Police Dispatcher Trainee

Police Dispatcher Trainee

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.

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.

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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 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 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