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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 Process
This position is represented by BART Police Officers Association Employees (BPOA). Candidates must pass each phase of the process to move forward in the selection process. The following outlines the definitions of and selection process for Entry-Level Police Dispatchers and Lateral Police Dispatchers.
ENTRY-LEVEL POLICE DISPATCHER
Applicants will be considered an Entry-Level Police Dispatcher candidate if they are not currently or were previously employed as a dispatcher at a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agency, possess a POST Dispatcher Academy) Certificate OR successfully passed the CritiCall Dispatcher exam or POST Dispatcher Test Entry Level Battery exam with a T-Score of 48 or higher within the last 12-months.
The selection process for the Entry-Level Police Dispatcher will include 6 phases:
Phase 1: Pre-Screening Background Questionnaire. Applicants that successfully clear the pre-screening background questionnaire will be eligible to move forward in the selection process.
Phase 2: POST Entry-Level Test Battery (Dispatcher) written examination. Testing is tentatively scheduled for March 2026
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 a Lateral Police Dispatcher candidate if they meet one of the following criteria:
1. Have a valid POST Entry-Level Dispatcher Selection Test Battery (T-Score) of 48 or higher OR passing CritiCall Dispatcher exam dated within the last 12 months AND a valid typing certificate.
2. Have a valid POST Dispatcher Academy Certificate and/or POST Dispatcher Certificate AND a valid typing certificate.
3. If they are currently or were employed as a Dispatcher for a POST Agency. (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 5 phases:
Phase 1: Pre-Screening Background Questionnaire
Phase 2: Submittal and verification of the required certificate(s)
Phase 3: Minimum Qualifications screening
Phase 4: Oral Board Interview
Phase 5: 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 successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S.; pass a pre-employment medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screen, and which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include an extensive background 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 you are 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 (men only), OMV driving history documents, proof of automobile insurance, marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable), and POST certificates (if applicable).
*** Note: The entire selection process may take six (6) months to one (1) year. ***
The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Candidates who are unsuccessful in the selection process can reapply for future openings at a later date.
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
Feb 09, 2026