a multi-level testing process
2. Successful applicants must complete a job interview
3. Successful applicant’s files will be subject to an in-depth background check
4. Offer of employment may be given after a successful medical evaluation
5. Successful completion of the 31-week training program