Communications Officer

Title

Communications Officer

Communications Officer 1

Full-Time / Permanent

Enforcement Program – WILDCOMM Duty Station – Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

* Please note this role is an office-based position.

* Internal only recruitment.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Are you passionate and searching for rewarding work serving as a vital support to the general public? Are you a multi-tasker looking to answer emergency phone calls and dispatch radio communications to the appropriate police officers? Looking to make a difference in the community you serve? If so, apply to become a Communications Officer!

Strong candidates are skillful at handling and prioritizing multiple activities with varying levels of importance. Applicants should have a high tolerance for stressful situations with a minimal level of performance degradation and can make sound independent judgement decisions involving the response of emergency and field support assets.

The Communication Officer 1 position is designated as an in-training position. Depending on qualifications, the selected candidate may be appointed to the Communications Officer level, or directly at the Communications Officer 1 level.

• At the Communications Officer (In-Training) – Pay Range: 43SP
  • $4,483 – $5,999

• At the Communications Officer 1 (Goal Class) – Pay Range: 51SP
  • $5,435 – $7,313

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Communications Officer will,

• Delivers dispatch services to and from WDFW Enforcement and for any network subscribers via the DNR communications network.
• Monitors status of field units to ensure officer’s safety and availability for services.

• Utilizes databases and software to obtain and record information pertaining to hunting/fishing licenses, driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, wanted/stolen vehicles, wanted persons, etc.
• These data management and software suites include: computer aided dispatch (CAD), Records Management System (RMS), Radio over Internet protocol (RoIP) base station terminals, WILD Licensing System, a central computerized enforcement service system (ACCESS), Driver and Plate System (DAPS), and other sensitive law enforcement information resources.
• Provides investigatory support.

• Responds to, and staff, the State Emergency Operations Center during training and real-world contingency operations.
• Coordinates resource allocations to meet critical requests for assistance from Incident Command.

Work Setting:
Work is performed in an office-based communications center with prolonged periods of sitting, viewing multiple computer monitors, and wearing a headset while answering and dispatching calls. The environment requires sustained focus and the ability to prioritize high-volume information in real time. Work involves frequent exposure to stressful or emotionally charged situations, including emergency incidents, public safety concerns, and interactions with distressed, confused, or upset callers.

Dispatching responsibilities may include handling sensitive law enforcement information and responding to rapidly evolving events. Work requires adherence to strict confidentiality and security protocols. Employees may be required to work extended hours, rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays, and may be called to report for duty during emergencies or natural disasters. Occasional travel to support training or to staff the State Emergency Operations Center may be required.

Schedule:

Rotating Schedules – Sunday-Saturday, 5/8s or 4/10s depending on operational needs (may not be consecutive days). Hours of operation can fluctuate based on seasons and needs of commissioned field staff. Dispatchers rotate weekend shifts and some holidays are required.

Customer Interactions:
Occur frequently at a customer service window and through phone and email.

• High school graduate or GED equivalent.
• Ability to type at least 35 WPM and use computers effectively.
• Have adequate hearing and visual…