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.

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.

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 t.gov/jobs for a listing of…