1

Radio Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Operates patrol vehicle in safe and effective manner; patrols areas to detect liquor violations; monitors and uses vehicle radio while operating vehicle; makes safe and effective traffic stops ...

Dispatcher

Olathe, KS · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Sit for extended periods (up to 6-8 hours per shift) while operating a computer, phone, and radio equipment. * Push and pull objects up to 25 pounds, occasionally throughout the workday; lift ...

Dispatcher

Olathe, KS · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Sit for extended periods (up to 6-8 hours per shift) while operating a computer, phone, and radio equipment. * Push and pull objects up to 25 pounds, occasionally throughout the workday; lift ...

Showing results 41-60

Radio Operator information

See Kansas salary details

$11

$21

$35

How much do radio operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for radio operator in Kansas is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $23.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a radio operator?

Radio operators are professionals responsible for transmitting and receiving communications using radio equipment. They play a crucial role in ensuring clear and reliable communication in various fields such as maritime, aviation, emergency services, and the military. Their duties often include monitoring frequencies, relaying messages, maintaining equipment, and following strict communication protocols. Radio operators must be skilled in using different types of radio systems and may need to obtain licenses depending on their industry and location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a radio operator?

To thrive as a Radio Operator, you need a solid understanding of radio communication protocols, signal operations, and equipment maintenance, often supported by relevant technical training or military certifications. Familiarity with radio transmission equipment, encryption systems, and communication software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure reliable, secure, and effective communication, which is critical for safety and operational success in both civilian and military contexts.

What are some common challenges radio operators face when working in remote or field environments?

Radio Operators working in remote or field environments often encounter challenges such as maintaining clear communication in areas with limited signal coverage, operating equipment under harsh weather conditions, and adapting to rapidly changing situations. They must be skilled at troubleshooting technical issues quickly to minimize communication downtime. Additionally, working in these settings often requires close collaboration with field teams and the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

What is the difference between Radio Operator vs Marine Radio Operator?

AspectRadio OperatorMarine Radio Operator
CertificationsFCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) or equivalentMarine Radio Operator Permit (MROP) or GROL
Work EnvironmentVarious industries including aviation, emergency services, broadcastingMaritime vessels, ports, and offshore platforms
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, broadcasters, private companiesShipping companies, maritime authorities, offshore oil rigs

Both roles involve radio communication skills and certifications like the GROL. However, Marine Radio Operators specifically focus on maritime communication, working primarily on ships and offshore platforms, while general Radio Operators work across diverse industries. The certifications overlap, but Marine Radio Operators require additional maritime-specific permits. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles based on their interests and credentials.

How do you become a radio operator?

To become a radio operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete specialized training in radio communications, often provided by military, maritime, or aviation programs. Certification or licensing from relevant authorities, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), may be required depending on the industry and location. Strong communication skills and knowledge of radio equipment are essential for the role.

How long does it take to get a radio operator license?

The time to obtain a radio operator license varies depending on the country and licensing authority, but typically it involves studying for and passing a written exam that can take a few weeks to a few months. Some licenses may require additional training or practical assessments, and candidates often need to meet age and background requirements before applying.
Infographic showing various Radio Operator job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,788 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Emergency Communications Officer

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

$40K - $51K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate radio base stations, transmit and receive messages with emergency service personnel, and log pertinent information during emergency communications and dispatch operations.

  • Utilize multiple computer systems, monitor alarm systems, and relay emergency information to appropriate personnel as part of communications systems and information management.

  • Coordinate communications, manage the communication operation, and participate in training, including handling routine and emergency situations and maintaining logs and records.


University Of Kansas rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 629 rated colleges and universities


Job description

All duties are performed in accordance with department and state regulations, Federal Communication Commission regulations and the National Crime Information Center policies.  Responsibilities include:
35% Emergency Communications and Dispatch Operations:
  • Operate a radio base station sending and receiving messages with emergency service personnel and agencies in accordance with FCC regulations and established procedures.
  • Hear and understand the content of simultaneous/multiple voice transmissions while monitoring multiple radio frequencies to include University of Kansas Police Department, Lawrence Police, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical, Douglas County Sheriff, Kansas Highway Patrol and other University departments.
  • Identify frequencies by observing multicolored light indicators on the radio console or hearing and distinguishing voices and/or tones.
  • Use proper methods of transmitting that involves activating buttons located on the radio console and relaying information to responding units and shift supervisors in an accurate and concise manner.
  • Log pertinent information and monitor the status and location of on-duty units.
  • Answer police department telephone business lines, administrative lines and 911 emergency lines for the University.
  • Use proper communication techniques in answering inquiries dealing with complaints. Prioritize by importance. 
  • Uses communication techniques to calm excited and/or verbally abusive callers to gather incident specific data.
  • Dispatch emergency services to include police, fire and medical, as needed.
  • Make telephone notifications to personnel and administrators relaying pertinent information, as appropriate or as requested.
  • Log telephone calls as required.
  •  Manage a text telephone for TTY/hearing impaired.
35% Communications Systems and Information Management:
  • Utilize multiple computer systems to include computer-aided dispatch (CAD), telephones, alarms and emergency notification systems.
  • Make rapid, accurate and complete data entries.
  • Follow established policies and procedures.
  • Report software/hardware problems to the supervisor and perform minor adjustments and basic maintenance.
  • Monitor and/or operate alarm systems to include intrusion, fire, armed robbery, anti-theft, National Weather Service and Civil Defense warning systems.
  • Route emergency information to proper personnel.
  • Operate a highly technical data transmission and retrieval computer using proper codes to send, relay and receive information from other criminal justice agencies.
  • Use appropriate computer codes, formats and policies.
  • Provide general information, as requested, by emergency service responders, administrators and the general public.
25% Administrative Support & Training:
  • Coordinate communications in routine and emergency situations.
  • Manage the total communication operation that frequently involves multi-tasking the following: answer and prioritize multiple phone calls; rapid and independent dispatch decisions based on appropriate rules, regulations, policies and procedures; monitor and record in a computer data base radio transmission system; coordinate emergency response units.
  • Ensure established deadlines are met, as applicable. Maintain logs, records and reports in conformance with appropriate policies and procedures.
  • Participate in training as directed by supervisor and/or the department. May be requested to work special/emergency assignments including but not limited to major crime scenes, large University events and/or disaster sites. 
  • May assist the public by providing information concerning the University, department policies/procedures and job-related topics.
5% Other duties as assigned.,The University of Kansas is seeking a full-time Emergency Communications Officer who will work with police and emergency personnel in protecting the life, health, safety and campus property by expeditiously receiving, analyzing, evaluating and prioritizing emergent and non-emergent information via telephone, radio, computer, alarms, printers and in-person contacts. The position also processes and maintains police records.
The KU Emergency Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays.  Communications personnel work four-day work weeks for three different work shifts: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., 2 p.m. - 12a.m. and 10 p.m. - 8 a.m, Sunday through Saturday.  Shifts are assigned with rotating days off. Overtime is available and/or required for special events, major incidents and shift coverage.
KU Police Department within KU Operations builds partnerships within the KU community to promote a safe and secure campus environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. KU Operations supports KU's mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university's academic and research missions.
KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities!  Details available at:  https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance.
KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
KU is not able to provide immigration sponsorship for this position.
The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

What University Of Kansas employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom