Career Information

Public Safety Joint Communications
is the 24-hour 911 Public Safety Answering Point and Dispatch Center serving the citizens and emergency response agencies of Columbia and Boone County.

Career Information

Thank you for your interest in Public Safety Joint Communications as an employer.

Positions now open
Commonly asked questions
Working at Public Safety Joint Communications
Benefit Packages

Job Descriptions

Job descriptions are informational only, some positions may not be available at this time. Actual employment opportunities will be posted under job opportunities in the City's Human Resources Department.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What kind of educational background and previous job experience should I have to work at Public Safety Joint Communications?
A: The minimum education requirements are a high school education or GED with some job experience, preferably employment where you have had some direct customer contact (example: restaurant, customer service, or a retail store).

Q: How would you describe this job?
A: As a start, here are some phrases provided by our Dispatches: "Every day provides new challenges"—"Lots of variety"—"Many times, exciting and exhilarating"—"Great team environment"—"Personally satisfying"—"I feel good about what I do here".

Q: Am I expected to know how to run all the electronic dispatch equipment?
A: No. We have a comprehensive training program to teach you all you need to know about how to use the equipment and how to interact with the 9-1-1 caller. Our program teaches you many new skills and, at the same time, helps you become better at skills you already have.

Q: Your group works in shifts, right?
A: Yes. We are open all the time, 24 hours a day, all year. Since the citizens of Columbia and Boone County expect us to be there when they have an emergency, we expect our employees to be at the dispatch console for their shift. If you have reservations about shift work or have additional questions about the nature of the work, you should call us at (573) 874-7400.

Q: How long is your training program?
A: It depends on your skill and experience level but normally 2 to 6 months.

Q: Do you have a good pay and benefits package?
A: Absolutely. Select one of the positions listed above and check out the starting salary and the salary after training. Regarding benefits, we provide a generous benefits package.

Q: I have worked for another Emergency Service Agency. May I apply?
A: Absolutely! Call us.

Q: I have a strong work ethic and love to have a lot of things going on at the same time. Are you looking for people with these skills? What other skills should I have?
A: Yes, those are important skills for a 9-1-1 Dispatcher. In addition, good short term memory and good old common sense are other important attributes.

Q: I would think that this job would be stressful. Is that correct?
A: Yes, at times. But you will be taught how to handle 9-1-1 emergency calls... calls from the "citizen" (who needs help) and calls to the "responder" (fire, police, medical services). Once these skills are developed and you gain experience using them, stress is greatly reduced.

Q: I am bilingual. Is this required?
A: No, it is not required but if you have the other skills mentioned above and are bilingual, you should definitely apply.

Q: Do you do a background check with law enforcement agencies on applicants?
A: Yes.

Q: How do I get an application?
A: You may call the City of Columbia Human Resources Department at (573) 874-7235 or email at hr@GoColumbiaMo.com. Online applications are also available (Requires Adobe Acrobat).

Working at Public Safety Joint Communications

Here is some general information about employment at Public Safety Joint Communications. For more specific information phone (573) 874-7400.

The Community: Boone County, Missouri is a developing community with a population of 150,000 located in Central Missouri. The largest city in the county is Columbia with a population of about 85,000. Columbia is home to the University of Missouri as well as two other colleges and offers abundant recreational and cultural opportunities. Columbia is consistently listed as one of the top cities in the United States to live. Check out the Boone County web site at http://www.showmeboone.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of Public Safety Joint Communications and the City of Columbia to recruit and select the most qualified person for positions. Recruitment and selection is conducted in an affirmative manner to insure open competition, provide equal employment opportunity and prohibit discrimination based on race, political views, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, or any other non-merit factors.

Immigration Law Notice: Only U.S. Citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States will be hired. All new employees will be required to complete and sign an Employment Eligibility Verification Form and present documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility.