Metro Emergency Communications Operator

Job Description

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


Day 1 Wage: $27.70 hourly
Sign-On Bonus: $3000.00
Shift Differential: $.75 per hour, between 2:00pm-5:59am; seven days a week.

Why Metro Communications?

• 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.

• 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.

• Paid Training Experience - We will serve you with a six-month comprehensive training program, and no experience is necessary.

• 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!!

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

• If yes, CLICK HERE to explore the career further before, or after, you apply with our free AI-powered 911 Call Simulator!!

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

Our next recruit class will begin on October 19th, 2026!! This will be your first paid day of employment. Thereafter, our next recruit class will begin February 16th, 2027.

We schedule 1-3 Listening & Written Exam test dates/times per week. At this time, our next exams are planned for August 26th, 27th, and September 3rd.

Upcoming, interviews will be scheduled based on candidate volume, and need.

Please advise, as of 8/24/2026, we are onto a brief waitlist for the October 19th, 2026 recruit class. Meaning, you can yet pursue that class but we cannot guarantee placement. Thereafter we would be looking full steam ahead towards the February-2027 class, if no additional vacancies came to be for October-2026.

1. 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.
2. Dispatch responders: monitor and maintain status and location of responder units.
3. Process NCIC data, conduct queries, perform data entry duties at the request of law enforcement personnel.
4. Prepare and maintain accurate records and logs of all radio transmissions, telephone calls, resource files, and information systems.
5. Operate electronic telephone, radio, and computer equipment in the processing and updating of information utilizing various database systems.
6. 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.
7. Perform tactical dispatch and/or training responsibilities as assigned.
8. 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.