Security (SOC) Dispatcher

Working as a Security (SOC) Dispatcher with Community Transit places you at the center of a fast-paced operation where your work directly supports the safety of employees, passengers, and the communities we serve. This is more than a traditional dispatch role — you’ll be part of a collaborative team supporting a growing 24/7 operation alongside security professionals, transit operations, and law enforcement partners.

Community Transit offers competitive pay, strong health and retirement benefits including a PERS pension, and a workplace culture that values professionalism, teamwork, and work-life balance. Employees also have access to fitness, wellness, and ergonomic support resources designed to help you perform at your best long-term.

If you thrive in dynamic environments, communicate clearly under pressure, and want a career where your decisions make a visible impact every day, we encourage you to apply!

The Security (SOC) Dispatcher serves as the central coordination and communications point for security-related emergencies, safety, and incidents across Community Transit facilities, customers, operations, and properties. Operating within the Security Operations Center (SOC), this position is responsible for monitoring security systems, triaging calls for security incidents, coordinating security-related field response resources, maintaining situational awareness, and supporting emergency and security operations in a 24/7/365 environment.

The Security (SOC) Dispatcher works closely with Transit Security Officers, law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and internal departments to support rapid security response, effective communication, and accurate incident documentation during routine and critical events.

This position supports security operations by efficiently managing calls for service, dispatching appropriate field personnel, monitoring security systems, maintaining accurate incident records, and coordinating responses with internal teams and external emergency partners. The Security (SOC) Dispatcher plays a critical role in maintaining situational awareness, prioritizing security response efforts, and promoting a secure transit environment through effective communication, organization, and decision-making.

1. Receive, assess, prioritize, and document security related calls, alarms, incidents, and requests for assistance from employees, customers, law enforcement, and partner agencies using phone, text, email, and VoIP radio. Ensure accurate and timely entry of calls into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Maintain records within security and incident management systems.
2. Dispatch appropriate personnel including TSOs and TPU deputies. Monitor response status and maintain situational awareness during active incidents, including adjustment to responses as necessary based on call type, severity, and resource availability. Track and update unit assignments in real-time.
3. Monitor surveillance systems, live camera feeds, alarms, and other security technologies to identify suspicious activity, security concerns, criminal activity, and emerging threats. Initiate notification and communications with field personnel, supervisors, and emergency responders as appropriate.
4. Monitor and manage the Access Control System (ACS) across multiple facilities, including badge access issues, intrusion alarms, forced-entry alerts, and system faults. Troubleshoot access-related issues and coordinate emergency or system maintenance response when necessary.
5. Review live and recorded surveillance video to support security incident identification and law enforcement requests. Prepare clear and accurate documentation.
6. Coordinate communication and response efforts with internal departments, including Transportation, Vehicle Maintenance, Customer Experience, and Facilities, during security-related emergencies and related events.
7. Maintain accurate documentation of incident activity, communications, resource coordination, and follow-up actions. Ensure records are complete, timely, and compliant with standards.
8. Enter CAD-related information into the Security Management Information System (SMIS) to ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and data integrity across platforms.
9. Respond to operational requests, receive and support regulatory response and communication, employee safety escorts, or facility access problems. Dispatch personnel or notify appropriate support teams based on established protocols.
10. Assist with emergency management coordination during critical events. Maintain situational awareness and provide communication support to Incident Command, Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and field leadership. Participate in drills, exercises, and preparedness initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or GED certificate.
2. Two (2) years of experience in 911 emergency communication centers, public safety operations centers, or security operations centers.
3. Strong computer proficiency, including accurate data entry and use of multiple software systems simultaneously.
4. Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and communicate clearly under pressure.
5. Ability to pass a comprehensive background check including:

1. Fingerprint screening via Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and FBI.
2. Clearance for Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) and Washington State Fusion Center (WSFC).
5. Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED certification within 30 days of hire.

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job listed above may be considered.

Preferred

1. Associate’s degree in criminal justice, emergency management, communications, or related field.
2. Experience using Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management Systems (RMS), Access Control System (ACS), and Video Management System (VMS) or related security technologies.
3. Familiarity with incident command principles, emergency management practices, and security monitoring operations preferably in public transit or regulated public-sector environments.

Entry Requirements for: Knowledge and Skills

Qualification to enter this position requires knowledge of the following:

1. Priority and non-priority dispatch protocols.
2. Principles of radio and telephone communication in 911 emergency/security dispatch settings.
3. Security incident types and appropriate response coordination.
4. Access control, alarm, and video surveillance technologies.
5. Best practices for call triage, unit tracking, and documentation.
6. Incident classification and security response coordination.
7. Data privacy and confidentiality standards for public safety environments.
8. Data entry and accuracy in time-sensitive systems.

Qualification to enter this position requires skill in:

1. Operating radio, phone, and CAD dispatch consoles while simultaneously handling multiple requests.

2. Prioritizing tasks and making decisions under pressure.
3. Communicating professionally with staff, law enforcement, and the public.
4. Accurately documenting calls and follow-up actions across multiple systems.
5. Quickly learning and adapting to new technologies and procedures.

Proficient Performance Requirements for Knowledge and Skills

Qualification to fulfill the full range of this position’s duties requires the following knowledge, which may be gained or further developed after entering the job:

1. General understanding of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) platforms, call triaging techniques, and incident classification frameworks used in public safety communications.
2. Operational knowledge of Access Control Systems (ACS), including card access programming, badge activity audits, and alarm condition response protocols.
3. Familiarity with the integration and functionality of Video Management Systems (VMS) and their use in incident detection, playback, and evidence support.
4. Awareness of applicable state and federal privacy laws related to the handling and storage of incident records, criminal justice information, and surveillance footage.
5. Knowledge of transit-specific risk factors, behavioral indicators, and protocols related to exclusion enforcement, trespass authority, and customer conduct policies.
6. Understanding of basic troubleshooting of dispatch-related software and hardware platforms (e.g., workstation peripherals, user permissions, and network connectivity issues).

Qualification to fulfill the full range of this position’s duties requires the following skills, which may be gained or further developed after entering the job:

1. Proficient use of multi-screen dispatching workstations, managing simultaneous inputs from radio, phone, email, alarms, and multiple software platforms in high-pressure environments.
2. Interpreting and synthesizing data from CAD, RMS, ACS, and VMS systems to identify security risks, support live coordination, and inform incident documentation or review.
3. Conducting remote investigations, including reviewing badge access activity, system logs, and surveillance video to support operational decisions and investigative efforts.
4. Navigating complex security system interfaces, such as cross-referencing live video, access logs, and dispatch timelines to maintain situational awareness and operational accuracy.
5. Delivering effective communication and teamwork, including defusing tense situations, assisting distressed callers, and collaborating across departments under demanding conditions.

Physical Requirements

Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, night vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 75-100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Working Conditions:  Full-time, variable shifts supporting 24/7/365 operations. Primarily office-based in the Security Operations Center; may include extended periods of sitting and screen use. Must remain alert and able to respond rapidly to incidents in a high-paced environment. May be exposed to stressful situations including high-risk security incidents or life-safety threats requiring immediate coordination.

Application and Selection Process

• Only on-line applications accepted. 
• Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position.  The evaluation process may include interviews, background check, reference checks and various performance tests.

Employee Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency’s deferred compensation plan.
• In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue of 24 days of Paid Time off (192 hours) in their first year and ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Full list of all benefits and details can be found here.

If you are related to or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position may be affected.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.  As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on a basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.