Fire Dispatcher

The Opportunity:

• Provide 2-way radio communication to Agency staff and air support and others as required, and transmits and receives messages to and from personnel, recording detailed information in the Dispatch SK computerized information system.
• Within Dispatch SK, you will ensure flight watch for all aircraft; create Initial Phone Reports (IPR); update radio and incident information; update daily preparedness plan information; assign/un-assign resources; and create/update resource requests.
• Access information on internal networks and websites.
• Provide briefings and information to helicopter pilots and others at the fire base.
• Perform regular aircraft bulk fuel tests including recording, maintaining and reconciling fuel log books;
• Provide training to new Fire Dispatchers.

• Monitors flight watch for all aircraft using the Wildfire Integration Information Network (WIIN) computerized information system.
• Operates a two-way radio, telecommunications equipment; remote computer-controlled cameras, sophisticated computer software, digital cameras and/or tablets to relay crucial fire information to fire bases, initial attack crews, air support, and agency staff.
• Reads and interpret maps, identifies latitude and longitude locations and updates fire occurrence information.
• Performs basic mathematical calculations to record and relay map coordinates to help plot locations.
• Provide briefings and information to helicopter and aircraft pilots, and others at the fire center or protection bases.
• May perform routine aircraft bulk fuel tests including recording, maintaining and reconciling fuel logbooks.
• Within WIIN, ensures flight watch for all aircraft, creates initial phone reports (IPR), updates radio, incident and daily preparedness plan information, assigns / un-assigns resources and creates/updates resource requests.
• Accesses information on internal networks and websites and enters information into various computer programs.
• Provides training to new fire team members (e.g. fire dispatchers).

Job Capabilities:

As a public servant, we are seeking someone who:

• Is accountable, takes ownership of their work by contributing to organizational outcomes and demonstrates the corporate values in our Commitment to Excellence.
• Is innovative and seeks out ways for improvement by thinking creatively, identifying new ideas and taking responsible risks.
• Works collaboratively with others to understand, engage and have meaningful dialogue to achieve work outcomes.
• Is inclusive, identifies and is aware of personal bias, and readily seeks out and appreciates diverse perspectives.
• Is adaptable, continuously learns from experience and applies those learnings to new situations.
• Focuses on achieving public service excellence.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Possess and maintain a valid class 5 or greater driver’s license.
• Preference will be given to candidates 18 years of age or older.
• Completion of Grade 12 would be an asset.
• Knowledge of wildfire suppression techniques, firefighting equipment, fire behavior terminology would be an asset.
• Knowledges of types of fixed and rotary-wing aircraft used in fire suppression would be an asset.
• Knowledge of radio protocols and procedures would be an asset.

Working conditions can include working shift work and weekends, working extended hours and/or working for up to 12 days in a row. You may be required to travel to remote locations on rough roads in inclement weather conditions. Candidate may be asked to work away from assigned headquarters for extended periods of time.

Job Skills:

• Communication (Level A)
• Critical Thinking (Level A)
• Digital Skills (Level A)
• Interacting with Others (Level A)
• Navigating Ambiguity (Level A)
• Managing Self (Level A)
• Health, Safety and Wellness (Level A)
  

Learn more about the Government of Saskatchewan’s Capabilities and Skills Framework here.

What We Offer:

• Dynamic and challenging work
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension
• Vacation, scheduled days off, and other types of leave
• Inclusive work environments
• Career growth, development, and advancement opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements

Our Commitment to Excellence:

The Government of Saskatchewan upholds deep-rooted values of Respect and Integrity, Serving Citizens, Excellence and Innovation, and Acting as One Team.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is a Treasury Board Crown responsible for provincial emergency management, along with SaskAlert, fire safety, wildfire management and Saskatchewan's 911 emergency dispatching services. SPSA’s mission is to safeguard and protect the people, property and resources of Saskatchewan through partnerships, coordinated planning, education, prevention, mitigation, response and recovery. With a fleet of specialized aircraft, equipment, personnel and bases across the province, SPSA responds to emergencies and disasters from the air, on the ground and behind the scenes. As home of the Fire Commissioner, the SPSA also assists communities in compliance with the National Fire Code through investigations conducted by designated inspectors/peace officers. The Government of Saskatchewan provides the services, programs and supports the people of Saskatchewan need. We deliver on the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth to build a strong economy, strong communities and strong families, ultimately building a stronger Saskatchewan. Dedicated to service excellence, we demonstrate innovation, collaboration and transparency, practice effective and accountable use of resources and promote engagement and leadership at all levels.