Communications Officer, SCU Emerge Response

Job summary

The Communications Officer manages emergency calls and dispatches resources for transit safety, security, and law enforcement issues. They monitor alarm systems, perform digital investigations using CCTV, and coordinate with emergency services like Police, Fire, and Paramedics.

Job details

Requisition ID: 23510 Department: Transit Services Dept. Service: Safety, Regulatory, Trng & Dev Service Employment Type: 1 Full-time Permanent; 2 Full-time Temporary - (Up to March 31, 2027)Work Hours: 40.00 /hours per weekAffiliation: CUPE 5500/Transit Law Enforcement Salary Information: $34.382 - $40.449 per hour (2025 rates of pay)Location: Transit Service, 1500 St.Laurent Job Category: Transit Services - OC Transpo Application Close: 25/09/2026JOB SUMMARY The mandate of the Safety, Compliance, Training and Development Service is to provide training and development, safety and compliance, and quality and continuous improvement of bus, para transit and light rail services. The Transit Special Constable Unit manages the Special Constable and Fare Enforcement Programs, Transit revenue loss, property protection and law enforcement programs, the transit emergency response and preparedness programs, communications equipment/systems, processes and sectional records activities. You are responsible for answering calls for service from the public, Transit, 911, resources and emergency services relating to safety, security, and law enforcement issues, and facilitate the response of internal/external resources. In accordance with prescribed deployment plans, policies, and procedures, you initiate contact with City emergency services such as Fire, Police, and Paramedics. You dispatch and provide support to responding units through situational awareness, coordination, and communication. You monitor unit equipment including telephones, emergency phones, alarm systems and radios, and perform digital searches and investigation assistance using CCTV cameras. In addition, you recommend improvements to Transit Facilities or stations to minimize safety risks, testify at court, as necessary, to give evidence regarding incidents that may occur while on duty and ensure the back-up control centre is operational for emergency transition changeover as required. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Completion of 2 year community college public safety-related diploma or certificate (Police/Fire/Paramedic/Communications) Minimum 2 years of experience in a transit, emergency services, or a call-centre environment, using computer, communication and CCVR technology. CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES Current Standard First Aid, CPR and/or AED certificatesKNOWLEDGE Understanding the role of the Special Constables, the mission, vision and values and how the job fits with the overall direction of the organization Working knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada, related Federal and Provincial Statutes, and the Transit by-law Knowledge of Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD). Knowledge of policies and procedures affecting Transit Special Constable Services Operations and Communications role including standard operating procedures and emergency standing orders and control centre procedures would be a benefit. Knowledge of radio communications protocol, and emergency response techniques Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Self-motivated, and able to work independently, with minimal direction, and collaboratively with peers and managers as part of a team Capable of dealing with difficult or confrontational behaviours Able to work well under pressure and set/adapt priorities based on a sense of urgency and importance Able to communicate clearly and professionally and to ensure the accuracy of information received and conveyed Possess strong data entry and keyboarding skills. Possess computer literacy in MS Office Suite in a Windows environment, including use of Ozone and the Internet Able to use portable corporate communications technologies, such as 2-way radio, etc. Able to exercise sound judgement and to make authoritative decisions during emergencies, distress or stressful situations, where time may not permit soliciting advice from more senior staff Possess analytical, problem solving and listening skills Possess strong conflict/dispute/crisis resolution skills Able to build and maintain relationships within the first responder community, with stakeholders and other agencies Able to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of all people and cultures Possess excellent interpersonal, and report writing skills Possess a work record of good attendance/job performance Possess discretion and integrity in safeguarding confidential information Able to think analytically, and concentrate/focus on detail Able to work in a fast-paced, often stressful work environment Able to be respectful, to relate to Transit customers, co-workers and the general public, and to work in a non-confrontational manner Possess cultural awareness, value diversity and be sensitive to others Able to display tact and diplomacy Able to work unplanned overtime and work the full range of scheduled shift work. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Language Requirement: Various language requirements, locations may require English only, French only OR Bilingual competencies. Some positions require English oral, reading, and writing. Some positions required French oral, reading and writing. Police Record Check: The successful candidate will be required to complete a Police Security Clearance to the City of Ottawa’s satisfaction. Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic requirements. Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available. We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. The City of Ottawa promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from members of Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women and non-binary persons, persons of all ethnic origins, religions, sexual orientations, classes, gender identities and expressions. Candidates are encouraged to self-identify as a member of one or more designated employment equity groups in the self-identification questionnaire. The City of Ottawa provides accommodation to applicants during all parts of the hiring process, upon request. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation. Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the Employee Service Centre at 613-580-2424 extension 12211 or via email at esc-cse@ottawa.ca. .

What you’ll do

The Communications Officer manages emergency calls and dispatches resources for transit safety, security, and law enforcement issues. They monitor alarm systems, perform digital investigations using CCTV, and coordinate with emergency services like Police, Fire, and Paramedics.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a 2-year community college diploma in a public safety-related field and at least 2 years of experience in emergency services or call-centre environments. Proficiency in computer-aided dispatch, radio protocols, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment are essential.

Listed skills

• First Aid · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• CPR · Preferred
• interpersonal skills · Preferred
• Data entry · Preferred
• crisis management · Preferred
• Conflict Resolution · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Emergency response
• Radio communications
• Computer-aided dispatch
• CCTV surveillance
• Conflict resolution
• Data entry
• Crisis management
• Public safety
• Report writing
• Situational awareness
• Interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills
• Problem solving
• MS Office Suite
• First aid
• CPR
• Report Writing
• Employment Equity
• Emergency Response
• Tactfulness
• Analytical Thinking
• Computer-Aided Dispatch
• Diplomacy
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
• First Aid Certification
• Shift Work
• Self-Motivation
• Automated External Defibrillator
• Alarm Devices
• Multilingualism
• Closed-Circuit Television Systems (CCTV)
• Certified First Responder (CFR)
• Communication
• Communications Protocols
• Compliance Training
• Computer Networks
• Computer Literacy
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Corporate Communications
• Training And Development
• Data Entry
• English Language
• French Language
• Standard Operating Procedure
• Problem Solving
• Law Enforcement
• Listening Skills
• Microsoft Office
• Operations
• Security Clearance

Job areas

• Security & Safety
• Transportation
• Government & Public Sector
• Customer Service & Support
• Administrative
• Communications Officer
• Communications Manager (General)
• Advertising and Public Relations Managers
• Public Relations Managers