Manager, Fire Communications

Service Area: Public Services
Department: Fire Services
Work Location: Fire Services, 50 Wyndham Street S
Work Mode: In Person
Job Type and Duration: Permanent, Full Time Vacancy
Position Availability: 1 existing vacant position
Salary Range: $124,259.20 - $155,324.00
Affiliation: Non-Union
Posting Period: June 12, 2026 to June 30, 2026 11:59 p.m.

When you join the City of Guelph, you join a team of over 2000 employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. As a single tier municipality, we offer a variety of occupations and career specialities within our organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the Future Guelph: Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

What we offer

We offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to meet the needs of our diverse employees. Many of our positions offer:

• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
• Paid personal days;
• Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100-per-cent employer matching;
• Extended health and dental benefits, including Health Care Spending Account;
• Employee and Family Assistance Program;
• Parental leave top up program;
• Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance
• Employee recognition programs.

Reporting to the Fire Chief/General Manager of Fire Services, this position will be responsible for the Communications Division of the Fire Services. As a member of the Fire Services management team, you will be responsible for quality assurance and statistical analysis, long-term priorities and strategic orientation, personnel matters, risk management, technology, and providing leadership, guidance, and oversight of the Communications division. We are seeking a progressive and influential leader who will motivate a diverse team, foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Supporting the Fire Service management team, you are a change agent, and your insights help guide decision-making and relationships at all stakeholder levels, contribute to strategic planning, and implementation of best practices in the Guelph Fire Department and for our community.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Provides Leadership and direction, including the day-to-day administration of the Communications Division.
• Oversee emergency call-taking dispatch operations, quality assurance programs, and continuous improvement initiatives within an NG9-1-1 environment.
• Provide comprehensive advice related to service area work and collaborate with departmental leaders on matters that support long-term direction and strategic priorities.
• Provide visible and positive leadership for all Communications staff, building a positive culture for the Fire Department that fosters inclusivity, respect, and motivation.
• Position the fire department as a proactive, adaptive, and well-resourced organization capable of effectively addressing the evolving needs of the community
• Assist the Fire Chief in preparing annual operating and capital budgets for the department, monitor requirements, identify variances and opportunities.
• Ensure compliance in Fire Services with applicable federal and provincial regulations/legislation and City by-laws.
• Serve as a resource to coordinate strategic initiatives and enhance communication, collaboration, and consistency across departments, including engagement with corporate functions.
• Represent the department as necessary before Council and Committee meetings of the City and act as a spokesperson within the community and with stakeholder organizations.
• Provide leadership for the Communications team and Clerical staff in the ongoing identification and tracking of best practices. Assist the Fire Chief in recommending applications that support continuous improvement efforts and position the Department at the forefront of state-of-the-art Fire Department programs and operations.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with all stakeholders, including customers, the Mayor and members of Council, city staff, the Executive of the Guelph Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, community partners and associations, suppliers, vendors, contractors and municipal, provincial and federal counterparts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and requirements

• Considerable experience related to the duties outlined above is typically gained through a grade 12 diploma, along with previous experience and/or education in the dispatching field, particularly with a first responder agency. Examples include certifications such as APCO Telecommunicator, APCO Fire Communicator, APCO Paramedic Communicator, APCO Police Communicator, APCO Communications Supervisor, or equivalent qualifications.
• A thorough knowledge of radio systems, Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) systems, and Records Management Systems (RMS) used in communication facilities is usually acquired through extensive use and involvement in the acquisition of new systems.
• Must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities aligned with NFPA communications standards (e.g., NFPA 1225 or equivalent) and be capable of certifying in the roles of Telecommunicator 1, Telecommunicator 2, and Public Safety Communications Supervisor. Candidates with a combination of relevant education and experience may be considered, though they will be required to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.
• Experience in providing strategic advice and direction to leadership teams, preferably in a municipal setting.
• Experience in data management to identify and problem-solve client requirements and organizational goals through quantitative methods of data extraction, forecasting, analytics, and reporting; ability to create visualizations and articulate complex analysis for a variety of audiences.
• Understanding and application of Collective Agreements, ability to manage in a unionized environment.
• Excellent organization skills and critical thinking with the ability to collaborate on inter-departmental projects.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation and regulatory authorities, such as MFIPPA, PHIPPA, FPPA, OHSA, etc.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Strong team and customer-oriented focus, ability to work independently.
• Experience with the incident management system (IMS) within an emergency operations centre is an asset.
• Advanced computer skills required in the Microsoft Office suite of applications and other applicable software.
• A class “G” Ontario Driver's License, with an acceptable driver’s abstract record in accordance with the City of Guelph vehicle policy.
• The candidate must be able to work flexible hours as required; this position will be required to carry a cell phone and will be required to answer and respond as required outside regular business hours.
• Proven knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other applicable legislation.

Hours of work
The regular work week will consist of 40 hours, Monday to Friday.

How to apply
Click "Apply Now" on the top right hand side of your screen by June 30, 2026.

Hiring Process Transparency
The City of Guelph is committed to fair and transparent recruitment practices. Candidates who participate in an interview for this position will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their interview. Notifications will be provided in writing, or through technology.

Commitment to Diversity & Accessibility
The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and engaged. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All employment practices are solely based on individual merit, qualifications, and organization's needs at the time. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals in our job application procedures. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance.

Privacy Notice
Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.