Police Dispatcher Trainee

BART; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Police Department is seeking highly motivated individuals to begin a career in public safety communications as Police Dispatcher Trainees. This entry-level program trains you to receive, evaluate, prioritize, and transmit emergency and nonemergency calls under supervision.

The role requires quick thinking, clear communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Qualifications

• Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.
• The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in a position requiring extensive public contact and effective interpersonal relationships.
• Must type at 40 net WPM with no more than ten (10) errors.
• Must be able to pass detailed POST background investigation and psychological evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Receives and screens incoming 911 emergency and non-emergency calls under supervision.
• Observes and assists with radio dispatch operations, such as dispatching patrol units to incidents.
• Trains on the operation of radio, telephone, CAD and telecommunications systems.
• Gathers, evaluates, and relays critical information to police personnel and other agencies.
• Monitors and controls the District system alarm calls under supervision.
• Responds to inquiries and provides information to the public and other agencies.
• Maintains logs, records, and reports related to calls for service and dispatcher activities.
• Learns applicable laws, codes, and departmental policies related to dispatch operations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Active Listening

Composure under pressure

Multitasking

Critical Thinking

Attention to Detail

Teamwork

Public Service

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CAD

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.

Salary Information

$ 41.319/ Hourly (Step 1) - $ 44.705/ 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 highly motivated, service-oriented individuals to begin a career in public safety communications as a Police Dispatcher Trainee. This entry-level training classification provides candidates with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, technical skills, judgment, and confidence necessary to support police operations within one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic public transit systems.

Working under close supervision as part of a formal training program, Police Dispatcher Trainees learn to receive, evaluate, prioritize, and transmit emergency and non‑emergency calls for police services. Trainees receive hands‑on instruction and guided experience in departmental procedures, radio protocols, applicable laws, codes and regulations, computer‑aided dispatch (CAD), telecommunications systems, emergency communications, and police radio operations. This position is well suited for individuals who can remain composed in high‑pressure situations, process information quickly and accurately, communicate clearly, and successfully manage multiple priorities at the same time.

The ideal candidate is a motivated and adaptable learner who can quickly absorb, retain, and apply complex information, including radio protocols, dispatch procedures, law enforcement terminology, CAD systems, and telecommunications technology. They are receptive to training and feedback, committed to continuous improvement, and demonstrate increasing confidence, independence, and proficiency as they progress through the training program.

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

• Communication and Active Listening – Communicates clearly and professionally while listening carefully, asking appropriate questions, and gathering essential information.
• Composure and Stress Tolerance – Maintains focus, professionalism, and emotional control in high‑pressure or emergency situations.
• Multitasking and Prioritization – Manages multiple tasks and information sources simultaneously while prioritizing effectively and maintaining accuracy.
• Critical Thinking and Sound Judgment – Quickly evaluates information, identifies priorities, and makes appropriate decisions within established procedures.
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy – Accurately receives, records, and communicates critical information that may affect public and officer safety.
• Teamwork and Collaboration – Works effectively with colleagues and agency partners while remaining receptive to coaching, feedback, and development.
• Public Service and Interpersonal Effectiveness – Provides professional, respectful, and responsive service to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Adaptability and Reliability – Adapts to changing priorities and emergency conditions while demonstrating consistent dependability in a 24‑hour public safety environment.

Selection & Application Process

• PHASE 1: Background Pre‑Screening Application Questionnaire
• PHASE 2: Minimum Qualifications Screening
• PHASE 3: POST Entry‑Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery written examination.
• PHASE 4: Typing Test (or typing certificate submission)
• PHASE 5: Oral Board Interview
• PHASE 6: Background investigation. (may include polygraph, psychological screening)

Please note that the entire selection process may take 4-6 months to complete.

• Have a POST Entry‑Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (T-Score) of 48 or higher dated within the last 12 months
• Have passing CritiCall scores dated within the last 12 months
• Have a valid POST Dispatcher Academy Certificate and/or POST Dispatcher Certificate

• 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.

• Receives and screens incoming 911 emergency and non‑emergency calls under supervision.
• Observes and assists with radio dispatch operations, such as dispatching patrol units and other police personnel to crime scenes and other transit system emergencies and incidents.
• Trains on the operation of radio, telephone, computer terminal systems, and other communication systems.
• Gathers, evaluates, and relays critical information to police personnel and other agencies.
• Monitors and controls the District system alarm calls under supervision.
• Responds to inquiries and provides information and assistance to the public and other agencies.
• Maintains logs, records, and reports related to calls for service and other dispatcher activities.
• Learns applicable laws, codes, and departmental policies related to dispatch operations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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

The equivalent of one (1) year of full‑time experience in a position requiring extensive public contact, communication skills and effective interpersonal relationships.

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

Knowledgeof

• Basic law enforcement terminology, rules, and procedures.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing documents and operation of common office equipment.
• Methods and techniques for communicating effectively with the public.

Skill In

• Learning and applying new information quickly, including complex radio, computer‑aided dispatch (CAD), and telecommunications systems.
• Memorizing codes, names, locations and other detailed information; obtaining information from individuals in emergency situations.
• Performing multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and composure.
• Following oral and written directions precisely.
• Written and verbal communication, including clear and concise documentation.
• Working effectively under periods of stress and emergency situations.
• Performing routine clerical duties and maintaining accurate files.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.