Six job openings for 911 operators in county

Michelle Kidwell, Callaway County emergency management and 911 director, works to hire 911 operators.
Michelle Kidwell, Callaway County emergency management and 911 director, works to hire 911 operators.

The Callaway County 911 Joint Communications department has openings for six 911 operators.

Once the positions are filled, the department will reach full capacity of having 22 staffed 911 operators.

The county currently 16 operators, according to Michelle Kidwell, director of emergency management and director of Callaway Joint Communications. The department has not been fully staffed for more than 10 years, she said.

"We've never been fully staffed since I've been here," she said, adding she has been in her current position for not quite four years. Kidwell explained that the joint communications department is having difficulty getting applicants.

Kidwell explained that the lack of applicants is not exclusive to Callaway County; other counties around the region are also seeking 911 operators. She said that when communicating with other 911 centers, she was told they are experiencing the same problem.

Starting salary typically is $25,000 and includes benefits. Shifts are 12 hours at a time, three days a week currently. Training is provided for each new employee, Kidwell said. Training lasts about six months which includes, among other tasks, observing 911 operators and experiencing active shooter trainings and fire trainings.

She said the six open positions did not open up all at once, but rather over a period of time. Within the last six months, Kidwell said that three people have left their positions.

"You definitely have to put in the work," said Laura Sayers, certified training officer, who said the job is detailed. "I care about what I do."

Even with the shorthand staff, all 911 calls are being answered, and there is no concern to the public, Kidwell explained.

"The public will never be at risk." she said.

For those interested in becoming a 911 operator, both Kidwell and Sayers suggest researching the position and shadowing an operator to better understand the requirements of the job.

"We're open to people observing before they apply," Sayers concluded.

To learn more about the position, call 573-592-2480, 573-592-2473 or visit the department at 1201 State Road O Fulton, MO 65251, located at the lower level of the sheriff's office.