Casual Position | Foothills Regional 9-1-1 | Okotoks, Alberta

About Foothills Regional 9-1-1

Foothills Regional 9-1-1 Communications Centre is a Primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) located in Okotoks, AB. We provide Emergency Communication service to 25 municipalities across more than 36,000 square kilometers.

The Opportunity

As an Emergency Communications Officer (ECO), you are the first point of contact during an emergency. You answer 9-1-1 calls, gather critical information from callers who may be experiencing significant stress or crisis, and coordinate the appropriate emergency response.

In addition to emergency call-taking and fire dispatch responsibilities, you serve as the communications centre for several Municipal Enforcement Agencies, receiving public complaints and relaying calls to and monitoring Community Peace Officers as required.

This is meaningful, challenging work where your actions directly impact public and responder safety and community wellbeing.

Is This Role Right for You?

Emergency communications is not a typical office job, and is not suited for everyone. Success in this role requires resilience, flexibility, and a commitment to serving others.

The Reality of the Schedule:

Emergency services operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You must be prepared to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Family events, celebrations, and special occasions may occasionally be missed due to operational requirements. While the schedule provides significant time off throughout the year, shifts are typically 12 hours in length, when you are scheduled to work, the needs of the operation come first

The Emotional Demands:

People call 9-1-1 on some of the worst days of their lives. Callers may be frightened, distressed, angry, or panicked. Your ability to remain calm, skilled, and compassionate while following established protocols is essential.

A High-Accountability Setting:

Emergency communications professionals work in a fast-paced setting where accuracy matters. Team members hold themselves and each other to high standards. If you value clear expectations, direct communication, and constructive feedback,



you will thrive here.

Team Reliability Matters:

Our communication positions cannot be left vacant. There may be occasions when you are asked to stay beyond your scheduled shift or come in early to maintain operational coverage while alternate staffing arrangements are made.

Commitment to Public Service:

You understand the importance of emergency communications and the critical role you play in ensuring help reaches those who need it most.

Caregiving and Personal Commitments:

Applicants with dependent care responsibilities should have reliable backup arrangements in place. The unpredictable nature of emergency services can make scheduling challenges difficult without a strong support network.

Key Responsibilities

- Answer 9-1-1 calls within established service standards
- Determine whether callers require Police, Fire, or Ambulance services
- Transfer calls to the appropriate agency while gathering critical information
- Process fire-related incidents using Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) and ProQA protocols
- Verify incident locations and obtain essential response information
- Dispatch appropriate fire resources and provide pre-arrival or post-dispatch instructions
- Monitor active incidents and coordinate additional resources such as Police, EMS, Utilities, or other agencies as required
- Maintain accurate and detailed call documentation
- Answer Municipal Enforcement complaint lines and monitor Community Peace Officer activity and perform safety checks
- Conduct effective shift turnover communications with incoming staff
- Support overall communications centre operations as required

Physical Work Environment

Six-monitor workstation setup

Continuous multitasking across multiple systems and applications





Darkened communications room with individual workstation lighting

Sit/stand workstations with individual heating and cooling controls

Ongoing radio traffic, alert tones, and monitoring notifications

Periods of heightened activity and noise during major incidents

Qualifications

Required

High School Diploma or Canadian equivalent (GED or IQAS-recognized credential)

Legally eligible to work in Canada

Ability to obtain and maintain an RCMP Enhanced Reliability Security Clearance

Willingness to obtain Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification (training provided)

Strong computer proficiency and a minimum typing speed of 35 words per minute

Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy

Satisfactory hearing and vision, as verified through testing (Bona Fide Occupational Requirement)

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods

Broad availability across all shift types and operational requirements

Preferred

Experience in Fire Services, Emergency Services, Dispatch, or Municipal Enforcement

Previous Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) or emergency communications experience

Two or more years of customer service experience

Post-secondary education

Relevant volunteer, leadership, or community service experience

Wage

- Base Rate: $29.68 per hour
- Night Shift Premium (7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.): +$3.50 per hour

Compensation is administered in accordance with the HSAA Collective Agreement. Additional details will be provided during the recruitment process.

Shift Structure

Shifts range from 4 to 12 hours various times and days of week

Day shifts: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Night shifts: 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Availablity Requirements

This is a casual relief position designed to support both scheduled absences and short-notice operational needs. Successful candidates must be available for:

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are calm under pressure, committed to public service, and looking for meaningful work that directly impacts your community, we encourage you to apply.

When someone calls for help, your voice could be the one that makes the difference.

📌 Emergency Communications Officer (ECO) (Okotoks)
🏢 Steinbachonline
📍 Okotoks