Lateral Police Dispatcher

BART; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 132,952,000 - 144,107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus

Benefits

Job summary

BART Police Department seeks experienced police dispatchers to join a fast-paced, 24/7 public safety communications center. You will handle 911 calls, prioritize messages, and dispatch patrol units to incidents.

Requirements include a high school diploma (or equivalent), typing at 40 net WPM, and ability to work varied shifts. A $15,000 hiring bonus is offered to new entrants.

Qualifications

• Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.
• Completion of the Police Dispatcher Trainee program or two years of journey-level safety dispatching experience.
• Must pass POST background investigation and psychological evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Receive and prioritize 911 emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Dispatch patrol units and police personnel to scenes and emergencies.
• Input and access information using computer terminals and databases.
• Coordinate emergency response with other public safety agencies.

Skills

Communication skills

Decision making

Multitasking

Technical proficiency

Attention to detail

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or GED

Police Dispatcher Trainee program

Two years journey-level safety dispatching experience

Tools

Dispatch software

Radio systems

Law enforcement databases

Job description

Marketing Statement

Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.

Job Summary

WE'RE OFFERING A $15,000 HIRING BONUS!

Salary Information

This position is represented by the BART Police Officers Association (BPOA). $46.399/ Hourly (Step 1) - $50.292/ Hourly (Step 3). Note: External candidates will start at step 1.

Who May Apply

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

Reports To

Police Communications Manager

Days Off

As assigned. Must be willing to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

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 San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Police Department is seeking experienced, highly skilled, calm-under-pressure, and service-oriented individuals to join our team as Police Dispatchers. Working in a fast-paced, 24/7 public safety communications center, the incumbent will receive and prioritize incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and operate radio systems to dispatch patrol units and other police personnel to crime scenes, service calls, and transit-system emergencies. Dispatchers ensure accurate and timely information flow, maintain situational awareness, and support officers responding to a broad range of incidents, including safety hazards, quality-of-life concerns, medical emergencies, and criminal activity affecting BART's stations, trains, and facilities.

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

• Strong Communication Skills – Ability to clearly and effectively communicate under pressure, both verbally and in writing, to relay information to officers, the public, and other agencies.
• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving – Quick-thinking and sound judgment in fast-paced, high-stress situations to prioritize and dispatch resources appropriately.
• Multitasking Ability – Capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously, such as answering calls, operating radio systems, and inputting data into computers, while maintaining accuracy.
• Technical Proficiency – Skilled in operating dispatch software, radio systems, and law enforcement databases; familiarity with emergency communication systems is essential.
• Attention to Detail – Ability to accurately process and document critical information, ensuring nothing is missed during high-stress situations.
• Calmness Under Pressure – Ability to stay composed in emergencies, managing stress while maintaining control of the situation.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Lateral Police Dispatcher will include 5 phases:

PHASE 1: Background Pre-Screening

PHASE 2: Minimum Qualifications Screening

PHASE 3: Typing Test (or typing certificate submission)

PHASE 4: Oral Board Interview

PHASE 5: Background investigation. (may include polygraph, psychological screening)

Typing Certificate Requirements

• 5- minute timed test
• Must be able to type at a speed of 40 net words per minute
• Certificate must include gross and net words per minute with no more than 10 errors
• Typing certificates must be within the last six (6) months by a recognized college, public school, career center, or temporary employment agency.

Note

Current BART employees who are occupying positions which presently require a 40 Net WPM typing requirement will be exempt from meeting the typing certificate requirement for the Police Dispatcher Trainee program.

Examples of Duties

• Receives and prioritizes incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency telephone calls.
• Operates radio to dispatch patrol units and other police personnel to crime scenes and other transit system emergencies and incidents.
• Operates computer terminal to access a variety of police information, assists in processing police warrants.
• Provides radio assistance and information to Police Officers.
• Communicates and coordinates emergency response with other public safety agencies and emergency services.
• Maintains service records and logs other computerized information.
• Coordinates activities with those of central control for emergency train intercepts, power turn off and other revenue vehicle system emergencies.
• Provides police-related telephone information to District patrons; answers telephone inquiries from other law enforcement agencies.
• Provides records assistance to the Police Department's property unit; monitors District system alarm calls and coordinates response.
• Performs a variety of clerical duties, including typing on computer keyboard to input and retrieve automated internal records and local, state, and national criminal information.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.

Experience

EITHER Completion of the Police Dispatcher Trainee program for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District. OR Two (2) years (full-time equivalent) verifiable journey-level safety dispatching experience.

Other Requirements

• Must be able to successfully pass a detailed POST background investigation prior to appointment, including a psychological evaluation.
• Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Must type at 40 net wpm with no more than ten (10) errors.
• Must be able to move quickly from one workstation to another and perform any combination of duties or other related tasks at the same time.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Basic law enforcement terminology, rules and procedures.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing documents and the operation of common office equipment.
• Law enforcement dispatch policies and procedures.

Skill in:

• Memorizing codes, names, locations and other detailed information; obtaining information from individuals in emergency situations.
• Understanding and following oral and written directions.
• Making rapid and sound independent judgments in emergency situations.
• Using two-way radio communication equipment effectively.
• Using an on-line computer to access a variety of information.
• Working under periods of stress and dealing with multiple activities simultaneously.
• Performing routine clerical duties.
• Communicating tactfully and effectively with the public, including with people who may be emotional or difficult to understand.
• Maintaining accurate files.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at [e-mail] .

Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs .