Fare Inspection Officer

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART); Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is seeking Fare Inspection Officers (FIOs) to promote fare compliance and public safety across stations and trains. FIOs are non-sworn civilian members who engage with riders, conduct inspections, verify eligibility, and educate patrons on fare requirements.

Externals start at step 1 and the role requires strong communication, de-escalation, and policy interpretation skills, with a commitment to public service in a diverse environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of direct public contact experience.
• Ability to interpret regulations and explain policies to the public.

Responsibilities

• Promote fare compliance and public safety across BART stations and trains.
• Inspect fares and verify eligibility; issue citations as needed.
• Operate fare inspection equipment and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Interpersonal comm

De-escalation

Critical thinking

Situational awareness

Attention to detail

Policy interpretation

Public service

Education

High School diploma, GED or recognized equivalent

Job description

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BART POLICE DEPARTMENT AT JOINBARTPD.COM

Salary

This is a BART Police Officers' Association (BPOA) represented position.

Step 1: Minimum $37.97/hour to Step 5: Maximum $45.56 /hour

Note: Externals will start at step 1.

Who May Apply

All current BART employees and qualified individuals who are not yet BART employees.

Report To

Sergeant or a Police Civilian Supervisor

Days Off

As assigned. Note: Must be willing to do shift work with varied days off and weekends.

Department

BART Police Department is a progressive agency and has been on the forefront – and in some cases the model approach to training in the areas of fair and impartial policing, bias-based policing, crisis intervention, cultural competence training, and de-escalation training. The mission of the BART Police Department is to ensure a safe environment within our transit system, reduce crime through a highly visible police presence, and proactive enforcement of the law, and to promote public confidence by working in partnership with our stakeholders and the communities we serve.

Current Assignment

The BART Police Department is seeking highly motivated, service-oriented, and professional individuals to join our team as Fare Inspection Officers (FIOs). This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in supporting a safe, secure, and welcoming transit environment while promoting fare compliance, accountability, and public confidence in BART's transit system.

Fare Inspection Officers are highly visible, non-sworn civilian members of the BART Police Department who play an essential role in promoting fare compliance, public safety, and a positive transit experience. Working throughout BART stations and aboard trains, FIOs engage with a diverse ridership, conduct fare inspections, verify fare eligibility, enforce applicable laws and ordinances, issue citations when appropriate, and educate and assist patrons regarding fare requirements.

Their work contributes to the integrity of BART's fare payment system while supporting the Police Department's broader commitment to public safety and exceptional service.

The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process:

• Interpersonal Communication and Customer Service: Communicates clearly, professionally, and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrates active listening and effectively explains policies, procedures, and enforcement actions.
• Conflict Management and De-escalation: Remains calm and professional during challenging or confrontational situations.
• Critical Thinking and Sound Judgment: Objectively assesses situations, evaluates information, and makes sound, timely decisions while adhering to established policies and procedures.
• Situational Awareness and Safety Consciousness: Identifies potential hazards, suspicious activity, and safety concerns.
• Technical Proficiency and Attention to Detail: Effectively uses fare inspection equipment, communication devices, and related technology. Maintains accurate records and prepares clear, concise reports.
• Policy Interpretation and Regulatory Compliance: Understands, interprets, clearly communicates and consistently applies applicable laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Public Service Commitment and Cultural Awareness: Demonstrates empathy, cultural awareness, and respect when serving a diverse ridership.

Successful candidates will bring a strong commitment to public service, the confidence to address challenging situations, and the judgment to balance enforcement responsibilities with fairness, professionalism, and respect.

Selection & Application Process

The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement and may include one or more of the following: a skills or performance demonstration, written examination, and/or panel or individual interview.

All applications will be reviewed by the Talent Acquisition Division to determine whether applicants meet the established Minimum Qualifications (MQs). Applicants who meet the MQs may be referred to the hiring department for further evaluation as part of the selection process. Unsuccessful applicants may re-apply online by visiting our website at www.bart.gov/jobs for a listing of open positions.

Note: Hiring priority will be given to current BART Police Community Services Officer and Transit Ambassador applicants.

The internal candidate selection process will include the following two (2) phases:

1. Minimum Qualifications Screening
2. Oral Board Interview

The external candidate selection process will include the following five (5) phases:

1. Pre-Screening Application Questionnaire
2. Minimum Qualifications Screening
3. E-Skills Assessment
4. Practical Exercise & Oral Board Interview
5. Investigative Background Process

Note: The selection process may be modified at the discretion of the hiring department.

The selected candidate must demonstrate a work history reflecting reliability and dependability and may be required to provide copies of certificates, diplomas, or other documentation required by law, including proof of authorization to work in the United States, and pass a pre-employment medical examination which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include an extensive background check, a credit check and successful completion of a polygraph exam. (Does not apply to current full-time BART Police Department employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations).

If selected to proceed in the background investigative phase of the process, you will be asked to provide some essential documents. The following are some of the documents you may be asked to provide naturalization/citizenship papers, birth certificates, school transcripts, proof of selective service, DMV driving history documents, proof of automobile insurance, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), and POST certificates (if applicable).

1. Performs general fare enforcement activities within BART Police jurisdiction under the authority of Penal Code section 640(c)(3)(A) and BART’s Proof of Payment ordinance.
2. Initiates contacts with BART patrons to check for possession of a valid exit-coded BART fare medium as well as appropriate eligibility to use discounted fares; issues citations to patrons who fail to present proof of payment, who knowingly provide false information, who violate eligibility rules for discounted fares, or for various other infractions under the appropriate code or ordinance.
3. Operates equipment such as BART readers to check BART Tickets, a Clipper reader to check Clipper cards, a handheld tablet to enter citation information, a belt worn printer to print citations, a body-worn camera to video record all fare inspection contacts, a cell phone to review and tag recorded video, a police radio to communicate with police dispatch, and pepper spray for self-defense.
4. Conducts security checks of BART stations and trains; advises patrons of law and/or ordinance violations; observes and reports potential safety or security hazards, unusual occurrences and criminal activity to BART Police Dispatch using appropriate and effective methods of communication.
5. Gathers, maintains, and reports accurate records on citations, unusual occurrences and other incidents; fills out forms and writes basic reports; enters data into appropriate computer database or application.
6. Performs general customer service duties; answers questions and responds to complaints and requests for services; assists patrons with directions, information, rules and regulations.
7. Responds to medical emergencies on BART property to gather information, provide logistical support, and/or to provide first-aid as appropriate. Summons medical response when needed.
8. Deals effectively with hostile and uncooperative people.
9. Assists management in general informational outreach and presentations regarding proof of payment and other related rules and regulations.
10. Maintains crowd control at the direction of a Sergeant during emergencies, special events or other gatherings, interprets and applies Police Department policies and procedures.
11. Performs related duties as assigned.

Education

Possession of a High School diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.

Experience

Two (2) years of (full-time equivalent) verifiable direct public contact experience, which must have included interpreting and/or enforcing regulations or providing information and assistance to the public.

Knowledge of

• Requirements of BART’s Proof of Payment ordinance.
• Section 640(c)(3)(A) of the California Penal Code
• Methods and techniques of dealing effectively with the public in routine and emergency circumstances.
• Basic law enforcement organization, activities, terminology, rules, and procedures.
• Basic business data processing principles and the use of online computer equipment.

Skill in

• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Understanding and carrying out oral and written directions.
• Maintaining accurate records.
• Preparing accurate, clear and concise written reports.
• Using initiative and sound judgment within established guidelines.
• Remaining calm in emergency situations and providing clear, concise and understandable verbal directions and information.
• Operating standard office equipment including computers and supporting work processing and spreadsheet applications.

Working Conditions

Environmental Conditions: Field environment; exposure to heat, cold and inclement weather conditions.

Physical Conditions: Requires maintaining good physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.