Metro Communications Dispatch Careers

When an emergency happens, Metro Communications is the first to serve.

We answer 911 calls and dispatch first responders across the Sioux Falls area. We’re more than phone operators. We’re the calm voices behind the scenes, orchestrating quick emergency responses. We coordinate services for the Sioux Falls Police Department, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, five ambulance services, and 16 area fire departments.

Our team of dispatchers handles a staggering average of 400,000 calls every year. To ensure support for each call, we need people who are calm under pressure and committed to saving lives. We’ll provide extensive paid training to teach you the rest.

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911 Dispatchers / Problem-Solvers / Lifesavers

What's it like to work for Metro Communications? Here are our stories.

Stephanie Kennerly

"Every day is different. Every call is different. It keeps you on your toes."

As an Advanced Communications Operator, Stephanie Kennerly helps train new recruits to process calls and dispatch responders in a live environment.

Meet Stephanie

Ryan Trainer

"You feel like you're a part of something bigger than yourself."

As a Shift Lead, Ryan Trainer supports his team and helps them meet their career goals.

Meet Ryan

How we invest in our public safety teams

Metro Communications is an office under Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, a City of Sioux Falls department. Our team works in the state-of-the-art Public Safety Campus in northeastern Sioux Falls. This workspace includes access to a workout facility, quiet room, wellness lab, and ample outdoor space for breaks. You’ll also meet Nena, a dog who lives at Metro and provides support to our team.

Here's what we offer:

  • Competitive pay and benefits package, with overtime and additional pay opportunities.
  • Comprehensive paid on-the-job training program, no experience necessary.
  • Stable job with career advancement opportunities.
  • Fast-paced environment using technology to assist people in crisis. You’ll be in the action, not the line of fire.
  • Inclusive environment with no physical requirements or restrictions.
  • Employee well-being support, including Employee Assistance Program, chaplains, and peer support.
A Metro Communications Operator answers a call

Applications are open now.

Ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career as a Metro Communications Operator? Learn more about the application process or apply now.

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Questions?

What are the typical work hours for a Metro Communications Operator? Does the department offer shift flexibility or options for part-time work?

Metro Communications currently offers various 8-hour shift schedules for Communications Operators (6 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.). Employees work five days a week with two consecutive days off. Employees bid on schedules and days off annually.

How does the City support employees in dealing with stress and critical incidents?

Operators have access to an Employee Assistance Program. There is also a chaplain program, peer support, critical stress debriefings, a quiet room/wellness lab, and a workout facility. We have a dog, Nena, for emotional support and a large campus for walks, fresh air, and sunshine.

What is the training like for this position? Will I be on the phone on the first day?

Our training program is a 26-week journey. Recruits learn a skill in the classroom and then rotate to the dispatch floor to sit with an ACO, where they will hone and develop that skill. Recruits then return to the classroom to learn another skill before returning to the floor. Metro’s training environment is a building block approach. One skill is learned and sharpened before learning and applying the next skill. New employees will not be on the phone the first day but will get exposed to live calls and radio traffic early in the training process.

What is the work environment like?

In our dispatch center, team members work together to handle tough situations. They rely on each other's expertise and experience, forming a strong team dynamic and a sense of camaraderie. In times of crisis, this collaborative spirit ensures everyone can rely on each other for support. We create a workplace where dispatchers feel valued and ready to respond to any challenge that comes their way.

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