Overview
Communications Operators serve a critical role in supporting OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) operations. They are the first point of contact between the public and OPP, and directly support frontline operations in maintaining officer and public safety.
Communications Operators work in a fast paced environment where the application of speed and accuracy is critical in urgent and sometimes life threatening emergencies.
Qualifications and requirements
To apply as a Communications Operator with the OPP, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age and legally eligible to work in Canada
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or its equivalent (i.e. grade 12 from any province of Canada). Candidates who do not have a grade 12 diploma, but have completed a college diploma program or a university degree program will be considered as having a grade 12 diploma. Applicants educated outside Canada should refer to the Government of Canada - Education Assessment Resources.
- Not have any criminal charges pending before the courts.
- Be of good moral character.
- Be available to work shifts (days, nights, weekends, and holidays)
- Have the ability to hear and readily relay information accurately, while operating various methods of communication equipment (Computer Aided Dispatch, radio system, telephones).
- Have well-developed communication skills and be able to perform well in highly stressful situations.
- Have strong multitasking skills that are not compromised in a stressful environment.
- Successfully pass the Selection Process.
- Be proficient in English, and French if the position is bilingual.
- For French language-designated positions, bilingual applicants must also pass the French Language Proficiency Evaluation in accordance with the standards set by the Government of Ontario.
Responsibilities
- Receive incoming emergency 911 and non-emergency call from the public.
- Operate various computerized communication consoles and associated equipment to receive, assess, and relay information from the public to police personnel.
- Receive calls via the internal police lines and take the appropriate action.
- Dispatch officers and respond to requests from police personnel.
- Categorize and prioritize numerous types of calls.
- Maintain radio contact with a varying number of frontline members and resources.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Training
Orientation
After hiring, you will attend your PCC for an orientation. Topics will include: general knowledge, Standard Operating Procedures, and Police Orders.
Call taking course
Communications Operators will attend a 3 week Call Taking Course at OPP General Headquarters in Orillia, ON. The course will be facilitated by the Communications and Technologies Services Bureau – Training Unit. Upon completion of the course, members will return to their respective PCCs and complete 144 hours of one-on-one training with an assigned coach.
Dispatch course
Communications Operators who have successfully completed Call Taking training and are nominated by their PCC will attend a three week Dispatching Course at OPP General Headquarters in Orillia, ON. The course will be facilitated by the Communications and Technologies Services Bureau – Training Unit. Upon completion of the course, members will return to their respective PCCs and complete 240 hours of one-on-one training with an assigned coach.
Continued learning
All Communications Operators are expected to continuously develop skills and knowledge to become more effective in their roles. Communications Operators may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training.
Additionally, The OPP offers numerous opportunities for professional development.
Work environment
Communication Operators work in a:
- Rapid Paced Environment (intense concentration for prolonged periods)
- High Stress Environment (exposure to incidents and situations involving death, violent crimes, suicidal callers, etc.)
Communications Operators work days, nights, weekend and holidays. PCCs are operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Physical demands:
- Almost constant sitting while restricted to work station when taking calls or dispatching.
- Finger dexterity for using multiple keyboards
Sensory demands:
- AUDIO:
- Listening intently to callers using telephone or radio dispatch using headset.
- VISUAL:
- Hand/eye coordination to watch multiple computer screens to observe and monitor activities/multiple incidents.
- Enter and retrieve data/information on computer using various information systems.
Psychological demands:
- Concentration required to remain focused and completely attentive for prolonged periods.
- As a communicator, you'll be exposed to emotionally and mentally challenging situations. We have many wellness programs and services available to support you and help maintain your psychological health
Salary, Pension, Benefits and Support Services
New employees are hired on a contract basis, with a guaranteed minimum schedule of 24 hours per week and a starting hourly wage of $33.41 per hour. After a minimum of 18 months of employment, Communicators may be eligible for a full-time (permanent) position, providing they remain in good standing and both the call taking and dispatching training programs have been successfully completed.
Benefits of permanent employment with the OPP include:
- Pension (which can be contributed to starting as a contract employee)
- Life insurance
- Paid sick leave: six days at full pay plus additional 124 days at 75%
- Paid vacation leave
- Comprehensive extended health benefits including prescription drug, dental, vision and hearing coverage.
- Coverage for dependent children under 21 (or 26 as full-time student)
All OPP employees (and their families) have access to confidential* support services through Healthy Workplace Support Services. These services/partnerships include, but are not limited to:
- 24/7 for support services, including peer support and psychological services from Care Navigators and Mental Health Clinicians.
- Direct access to OPP Psychologists.
- Assistance with accessing internal and external supports. Care Navigators act as referral agents to help you navigate administrative processes (e.g., reporting an injury to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board).
- Chaplains are available to provide counsel in a multi-faith environment or non-denominational support.
- Individual and group crisis intervention through Peer Support Team.
- Physical Health Supports including education and programming for fitness, nutrition and overall health including links to other services.
*Except in the case of child abuse, perceived or actual imminent threat to self or others and criminal activity.
Selection process
- Submit an application package
- Pass CritiCall – a computerized multitasking exercise, including a keyboarding test – minimum 40 wpm
- Pre-background questionnaire & local focus interview
- Psychological assessment
- Background and Security Investigation
- Final review
- Eligible for hire
Application
The Provincial Communication Centres only accept electronic applications. They do not accept applications or resumes by mail or courier.
Please complete the full application package. Do not skip any pages or forms. Incomplete applications will be returned to you with instructions to re-apply with all of the required documents.
Step one: complete the Provincial Communications Centre Application package
Step two: Step two: Scan the entire Application Package (including the copies of your ID) as a single PDF file and submit it by email. Please identify which PCC you are applying to in the body of your email. If you are interested in more than one PCC, please rank by number in order of choice (#1 being first choice).
Your pdf application package must include (in this order):
- Application for the position of Communications Operator
- Consent and Release of Liability Form (Part IV of Application)
- Checklist of Mandatory Information
- Copy of Birth Certificate and Driver’s Licence (all numbers must be readable). If born outside of Canada, copy of Citizenship and/or Landed Immigrant status showing birthdate.
Be aware that this is a competitive process and completing the application does not guarantee continuation in the recruitment process. It is important that you use the application to sell yourself and provide important information for your application to be properly assessed. Please ensure you enter the correct information when completing your application and that your e-mail address is valid. If any of your information has changed or if you need to add further documents to your file, it is your responsibility to notify us of any changes to your file. E-mail is our primary mode of communicating with applicants during the initial stages of the application process. Please check your e-mail account regularly.
Contact us
PCO Recruitment
Phone: 705-329-7529
Email: opp.pcc.jobs@opp.ca
