Telecommunications operator careers (9-1-1 dispatchers)

On this page

• Behind the call
• What the work involves
• Salary and benefits
• Some things to consider
• Qualifications and requirements
• Find jobs and apply

Behind the call

Telecommunications operators are the first person a caller speaks to when calling 911 or requesting police assistance. Operators have to keep callers calm during emergencies to gather as much information as possible and help ensure both public and officer safety. Their role is critical to the delivery of RCMP police services.

Our approximately 1,000 RCMP telecommunications operators are lifelines for RCMP officers across the country. They provide the ever-changing information officers need to do their work.

If you're ready for a meaningful career where you can make a real difference in the lives of others, and contribute to keeping Canadians safe — this is the career for you!

What the work involves

Telecommunications operators:

• answer public calls for police and emergency help
• analyze and provide information to police officers
• dispatch and track police response
• search databases to help with investigations

Salary and benefits

As an RCMP telecommunications operator, you'll enjoy:

• competitive salaries, increasing from $64,265 to $86,007 within the first 6 years of service
• paid training and extra duty pay for overtime, evening and statutory holiday shifts
• incremental vacation and indexed pension
• full-time and part-time opportunities across Canada, including the possibility to transfer between any of our 18 Operational Communications Centres, which includes unique locations such as Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon
• medical, dental and family health plans
• promotional and professional development opportunities

For experienced telecommunicators from other police agencies in Canada, you'll enjoy:

• a competitive salary in line with your prior work experience (PO-TCO-02)
• career opportunities - as an RCMP telecommunications operator you will be a federal public service employee, meaning you can apply for and transfer to other RCMP and Government of Canada jobs

Some things to consider

As an RCMP telecommunications operator, you'll be expected to:

• work shifts, including nights, evenings, weekends and holidays
• remain calm in crisis situations and be exposed to traumatic, violent and disturbing events
• be exposed to multiple screens, lights and noise disturbances for extended periods of time
• work on short notice and overtime to meet operational needs
• testify in court
• travel for training and operational requirements

Reality is that as a telecommunications operator, you'll be exposed to emotionally and mentally challenging situations. We have many health programs and services available to support you and help maintain your psychological health.

Qualifications and requirements

To apply as a telecommunications operator of the RCMP, you must:

• be a Canadian citizen or have permanent status in Canada
• have a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
• not have a criminal record and be three years clear of any illegal activity
• meet the health and psychological standards, as assessed by RCMP Health Services
• meet the required vision and hearing standards
• be proficient in English, and French if the position is bilingual
• type 40 words per minute
• be willing to work out of one of the RCMP's 18 communication centres
• be willing to work shift work including weekends and holidays

To apply as an experienced telecommunications operator, you must:

• have successfully completed a Canadian police call-taking and dispatching training program
• have a minimum of two years experience as a telecommunications operator, within the last five years
• meet all of the above qualifications and requirements of a regular applicant

Telecommunications operators occupy safety-sensitive positions. As RCMP employees, they must abide by the RCMP's Substance Use Policy.

Find jobs and apply

If you meet all the qualifications and requirements, you may continue with the application and selection process.

Specific qualifications for each position are listed in job opportunities on GC Jobs.

For more information, attend a career presentation.

Experienced telecommunicator applicants should contact a recruiter for specific information on the process.