Metro Emergency Communications Operator

City of Sioux Falls; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on Bonus

Shift differential

Job summary

City of Sioux Falls is seeking an Emergency Communications Operator to handle 911-type and non-emergency calls in a fast-paced public safety environment.

Starting wage is $28.53–$30.93 hourly (2027), with a $3,000 sign-on bonus and a $0.75 shift differential for evenings and nights. Successful candidates will complete a six-month training program and pursue ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Eligible for SD POST certification; high school diploma or GED.
• Experience in emergency dispatch or similar role preferred but training provided.
• Ability to pass keyboarding, listening, and written exams during the process.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls and determine necessary response.
• Dispatch responders; monitor status and location of units.
• Process NCIC data and perform data entry for law enforcement requests.
• Maintain records and logs of radio transmissions and calls.
• Operate radio, telephone and computer equipment for information updates.
• Contribute to meetings, provide feedback, and mentor peers when needed.
• Perform tactical dispatch and training duties as assigned.
• Complete duties and tasks related to the role.

Skills

Emergency dispatch

EMD/MPDS protocols

Keyboarding

Radio/telephone comms

Multi-tasking

Decision making

Maps interpretation

Team collaboration

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certification eligibility (SD POST)

Tools

NCIC data entry

Job description

Are you looking for a career where every second counts and every call matters?

Day 1 Wage (2027):$28.53 - $30.93 hourly (dependent on incoming 911-type experience)

Sign-On Bonus:$3000.00

Shift Differential:$.75 per hour, between 2:00pm-5:59am; seven days a week.

Why Metro Communications?

1. Robust Health and Wellness Benefits - You will have access to our live-in dog, Nena, that provides support to our team, a workout facility, wellness lab, and ample outdoor space for breaks. The Metro Communications team, and the City of Sioux Falls, offer employee well-being support, including EAP, chaplains, and peer support.
2. Career Development Opportunities - In Public Safety, you can expect a stable job with career advancement opportunities, as well as the ability to join in-house staff committees.

• Emergency Communications Operators will have the opportunity to pursue Shift Lead roles, and Supervisory openings as they advance with the agency!! In addition to plenty of committee involvement, and continuous education, enabling you to stay engaged, and motivated, in your career pursuits.

1. Paid Training Experience - We will serve you with a six-month comprehensive training program, and no experience is necessary.
2. Leadership Team!! - Between four Metro Supervisors (LeNora, Tim, Jason, and Robyn), and our fearless leader (Aimee), Metro Communications will offer you stability and consistency in your leadership team, and nearly one hundred years of experience in the profession that is committed to seeing you succeed in your career move!!

Answer emergency and non-emergency calls, determine and prioritize the level and type of response necessary, coordinate and relay information on all public safety requests.

Dispatch responders: monitor and maintain status and location of responder units.

Process NCIC data, conduct queries, perform data entry duties at the request of law enforcement personnel.

Prepare and maintain accurate records and logs of all radio transmissions, telephone calls, resource files, and information systems.

Operate electronic telephone, radio, and computer equipment in the processing and updating of information utilizing various database systems.

Serve as a relevant member of the team: participate actively in meetings; provide pertinent program feedback; make recommendations for improvement when identified; collaborate and/or innovate to identify and recommend new opportunities, policies and/or procedures; identify and address barriers to ensure success; mentor and support peers to be successful.

Perform tactical dispatch and/or training responsibilities as assigned.

Perform other such duties and functions as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

Must be eligible for certification under the South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission.

Must be a United States citizen.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at time of interview.

Graduation from high school or GED certification, or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.

Has not unlawfully used any prescribed drug, controlled substance, or marijuana within one year before the time of application for certification.

Must have no convictions of any crime by any state or federal government punishable by imprisonment in a federal or state penitentiary.

• Ability to rapidly acquire working knowledge of approved principles, practices, and procedures of communication dispatch work.
• Ability to learn, apply and maintain Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)/ Medical Priority Dispatch (MPDS) protocols.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to pass and maintain keyboarding skills per testing guidelines.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely over the radio and telephone.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to make sound decisions using all available information.
• Ability to accomplish tasks while working under stress during time sensitive situations.
• Ability to efficiently read maps and interpret jurisdictional response areas.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and customers.
• Ability to maintain the quality of work and the confidentiality and integrity of the Metro Communications team.

Please advise, this hiring process is comprised of multiple testing phases: Keyboarding and Listening & Written (L&W) exam, Interview, Background Investigation, and Psych/Medical Exam.

Our next recruit class will begin on February 16th, 2027!!

We schedule 1-3 Listening & Written Exam test dates/times per week.

Are you interested in an interactive opportunity that will enable you to first-hand try out response as an Operator?