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Supervisor, Communications Unit

Starting Monthly Salary: $8,396

Listing Expiration Date: 

January 30, 2026

Applicants must upload a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications for this position with their application.

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Brief Job Description

  • Must have basic knowledge of a 24-hour Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), including familiarity with public safety and concerns of communications environments, demands, and requirements.
  • Supervise and train unit personnel in accordance with department and unit policies, unit business practices, and principles of officer safety. This includes professionally handling personnel issues, internal grievances, and complaints (generated from both inside and outside the department).
  • Effectively communicate verbally with the public, subordinates, supervisors, and superiors to interpret, explain, and answer operational and procedural questions.
  • Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with employees at all levels, representatives from other department elements, and outside agencies.
  • Maintain awareness of situations and events within the call/dispatch center.
  • Determine and evaluate both emergency and non-emergency situations and make decisions under pressure or stressful conditions within the parameters of department policy and procedures.
  • Function effectively in a routinely stressful environment.

Requirements & Qualifications:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent, an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree is preferred;
  • A minimum of three (3) years of experience working in any public safety communications environment (e.g., city/county 911 centers, fire/EMS dispatch or law enforcement support roles), OR
  • supervisory experience in a law enforcement, fire or emergency management agency with demonstrated knowledge of public safety communications;
  • A current valid driver’s license;
  • Previous typing, data entry experience, and a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word;
  • Working knowledge of CAD systems, radio communications, and the principles and practices of effective supervision, training and employee motivation;
  • The ability to develop and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with employees, partner agencies and supervisors;
  • Strong decision-making skills and the ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgement under pressure;
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to interact effectively and professionally with diverse individuals and groups;
  • General knowledge of the geography and major landmarks of Kansas City, MO or the ability to quickly learn the same; and
  • The ability to work flexible hours, overtime and various shifts as required.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience the provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

Incumbent will be required to complete a post offer, pre-employment testing per Department policy.

Physical, Cognitive, and Psychological Requirements:

  • Must meet department-established physical, cognitive, and psychological health standards

  • Position requires use of the telephone, the ability to hear, performing stationary work at a computer, use a foot pedal and sitting and/or standing at the designated communications supervisor console.

  • Position requires light lifting (5-20 pounds) frequently and may have to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Incumbent must have the ability to kneel and crawl in tight spaces to check wiring and connections periodically.