Communications Operator

Role Overview

Barrie Fire and Emergency Service (BFES) is seeking Communications Operators to support emergency response operations for the City of Barrie and, where agreements exist, nearby municipalities and other partner agencies. Reporting to the Communications Officer, the role focuses on managing emergency calls from the moment they are received through to the dispatch of fire resources, while keeping accurate records, maintaining radio contact with responders, and sharing clear instructions and updates with callers and field personnel.

BFES serves residents, businesses, and visitors through a wide range of services, including fire inspection and code enforcement, fire protection, technical rescue, training, communications, origin and cause investigations, and emergency management planning.

Job Types

• Permanent full-time, 4 vacancies, represented by the Barrie Professional Fire Fighters Association
• Casual part-time, multiple vacancies, non-union

Compensation

Permanent full-time roles are paid between $73,918 and $123,197 annually, which works out to approximately $33.73 to $56.22 per hour, in line with the BPFFA collective agreement. Casual part-time roles are paid $33.73 per hour.

Schedule and Work Location

The position is based at Barrie Fire and Emergency Services, Station 1, 155 Dunlop Street West, Barrie, Ontario. Permanent full-time staff work an average of 42 hours per week on a rotating four-days-on, four-days-off pattern, including two 12-hour day shifts (7:30 am to 7:30 pm) followed by two 12-hour night shifts (7:30 pm to 7:30 am), or a 9:00 am to 9:00 pm schedule. Casual part-time hours depend on operational requirements. All schedules include weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a secondary school diploma and be eligible and willing to obtain Emergency Services Communicator Certification from an accredited organization. Candidates must also be eligible and willing to obtain the National Fire Protection Agency qualifications listed for the role, including NFPA 1061 Level I and II.

Experience in dispatching and in a customer service setting is required. The role also calls for familiarity with emergency services legislation, regulations, and standards such as OHSA, AODA, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Workplace Safety Insurance Act, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, TSSA requirements, Office of the Fire Marshal guidance, Fire Marshal directives, NFPA 1225, the Ontario Fire Code, and BPFFA-related requirements.

Successful candidates must be able to stay composed in high-pressure emergency situations, deliver strong public service, work respectfully with a wide range of internal and external contacts, and accurately enter, transcribe, store, and retrieve information in written or electronic form. The role also requires good listening skills, clear communication, sound judgment under deadlines or competing priorities, intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word, strong administrative and customer service abilities, advanced verbal communication, and keyboarding speed of at least 40 words per minute.

Employment Conditions

A satisfactory criminal record check is required for new City of Barrie employees, unless they have already met this requirement under the City’s Police Record Check Policy.

Benefits and Perks

• Permanent full-time staff receive a comprehensive union benefit package, including extended health and dental coverage, life and accident insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, OMERS pension, discounted City fitness memberships, discounted transit passes, and access to the Perkopolis perks program.
• Casual part-time staff may join the OMERS Primary pension plan, can access the Employee and Family Assistance Program, and receive discounted City fitness memberships, discounted transit passes, and Perkopolis access.

About the Employer

The City of Barrie describes itself as a vibrant and growing community with strong ties to heritage, nature, and opportunity. The municipality highlights its waterfront, parkland, downtown, and surrounding natural spaces, and emphasizes the impact municipal employees have in serving the community every day.

Application Notes

Applications are to be submitted through the job posting using the application button. Emailed applications will not be considered.

Important Dates

Posting number: PN-26-01. The posting date is Thursday, July 2, 2026, and the deadline to apply is Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 11:59 pm.