Communications Specialist

Marketing Statement

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.

ATU Pay Grade 821
Hourly Rate: $51.97 (Step 85) - $61.15 (Step 99)

Reports To
Assistant Chief Transportation Officer, Central Control

Current Assignment

This announcement will be used to establish an eligibility list to fill future vacancies that may occur within the next twelve (12) months.

Under general supervision, Communications Specialists are responsible for communicating information regarding train and station operations to staff, passengers, and the news media. Additionally, they monitor train movements and communications, and act as a liaison between Central Control and other District departments. Communications Specialists also perform Operations Control Center related administrative support functions as needed, and performs related duties as assigned.

In the selection process for this position, the successful candidate(s) will demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities described above, as well as demonstrate proficiency in areas necessary to perform the duties of the position, including (but not limited to):

• Reliability
• Knowledge of the Transportation operations principles, terminology, rules, regulations, and methods
• Knowledge of communications techniques for use with public address and two-way radio systems
• Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware/software products and operating principles

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU). Applications will be screened to assure that minimum qualifications are met. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will then be referred to the hiring department for the completion of further selection processes.

The selection process for this position may include a skills/performance demonstration, a written examination, and/or an individual or panel interview.

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 a background check. (Does not apply to current full-time District employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations)

The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement, including consideration of seniority as appropriate.

Application Process

Current employees are strongly encouraged to apply online, either at www.bart.gov, or on WebBART. Applicants needing assistance with the online application process may receive additional information by calling (510) 464-6112. Current employees may also apply using a BART paper application by delivering the completed form to the Human Resources Department, or by mailing it to P. O. Box 12688, Oakland, CA 94604-2688.

All applicants are asked to complete the application in full, indicating dates of employment, all positions held, hours worked, and a full description of duties. Online applicants are invited to electronically attach a resume to the application form to provide supplemental information but should not consider the resume a substitute for the application form itself.

Applications must be complete by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement.

1. Monitors the train control display board and radio communications to determine revenue operations status, including train movements, power and equipment status and station activities.
   
   
2. Makes timely updated public address announcements concerning train or station operations, delays, incidents, train location, lost items, safety, marketing, and public service concerns.
   
   
3. Communicates information to various operations staff concerning passenger flow, incidents, etc., via telephone and intercom systems.
   
   
4. Tracks "Ticket Validation Problems" and informs supervisors of the need for technical support and station staffing; informs station agents of the fare collection problems; informs station operations about maintenance work areas impacting train service.
   
   
5. Provides backup to the train controller by making the police calls and relays information to operations staff and police staff regarding incidents, possible criminal activities, etc.
   
   
6. Prepares audio and text information concerning elevator updates and train service and ensures the District complies with public information requests in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
   
   
7. Coordinates and establishes bus bridges with other transit agencies in the event of an emergency.
   
   
8. Acts as the primary District liaison with the news media to provide information on revenue service and incidents.
   
   
9. Communicates passenger information to Station Agents regarding lost and found items or unusual activities; makes pages as directed; reads, interprets and applies District operating procedures in individual situations; maintains logs and records of work performed.
   
   
10. Performs Operations Control Center related administrative support functions as needed.
    
    

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

Experience:
The equivalent of four (4) years of full-time verifiable experience in providing assistance and communicating information to patrons or operating a train, monitoring console and radio communications.

Other Requirements:
Must be willing to work off-hours shifts, weekends and holidays, and be subject to overtime.
Must be able to work in a confined situation and be able to maintain concentration for extended periods of time.
Must be able to adapt to a changing work environment and master new equipment, procedures and policies.

Knowledge of:

• Transportation operational principles, procedures, terminology, rules, regulations, and methods
• Communications techniques for use with public address and two-way radio systems
• Basic computer hardware and software products and operating principles
• Personal computer operating systems
• Nature of train, station, and system problems and understanding of how these problems can impact the BART system

• Analyzing revenue service operations problems, evaluating alternatives and taking appropriate action
• Preparing and maintaining accurate operational logs, records and reports
• Reading, interpreting and applying operational policies and procedures
• Communicating clearly and effectively in writing, using public address or two-way radio equipment
• Operating the computer as a communication tool and applying computer keyboard skills to accurately type a minimum of 25 words per minute
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work
• Exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines, particularly in emergency or stressful situations
• Working independently and with minimum supervision operating a variety of communication systems
  
  

Equal Employment OpportunityGroupBox1

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.