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Pay Rate
This is a BART Police Officers' Association (BPOA) represented position.
$40.50/ Hourly (Step 1) - $49.30/ Hourly (Step 6)
Note: All external candidates will start at Step 1.
Reports To
Police Communications Manager
Current Assignment
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Police Department is seeking 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 & 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 following outlines the definitions of and selection process for Entry-Level Police Dispatchers and Lateral Police Dispatchers.
ENTRY-LEVEL POLICE DISPATCHER
The selection process for the Entry-Level Police Dispatcher will include 6 phases:
Phase 1: Pre-Screening Application Questionnaire
Phase 2: POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery written examination. Testing is tentatively scheduled for July 2026
Applicants may be waived from the written exam if they 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
Email submissions for consideration to the BART Human Resources Department at BPDEmployment@bart.gov.
Phase 3: Minimum Qualifications screening
Phase 4: Typing Test (Or typing certificate submission)
See the 'Typing Certificate Requirements' section below.
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 Entry-Level Police Dispatcher.
Phase 5: Oral Board Interview
Phase 6: Background investigation. (may include polygraph, psychological screening)
LATERAL POLICE DISPATCHER
Applicants will be considered for the Lateral Police Dispatcher classification if they possess at least one (1) year of dispatcher experience and are currently or were previously employed as a dispatcher with a POST-certified agency. Please use the link below to verify whether your employer is POST certified. https://post.ca.gov/le-agencies
Note a typing test or certificate may also be required. See the 'Typing Certificate Requirements' section below.
The selection process for the Lateral Police Dispatcher will include 4 phases:
Phase 1: Pre-Screening Background Questionnaire
Phase 2: Minimum Qualifications screening and a typing test or certificate may also be required.
Phase 3: Oral Board Interview
Phase 4: Background investigation. (may include polygraph, psychological evaluation)
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.
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).
Knowledge of:
- Basic law enforcement terminology, rules and procedures.
- Standard office practices and procedures, including filing 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 persons who may be emotional or difficult to understand.
- 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 employment@bart.gov.
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.
Agency
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
Bay Area Rapid Transit
$84,258.72 - $102,555.44 Annually
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, vacation time, paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan, pension
May 18, 2026