The title for 911 emergency dispatcher jobs in Springfield, Missouri is 911 telecommunicator. 911 telecommunicators dispatch police, fire, and EMS services from the city’s Emergency Communications Department.
Factors that contribute to the need for 911 dispatchers in Missouri include the following crime statistics:
- Springfield has a higher rate of crime than the national average in many categories including rape, robbery, and assault
- Your chances of being a victim of violent crime in Springfield are 1 in 123
- Your chances of being a victim of any kind of crime in Springfield are 1 in 11, which is well above the national average
If you’d like to help crime victims through effective and efficient emergency call handling, follow these steps to become a 911 dispatcher in Springfield:
 | Consider Education Options |
 | Apply For The Position in Springfield and Receiving Training |
 | Complete Additional Requirements |
Step 1. Consider Education Options
Completing 60 credit hours at an accredited college or university can serve to fill the experience requirement, which will be described below. This is one reason that the serious applicant should pursue higher education as a fundamental part of their career path.
A number of Springfield area colleges offer courses and majors that could play an instrumental role in developing your skills as a 911 telecommunicator.
A selection of courses and majors that could be instrumental to your career as a 911 telecommunicator includes:
Health Science – A study of health science, specifically with pre-medicine as a focus, is a good foundation for your career as an emergency dispatcher. A degree in health science will give you a firm base in human anatomy, which will be useful when helping those who have suffered severe injuries, or are helping those who have suffered severe injuries.
Criminology – Studying criminal justice will help your career by exposing you to many of the theories, laws, and protocols of the criminal justice system. In your position as a 911 telecommunicator you will interact with law enforcement personnel, as will your callers. A degree in criminal justice will help you better navigate this interaction, and guide your callers in that respect.
Defense and Strategic Studies – In today’s world of terrorism and other major threats, 911 telecommunicators have to be ready to respond to major threats that could affect large population centers. A degree in defense and strategic studies will make sure you’re ready for anything, even a large scale disaster or attack.
Step 2. Apply For The Position in Springfield
Requirements that you must meet in order to successfully apply for the 911 dispatcher jobs in Springfield include:
- 2 years’ experience in a multi-tasking position that involved a high level of customer contact or a combination of experience and education that demonstrates your ability to perform the job functions
- Physical ability to sit for long periods of time and operate all relevant equipment
- You must not have any previous felony convictions.
Applications will be submitted to:
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
HUMAN RESOURCES
840 BOONVILLE, Room 324
SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802
In order to qualify for 911 dispatcher jobs you must obtain your Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) certification. For more information on the certification process go to the website of the Missouri State Highway Patrol or call the human resources recruiting hotline at (800) 796-7000.
Step 3. Complete Additional Requirements
There are additional requirements you will need to meet in order to be selected for a career as a 911 telecommunicator in Springfield. These additional requirements include:
- You must be able to work any schedule. Schedules may be assigned any time – 24 hours per day and 7 days per week. Overnights, weekends, and holidays may be scheduled.
- You must complete a pre-employment drug screen
- You must complete a pre-employment background test
- You must complete a pre-employment hearing test