At the City of St. Catharines, you’ll find more than just a job — you’ll find a place that fits.

Here, your work means something — where you can see the impact, feel the pride, and know you’re a part of something bigger. You’ll be trusted to do your job, backed by people who care, and part of a team that shows up for each other. There’s flexibility when it counts, and a real understanding that life doesn’t stop when the workday starts. With pay you can count on, great benefits, and a pension that helps you plan ahead — you’ve got more than a job. You’ve got the space to grow, the balance you need, and a place that gets it.

It feels different — because it is.

It’s a place that works for you.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Fire Communicator answers emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance on 9-1-1 lines, from agency direct and partner emergency services and initiates calls for service for 28 fire departments in a coordinated manner and performs other related work as required and/or assigned.

What You'll be Doing:

• Provides outstanding customer service to all external and internal customers.
• Receives and processes all requests for emergency and non-emergency calls, complaints, and inquiries from the public.
• Determines nature and urgency of requests for service and prioritizes effectively.
• Dispatches fire and other public safety units, in accordance with established procedures, and based on the nature of the call, staff availability, and location of the incident.
• Operates a variety of communication equipment, including emergency radio system, computerized dispatch consoles (CAD) and keyboards, multi-line telephone equipment, and camera monitoring equipment.
• Retrieves information in response to requests from fire units, and monitors and maintains status and location of units.
• Contacts partner agencies to coordinate public safety and mutual aid/automatic aid operations.
• Maintains a daily report of fire alarm system status.
• Responsibilities include notification of the Community Control Group as part of activation of the City of St. Catharines Emergency Plan.

What's Required:

• Must have Grade 12 diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess current certification of CPR and Standard First Aid training.
• Exceptional oral communication and listening skills.
• Demonstrated multi-tasking ability.
• Experience and/or education required in public safety telecommunication fields, including Fire, Police and EMS Communications.
• Ability and commitment to learn and maintain advanced knowledge of the geography of the Niagara Region, Haldimand County and Norfolk County, including, but not limited to, major streets, highways, bodies of water and landmarks.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Ontario Driver’s License, minimum Class “G”.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position (e.g. repetitive arm/hand movement; intense visual and auditory concentration)
• Able to work rotating 12-hour shifts including day/night shifts
• Proficient computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software programs with the ability to adapt to various software platforms.
• Experience and/or education in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) background is an asset.
• Candidates will undertake continuous skill and educational upgrading as soon as practicable as a requirement of the position including but not limited to:
  • APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator – most current edition
  • NFPA 1061 - Telecommunicator I and II Professional Qualification Standard

Job Details:

Job ID: 2026-132

Pay Rate: Start Rate: $84,868.70

Hours: 42 per week

Schedule: Rotating 12-hour shifts (including days/nights)

Location: St. Catharines, ON

Work Mode: In Person

Employee Group: Fire Fighters Association Local 485

Position Type: Permanent, Full-time

Duration: ongoing

Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy

Application Deadline: May 10, 2026

Jobs with an application deadline will close at 11:59 PM on that date. Jobs listed as ‘open until filled’ may close at any time.

Other Requirements:

Other Position Requirements include: Class G Driver’s Licence

Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete the Ministry of Labour’s Worker Health and Safety Awareness training and provide proof of the educational credentials listed on their resume and job application.

What's In It for You:

Curious what it’s like to work for the City of St. Catharines? Watch the video and Hear from Our Team.

Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• Great People: Be part of a team that supports you, celebrates your wins, and helps you succeed.

• Make Your Mark: Bring your ideas, drive meaningful change, and leave a lasting impact on our community.

• Learn & Grow: Access training and development funds to take your skills to the next level.

• Competitive Pay: Competitive pay from a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.

• Secure Future: Join the OMERS pension plan with employer-matched contributions.

• Balance & Benefits : Flexible hybrid work options plus health, dental, and vision benefits for eligible positions.

Additional Information:

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of St. Catharines is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful work environment. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Our community is enriched by people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences—a value reflected in our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.

Don’t Meet Every Requirement?

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and education levels to apply. While specific qualifications may be required for certain roles, we assess each applicant’s overall suitability. Please note that unionized roles are subject to collective agreement requirements.

Accommodation

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact Human Resources at hrreps@stcatharines.ca.

Application Process

To ensure transparency and fairness, all applications must be submitted online through our application portal. Please keep your contact information up to date and regularly check your spam and junk email folders, as important communications may be directed there.

Interviews and Assessments

Depending on the role, interviews may be conducted via video conferencing or in person. Various tests and/or assessments may be administered as part of the selection process.

Use of AI

The City of St. Catharines does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in any part of the recruitment process.

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