Security (SOC) Dispatcher

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Dispatch appropriate personnel including TSOs and TPU deputies.
• 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.
• 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.
• Maintain accurate documentation of incident activity, communications, resource coordination, and follow-up actions.
• Coordinate communication and response efforts with internal departments, including Transportation, Vehicle Maintenance, Customer Experience, and Facilities, during security-related emergencies and related events.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED certificate.
• Two (2) years of experience in 911 emergency communication centers, public safety operations centers, or security operations centers.
• Strong computer proficiency, including accurate data entry and use of multiple software systems simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and communicate clearly under pressure.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check including: Fingerprint screening via Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and FBI.
• Clearance for Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) and Washington State Fusion Center (WSFC).
• Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED certification within 30 days of hire.

Preferred

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

Qualification to enter this position

• Knowledge of priority and non-priority dispatch protocols.
• Prioritizing tasks and making decisions under pressure.
• Communicating professionally with staff, law enforcement, and the public.
• Accurately documenting calls and follow-up actions across multiple systems.
• Quickly learning and adapting to new technologies and procedures.
• Proficient use of multi-screen dispatching workstations, managing simultaneous inputs from radio, phone, email, alarms, and multiple software platforms in high-pressure environments.
• Interpreting and synthesizing data from CAD, RMS, ACS, and VMS systems to identify security risks, support live coordination, and inform incident documentation or review.
• Conducting remote investigations, including reviewing badge access activity, system logs, and surveillance video to support operational decisions and investigative efforts.
• Navigating complex security system interfaces, such as cross-referencing live video, access logs, and dispatch timelines to maintain situational awareness and operational accuracy.
• 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

• Close vision, color vision, night vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Employee Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and deferred compensation plan.
• WA Paid Sick Leave and 24 days of Paid Time Off (192 hours) in the first year and ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Additional benefits can be found here.