Communications Officer ; In-Training

Title
- Communications Officer

Classification
- Communications Officer 1

Job Status
- Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program
- Enforcement Program – WILDCOMM

Duty Station
- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

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

If you are interested in this position, please apply as soon as possible. As this is a reposting, the hiring manager reserves the right to close the announcement at any time.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW

WDFW Police Truck During Wildfires – Photo Credit: 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
  • $4,395 – $5,881
• At the Communications Officer 1 (Goal Class) – Pay Range: 51SP
  • $5,328 – $7,170

What to Expect

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

Provide Public Safety Communications Dispatch Services

• 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 safety and availability for services.

Performs Data Management and Software Usage

• 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.

Conducts Emergency Management

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

Working Conditions

Work Setting Busy office setting with multiple CRT visual displays, multi-line telephones, computers, radios and moderate noise levels.

Schedule Rotating Schedules – Monday-Sunday 7:00 – 20:00, 5/8s or 4/10s depending on operational needs (may not be consecutive days). Some weekends and holidays are required.

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

Required Qualifications

• High school graduate or GED equivalent.
• Ability to type at least 35 WPM and use computers effectively.
• Have adequate hearing and visual acuity to successfully perform the essential job functions.
• Ability to clearly communicate via radio using the spoken word in the English language via a radio communications headset that contains a microphone and earpiece according to public safety communications protocols established by the Washington State Patrol.
• Effectively develop email messages in the English language that are grammatically correct.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and technologies at the same time.

Certifications/Licenses

Valid driver’s license is required.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

• Must successfully pass a background check, credit check, criminal records check, fingerprinting and polygraph examination.
• Completion of In-Training plan and Telecommunicator I…