Communications Operator

Carleton University; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 67,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Ottawa is seeking a Communications Operator to manage emergency communications and ensure the safety of the university community. The role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work under pressure. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in call-center operations and must hold a high school diploma. This full-time position offers a salary between CAD 67,332.72 and CAD 78,340.08 annually.

Qualifications

• Excellent computer skills required.
• Proficient in English; French is an asset.
• Ability to work under stress and handle multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal safety for university community.
• Receive and dispatch emergency calls.
• Monitor security systems and coordinate alarm responses.

Skills

Excellent keyboarding and computer skills

Solid command of the English language

Listening and communication skills

Knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada

Experience in radio and telephone operations

Ability to apply conflict resolution techniques

Self-motivated work ethic

Tact and diplomacy

Education

High School Diploma

Valid first aid certificate with CPR level C

Two-year college diploma in Emergency and Call Centre Communications

Job description

To display this page you need a browser with JavaScript support. If you are an internal applicant belonging to a union (CUPE 2424, CUPE 910 or OPSEU 404), please make sure to update your current union status in your candidate profile each time you apply for a vacant position. Internal “unionized” candidates with priority status will be given first consideration. Please note: Carleton University encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

Job Number: J1125-0142
Job Title: Communications Operator
Job Type: Continuing Full Time
Department: Patrol Services
Job Category: Campus Safety Services
Number of Positions: 1
Date Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 24/11/2025
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): 04/12/2025
Salary: 67,332.72 - 78,340.08/Year
Employee Group: Campus Safety Services - OPSEU 404
Salary Level: Campus Safety Services - Dispatcher
Hours Per Week: 42
Date Position Available: 01/01/2026

About Campus Safety Services

Campus Safety Services is a department of the People, Finance, and Operations Division of Carleton University. We recognize our shared responsibility to maintain a safe campus while affording dignity and respect to every individual. Our objective is to improve the quality of life through a community partnership which promotes a safe and secure campus. To learn more about our department please click here.

About Carleton University

Carleton University is situated on unceded Algonquin territory and bordered by the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Ottawa, Ontario. The university is just minutes from the heart of our nation's government and G-7 organizations and this capital advantage provides opportunities for staff and faculty and students to make a positive impact in our community and around the world. Named a Top 100 Employer in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and a National Capital Region Top Employer for 10 consecutive years, Carleton University is one of Canada’s most resourceful and productive hubs of learning and research, fuelling a rich talent pipeline that is supporting social and economic renewal. The university’s smart, caring and connected community inspires and empowers individuals to become change leaders who drive impact in the world while challenging conventional modes of thinking and doing. At Carleton, we are committed to fostering an innovative, equitable and welcoming work environment. Carleton is also a nationally certified Healthy Workplace and is a recipient of the Canada Awards for Excellence, Healthy Workplace Order of Excellence and Platinum Level Certification for Mental Health at Work. The university’s Strategic Integrated Plan 2020-2025 is an ambitious vision for the future, anchored in Carleton’s strengths and student‑centric, community‑engaged values.

Duties And Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Shift Manager, the Communications Operator is responsible for providing personal safety for members of the university community in a courteous, helpful and professional manner. This position functions as a first point of contact for the public and is responsible for receiving, dispatching and assisting in coordinating response to emergency and routine calls for service from the campus community. The Communications Operator monitors security systems and coordinates the response to alarms.

Qualifications

• Excellent keyboarding and computer skills
• Solid command of the English language (both verbal and written), excellent listening, and effective communication skills. The ability to communicate proficiently in French, or other languages, would be considered an asset.
• Requires a working knowledge of the Criminal Code of Canada, provincial statutes.
• Expected to remain current in related legislation and University policies
• Requires a working knowledge of radio and telephone operations and practice/procedure for control of concise radio communication respective to response/emergency services application
• Requires a general understanding of the concepts and application of community‑based safety model
• Able to interact and transfer information within a team environment
• Able to extract pertinent information over the telephone, radio, and in face‑to‑face situation quickly and accurately in a wide range of emergency and routine situations
• Able to work under stress; handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Able to apply conflict resolution and negotiation techniques
• Requires high degree of tact and diplomacy when dealing with the University community
• Able to deal with complex issues, determine appropriate actions and respond in a composed, self‑assured manner while dealing with stressful situations and persons in crisis
• Able to apply administrative and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize work to complete work within required deadlines
• Be self‑motivated and work with limited direct supervision
• Show initiative performing daily duties and identifying and solving problems
• Must demonstrate sensitivity towards the cultural diversity of the campus community
• Understand the principles of service excellence
• Must successfully pass a background investigation which includes criminal records check (including fingerprinting), psychological screening, credit check, reliability/reference check employment history, and social media check
• An "oath of confidentiality" is required of the incumbent pursuant to Section 29(1) of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
• May be required to testify in court

Education And Experience

• High School Diploma
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid first aid certificate (Standard level) with CPR level C from WSIB recognized provider.
• Prior experience working in a call-center/dispatch environment or significant volunteer involvement in a distress center/victim services role

Assets

• A current and valid first aid certificate with CPR level C from WSIB recognized provider.
• Two (2) year college diploma in 9‑1‑1 Emergency and Call Centre Communications, or similar type program
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a full‑time corporate/industrial security role or law enforcement position in the private or public sectors

HR Note

Equivalencies will be considered. Applicants are encouraged to provide information which may demonstrate equivalent qualifications. Please note that applicants may be required to complete an employment test as part of the selection process for this position. Those applicants that are selected for an interview will be requested to contact the Human Resource Advisor assigned to this competition as soon as possible to discuss any accommodation requirements. Arrangements will be made to accommodate your request in a timely manner. Carleton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our University including, but not limited to: women; visible minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expressions.

Health and Safety Requirements

This position is regularly required to work on campus in person. In the public health emergency or a health and safety issue, it is possible that you may be required to work temporarily remotely due to public health orders, directives and/or health and safety requirements. If this happens, you will work with your direct manager to set up a remote work environment including discussing appropriate technology and requirements. You are required to follow all University policies and directives, including to set up a safe and confidential workspace in a remote location and ensure all Carleton property (intellectual and other) is safeguarded. If required to work remotely, you will be notified by your manager when working full time physically onsite will resume.

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