Dispatcher

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo invites applications for a 911 Dispatcher in Fort McMurray. Under the Dispatch Supervisor, you will operate the 911 network, receive and evaluate emergency and non-emergency calls, and coordinate Fire/EMS responses 24/7.

You must demonstrate instant decision-making, precise communication, and the ability to multi-task under pressure. Training opportunities and benefits are provided as part of our dedicated public safety team.

Qualifications

• Ability to make instant decisions with limited supervision.
• Ability to work in a team during high activity and emergencies.
• Clear, precise communication under stress and multi-tasking.
• Knowledge of emergency response procedures and policies.
• Strong situational awareness and geographic knowledge of the region.
• Proven calm, professional conduct in high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Receive and evaluate 911 and non-emergency calls for service.
• Gather information using IAED protocols and enter CAD data.
• Provide caller with actions and post-dispatch instructions.
• Dispatch Fire and EMS units per procedures and maintain contact.
• Maintain 911 system records in RAMS/CAD/FDM systems.
• Support and understand the department's vision, mission, and values.
• Report major events to Shift Officers and Chief Officers.

Skills

Decision making

Teamwork

Communication

Multi-tasking

Stress management

Emergency awareness

Tools

CAD system

FDM

RMS

Job description

Job description

Requisition ID: 4532
Affiliation: IAFF Local
Position Type: Permanent Full Time
Number of Openings: 1
Bi-weekly Working Hours: 84-hours bi-weekly
Shift/Work Schedule: 2 days, 2 nights, 4 days off 12-hour shifts

Department/ Branch: Regional Emergency Services, Integrated Emergency Response
Job Location: Fort McMurray

Probationary Rate: $
Hourly Rate: $
COLA: Bi-Weekly - $480

Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 12/09/2026
Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): 27/09/2026
Posting Type: Internal and External

We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all candidates. If you require accommodation for the interview or any other part of the application process, please let us know.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

This is more than a job it’s a calling. We’re big enough to offer lots of opportunity and small enough that you are never just a number. You are part of a brotherhood, a sisterhood, a second family. You train together, grow together, and rise to every challenge as one.

Our fully integrated Fire/EMS team responds with courage, compassion, and commitment offering firefighting, advanced life support, helicopter medical and rescue services, and more. Working side by side with our RCMP and Bylaw partners, we are part of a seamless network of first responders dedicated to protecting and serving our community. Together, we bring safety, strength, and support when it’s needed most.

You’ll train hard, grow fast, and rise to every challenge with a team that feels like family. The department offers above-average wages, paid training opportunities, and excellent employee benefits including health, dental, and pension plans to support your lifestyle today and your future down the road.

If you are up for a challenge, we have some boots that might fit you in a place where you can thrive and grow.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Dispatch Supervisor, this position will effectively and efficiently operate the RMWB 911 network; receive and evaluate all emergency and non-emergency calls for service for emergency services providers (, Fire, Police and/or EMS) and performs a variety of general support duties related to the 24 hour operations of Public Safety Communications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive, evaluate, respond or transfer 911 emergency and non-emergency calls for services for emergency services providers (, Fire, Police and/or EMS) within the RMWB
• Using the IAED protocols gathers information from the caller, prioritizes, and enters the information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Provide caller with appropriate actions to take while waiting for response vehicles to arrive.
• Provide caller with appropriate post dispatch instruction (PDI’s).
• Dispatch personnel, Fire and EMS units from the appropriate fire stations, according to the nature of the call and in accordance with RES procedures, and provide continuous communication with all RES units either by radio or phone system.
• Perform related tasks necessary to maintain the continuity of the 911 system.
• Maintain appropriate records relating to 911 responses for reporting applicable information within the fire department management systems including but not limited to FDM, CAD and RMS.
• Support and understand the Vision, Mission, and values of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
• Report as necessary to Shift Officers and Chief Officers as major events take place.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Must have the proven ability to make instant decisions and take action without delay. Must be very precise, accurate, confident, resourceful, and independent, and adopt an effective course of action with limited supervision.
• Must have the ability to work as part of a team, being aware that the other dispatcher may have calls in progress and there may be activities ongoing between other dispatchers and members at a scene.
• Must be understanding, diplomatic, empathetic and at the same time be assertive while taking charge of emergency situations.
• Excellent communication skills, common-sense, and problem sensitivity, stress resistance, hearing sensitivity, assertiveness and the ability to multi-task must be demonstrated at all times.
• Speak clearly and concisely, listen and record information clearly and accurately, remember numerous details.
• Must have the ability to learn the functions of the position, work under stress, and act quickly in an emergency.
• A thorough knowledge of community characteristics is necessary to assist the public as well as the members , geographic knowledge (streets, location of resources, etc.).
• Demonstrates knowledge of the department's policies, operational guidelines, operational procedures and the collective agreement and the ability to apply them to specific situations.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification
• Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD)Certification
• Incident Command Course (internal)
• Professional Radio Operators – Restricted Operator Certificate - Aeronautical
• Current Standard First Aid Level and level “C” CPR certification
• Criminal record check

SAFETY

As an employee of the RMWB the Dispatcher is responsible and accountable for knowing and working in accordance with the Safety Policy. The Dispatcher must work in such a way as not to endanger themselves, fellow employees, or the public