phone operator

accountant

téléphoniste

human resources manager

human resources generalist

Northern Communications Services Inc

Training - Northern communications trains all employees fully on their job. There are always supervisors on shift to answer questions if a staff is unsure. There is room to switch departments or learn more (for example starting in alarms and learning ERS) if desired. There are internal postings sometimes as well for clerical jobs or supervisor positions.

Job security -Staff are unionized upon completing probation. Staff may be re-coached if they make an error on a call but these are done in a friendly manner and they are very brief. Staff may have a union rep present should they need to meet with management.

Work day - A typical work day involves coming into work, sitting at your cubicle and taking or making calls. Breaks are roughly every two hours. The monitoring station and ERS have AC. We have fridges and lockers, ice, and filtered water, as well as several (4) individual washrooms. 

Management - Management has undergone major changes in the last year. Management have provided a suggestion box (digital) and answer every suggestion monthly. If they cannot fulfill a suggestion they explain why. Management answer emails in a timely manner. Management provide feedback on staff call quality. Management seeks staff feedback on how they are doing and posts the feedback (++transparency). Management are approachable regarding accommodations, medical, and mental health needs.

Perks - Benefits cover most medical and dental for full time, pension is available, some counseling is covered. The company celebrates holidays often with give-aways, activities, and pot-lucks. 

Drawbacks - Pay could be higher given the cost of living (however, benefits, overtime, and stats do add up). The job can be stressful given that we deal with emergecy situations. The environment itself can be overstimulating. Also, we work when other people do not (outages, storms, snowdays) so be prepared for that.

Was hired as a ERS operator after attending an in person interview. I was assessed based on my phone answering skills, and information recording. As an afterthought the interviewer asked if I was French speaking which I am Ontario certified. Was set up with training and was excited to work there at first. Picked up the job quickly recieved lots of positive feedback from my trainer.  That's when things took a turn. I finished my two weeks of training after being confident enough to take calls solo in both french and English . Was told I would have a test that needed to be taken before I could work in the ERS room on my own. Next thing I know I'm being called into a manager's office and being told my trainer had concerns...news to me I was above average in all my tests and my trainer said I was doing great...then they spring a French competency test on me that would be conducted by someone in Quebec .  Fine I agreed. No problem. Took the test. Did well according to the testing agent and was told to wait for my results. THEY MADE ME WAIT A FULL WEEK WITH NO SHIFTS.. THEY MiSSED TWO SCHEDULED CALL TIMES THEY HAD SET WHERE THEY NEVER CALLED.  All the managers were on vacation  apparently,oh well it's just my job they're dealing with right? ..only to be told they weren't proceeding with my probation... No explanation as to what was wrong, no information about any concerns they had...nothing. just bye! Only job I have ever seen that fires a trainee with no explanation......What a waste of time. Turned down other interviews for this .my recommendation? Don't waste your time. 

Your job will involve answering call after call, entering and relaying information. Learnt a lot about how different businesses operate. Hardest part of the job is taking very sensitive/mental health calls for which you are not trained on how to deal with. Not paid enough for the amount of negativity you have to listen to. Management likes to ignore E-mails unless they need something from you. Constant "Mandatory" training sessions, staff complained about not having raises, no room for advancements. They will hire you and tell you are eligible for benefits after 3 months, however that is NOT true. You are going to wait at least 6 months to be even considered for benefits/ pension. Never once felt appreciated, however when you make a tiny mistake they will call you on it. 

Absolutely terrible work environment. If you could be a fly on the wall at this horrendous place, the nonsense you hear is a disgrace. Childish employees, talking nonsense and gossip. Typical robotzombiesheeple, brainwashed by the world to act how they do. If you like being an overworked drone, doing menial tasks, stuck in a redundant cycle of garbage...and you love shift work...this is for you. They go through employees like crazy, and you will see why after a few weeks there.



Management is so-so. Supervisors were great, but the amount of people who call in sick daily is incredible. The amount who show up sick is just as repulsive. Talk about a negative work environment in every aspect. Union is a joke.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Northern, I was there for just over a year and would go back in a heart beat. The management is really great and gives a lot of recognition to their operators and the work that they do. Work morale is good, they offer incentives to their employees such as gift cards for attendance, etc.

Every day is different depending on your position and the department you work for.  The management team is strong, and are very down to earth.  Staff are celebrated, and are shown a lot of appreciation by verbally being told, prizes, milestone gifts, etc.

A great job for someone who is willing to work non-conventional hours. They're very accommodating and flexible with my schedule. The management takes great care of staff and we are often given prizes, gift cards, and events like BBQs/potlucks.

I've always been treated fairly and respectfully over my many years with the company.  Many of my co-workers have become close friends.  It's truly a place where you can feel proud  to work.  Every service offered helps people and the Northern911 division helps save lives every single day.

If you enjoy working if fast paced and work well under stress this place is for you! You will acquire a lot of different skills that will help you with dealing a wide variety of different people and situations.

Complete lack of mental health awareness. Management only cares about the bottom line, rarely considers employees as actual people. If you're looking to be just a number, this is the place for you.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Phone operator 2 salaries reported	$19.26 per hour
Accountant 2 salaries reported	$50,000 per year
Téléphoniste 1 salary reported	$18.50 per hour
Human resources manager 1 salary reported	$75,000 per year
Human resources generalist 1 salary reported	$60,000 per year

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