Police Dispatcher Trainee

Police Dispatcher Trainee

Salary

$85,943.73 - $92,986.61 Annually

Location

BART Police Headquarters - MET, 3rd Floor

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600249

Executive Office

Police

Cost Center

Support Services

Opening Date

08/27/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BART POLICE DEPARTMENT AT JOINBARTPD.COM!

WERE OFFERING A $15,000 HIRING BONUS!

Salary Information

This position is represented by the BART Police Officers Association (BPOA).

$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

This position is represented by BART Police Officers Association (BPOA). All applicants must apply online at www.bart.gov/jobs. Applications must be completed in full and include all requested information, including dates of employment, positions held, hours worked, and a detailed description of duties performed.

Applicants may attach a resume to provide supplemental information; however, the resume does not substitute for completing the application form in its entirety. Only information included in the application at the time of submission will be used to determine whether applicants meet the minimum qualifications for the position. All application materials must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received after the closing deadline will not be considered.

Applicants who require assistance with the online application process may contact the Talent Acquisition Division at (510) 464-6112 or employment@bart.gov.

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.

The selection process for the Police Dispatcher Trainee will include 6 phases:

PHASE 1: Background Pre-Screening Application Questionnaire

PHASE 2: Minimum Qualifications Screening

PHASE 3: POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery written examination.

Applicants may be waived from the written exam if they possess one of the following:

• 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

Email submissions for consideration to the BART Human Resources Department at BPDEmployment@bart.gov.

PHASE 4: Typing Test (or typing certificate submission)

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.

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.

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 a 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).

Examples of Duties

• 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

Education:

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

Experience:

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

Knowledge of:

• 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.

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) prides itself in offering best in class benefits packages to employees of the District. Currently, the following benefits may be available to employees in this job classification.

Highlights

• Medical Coverage (or $350/month if opted out)
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Insurance (Basic and Enhanced Plans Available)
• Retirement Plan through the CA Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
• 2% @ 55 (Miscellaneous Members - Classic)
• 2% @ 62 (Miscellaneous Members - PEPRA)
• 3% @ 50 (Safety Members - Classic)
• 2.7% @ 57 (Safety Members - PEPRA)
• Reciprocity available for existing members of many other public retirement systems (see BART website and/or CalPERS website for details)

Money Purchase Pension Plan (in-lieu of participating in Social Security tax)

• 6.65% employer contribution up to annual maximum of $1,868.65

Deferred Compensation & Roth 457 Sick Leave Accruals (12 days per year) Vacation Accruals (3-5 weeks based on time worked w/ the District) Holidays:

• Sworn Officers & Police Dispatchers: No floating holidays or observed holidays, but 6.6% pay differential provided above base pay rate
• Non-Sworn Staff: 9 observed holidays and 4 floating holidays

Life Insurance may be available through employee union Survivor Benefits through BART Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance may be available through employee union Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and Dependent Care Commuter Benefits Free BART Passes for BART employees and eligible family members.

01

Statement of Understanding: Training and Career Progression I understand that the Police Dispatcher Trainee position is a limited-term, entry-level training classification designed to prepare employees for independent work as a Police Dispatcher. I understand that the required training program is a minimum of nine (9) months and that I must successfully complete the training program and demonstrate the necessary proficiency to be eligible to progress to the Police Dispatcher classification.

• I have read and understand the statement above.

02

Do you possess a high school diploma, General Education Development Certificate (GED) or other high school equivalency test approved by CDE?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have the equivalent of one (1) year of full-time experience in a position requiring extensive public contact, communication skills and effective interpersonal relationships?

• Yes
• No

04

For this position, you must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime. If you were offered this position would you be able to work any assigned shift?

• Yes
• No

05

Police Dispatcher Trainees are required to type at least 40 net wpm with no more than ten (10) errors in 5 minutes. Do you possess or have the ability to obtain a typing certificate from a recognized college, public school, career center or temporary employment agency? Note: Current BART employees who are occupying positions which presently require a 40 WPM typing requirement will be exempt from meeting the typing certificate requirement for the Police Dispatcher Trainee.

• Yes
• No

06

You may be waived from taking the POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery written exam if you possess one of the following: • a POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (T-Score) of 48 or higher dated within the last 12 months • Passing CritiCall scores dated within the last 12 months • a valid POST Dispatcher Academy Certificate and/or POST Dispatcher Certificate Attach your qualifying documents to your application or email submissions for consideration to the BART Human Resources Department at BPDEmployment@bart.gov. Click below to acknowledge that you understand this statement.

• Yes - I have read and understand the statement above.

07

Integrity is one of the BART Police Departments Core Values. Successful candidates must pass an extensive investigative background check. The pre-employment background investigative phase may include the following: • Criminal background check • Psychological screening • Successful completion of a polygraph exam • Home visit Additionally, you may be required to provide the following documents: • Naturalization/citizenship papers, birth certificates, school transcripts, proof of selective service (men only), DMV driving history documents, proof of automobile insurance, marriage, or divorce certificates (if applicable), and POST certificates (if applicable). Click below to acknowledge that you have read and understand the abovementioned statement about the investigative background process.

• Yes
• No

08

PRE-SCREENING BACKGROUND QUESTIONNAIRE: The hiring and background requirements are quite stringent for law enforcement personnel. Therefore, applicants are required to complete the following pre-background screening questions to be considered for this position. Note: If, at any point during the hiring process we discover that you intentionally omitted, lied, or minimized something in your background that we should have known about, it will most likely result in an automatic disqualification from the hiring process. Remember, we are not looking for perfect people, just perfect honesty. Click below to acknowledge that you understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have any felony convictions?

• Yes
• No

10

Have you received two (2) or more misdemeanor convictions as an adult?

• Yes
• No

11

Do you have any outstanding warrants of arrests at the time of your application?

• Yes
• No

12

Have you committed any act(s) of domestic violence?

• Yes
• No

13

Have you committed any criminal act(s) against children?

• Yes
• No

14

Have you received any misdemeanor convictions within the last three (3) years?

• Yes
• No

15

Have you used a hallucinogenic drug within the last seven (7) years?

• Yes
• No

16

Have you had three (3) or more moving violations within the last three (3) years?

• Yes
• No

17

Were you involved as a driver in two (2) or more chargeable (at fault) collisions within last three (3) years?

• Yes
• No

18

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART)

Address 2150 Webster Street

4th Floor

Oakland, California, 94612

Phone 510-464-6112

Website www.bart.gov/jobs