PJ_Eligible



Job Details

PJ_Eligible
Employer

State of Washington

Location

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

9999

Department

Washington State Patrol

Opening Date

07/06/2022

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NA

Standard header verbiage - 10Oct

Description verified and added as part of bug verification and testing as mentioned in description i

 
CURRENTLY HIRING FOR: 
TACOMA, BELLEVUE, YAKIMA, VANCOUVER, WENATCHEE, AND MARYSVILLE CENTERS
 

Are you looking for:
  • Excellent benefits?
  • Career growth opportunities?
  • Opportunities to impact your community?
  • A professional workplace that fosters respect, commitment and trust?
As an employee of the Washington State Patrol, you will be part of a team of dedicated professionals responsible for providing safety and security to the citizens of the State of Washington. 

Troopers patrolling the highways are the most visible part of this agency.  However, there are over 1,200 civilian employees who serve behind the scenes supporting the agency mission.  To name just a few, we have:
 
  • 911 dispatchers who are the critical vital link between calls for assistance and emergency response;
  • Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers that work to inspect commercial vehicles to ensure safe and efficient travel on public highways;
  • Deputy State Fire Marshals who help prevent fires in homes and workplaces;
  • Forensic Scientists who process evidence that assists in prosecuting criminal cases;
  • IT Specialists  who leverage technology to enhance and sustain business processes, public safety infrastructure, and statewide emergency communications
  • Records staff that process criminal information to ensure crimes are reported accurately so that offenders do not end up working with vulnerable people.
  • Administrative staff who provide exceptional customer service and respond to information requests while ensuring the agency runs smoothly and efficiently.
Apply today and join us in providing "Service with Humility"!
 
This recruitment will be used to establish an agency applicant pool for our eight Communications Centers statewide.  Our Centers are located in Tacoma, Bellevue, Yakima, Spokane, Vancouver, Wenatchee, Marysville, and Bremerton.
 

Responsibilities

CURRENTLY HIRING FOR: 
BELLEVUE, YAKIMA, AND MARYSVILLE CENTERS ONLY

The Communications Division employees are true first responders and are the lifeline for our Troopers and many contracted agencies.  Located in eight communications centers throughout Washington State, Communications Officers provide around-the-clock professional emergency support to the WSP, federal, state, local and tribal agencies.  Communications Officers answer 911 calls and initiate emergency services to meet the needs of the public and officers in the field.

Communications Officer 1 [Entry Level & Lateral Entry]

A Communications Officer 1 will receive training in law enforcement and emergency communications operations and procedures, transmitting, receiving, and relaying information concerning public safety and law enforcement activities to, from, and between State Patrol mobile units and stations, other State, county, and Federal law enforcement agencies, and the public by means of radio, multi-line telephone systems, computer terminals, private line intercom systems, and other telecommunications devices.

In a Communications Center, a Communications Officer 1's primary responsibility is to to efficiently multi-task technologies answering emergency 911 and business phone calls, entering and updating calls for service and self-initiated activity into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Computer system and transmitting and receiving radio communications from field personnel.
 
These critical responsibilities are the lifeline for officers in the field and the first contact with the public who report emergency situations requiring police, fire or medical response. 

Communications Officer Assistant [Call Taker]
A Communications Officer Assistant's primary responsibility is to efficiently answer emergency 911 and business phone calls and enter/update calls for service into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. 
 

Job classifications and salaries included in this pool are:
 
*  Communications Officer 1 (CO1) [Dispatcher]  Salary: $3415 to $4452

*  Communications Officer Assistant (COA) [Call Taker] Salary: $2778 to $3612
(available in Bellevue only)
 

Qualifications


Successful Communications Officers come from many backgrounds. We emphasize strong communication skills, the ability to build effective working relationships, and a strong desire for professional development. 
 
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: 
 
Required:
  • High school graduate or GED equivalent.
  • Typing speed of 40 wpm

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS for all job classes: 
  • Be free from intemperance in the use of narcotics, controlled substances, alcohol, etc.
  • Work weekends, days off, holidays, and rotating shifts; e.g., continuous five-work-days-per-week shifts that rotate each 28 days to a different schedule of regular days and hours per week.
  • Have dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment, including a computer keyboard.
  • Ability to respond to visual and sound stimuli with a high degree of accuracy in a timely manner.
  • Ability to distinguish colors.
  • Have adequate hearing and visual acuity to successfully perform the essential job functions.
  • Ability to effectively communicate orally (using radio equipment) and in writing.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with and assist upset, confused, or otherwise distressed customers due to heightened emotions.
  • Comply with departmental grooming standards; e.g. short hair (off uniform collar), short and clean fingernails, etc.
  • Willing to work long, extended or adjusted hours and respond on short notice to work.
  • Accept counseling and guidance from supervisors.
  • Accept responsibility for issued equipment.
  • Refrain from lying, cheating, or stealing.

Supplemental Information


The act of submitting application materials electronically is considered affirmation that the information is complete and truthful. The agency will verify this information and any untruthful or misleading answers will be cause for rejection of potential employment.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

For any email communications regarding this recruitment, please be sure to check your "spam" folders!
 
Due to the unique hiring process for our applicant pools, it is not unusual to experience lengthy delays in communication or notification of your application status.  We appreciate your patience and look forward to considering you for a position with the WSP.
 
Applications will be accepted electronically at www.careers.wa.gov.

Communications Officer 1 - Only  
G.I. Bill Education Benefits:

Candidates entitled to G.I. Bill education benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may qualify for a supplemental monthly check while participating in an on-the-job training program. The Communications Officer 1 positions with the Washington State Patrol are positions that require on-the-job training. To learn if you are eligible for these benefits please call the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at (888) 442-4551.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:
 
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their Form DD214, or other verification of military service, that shows the type of military discharge.  Typically this is found on the Member 4 version of the Form DD214. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers.
 
Note: Applicants claiming veteran's preference points must attach the documentation with each on-line application.  If you do not provide appropriate documentation to qualify for these preference points, the points will not be awarded.  Preference will not be granted until service documents are verified.  Documents must be received by the closing date of the announcement.

For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. 
 
We thank you and are grateful for your service

If you have questions regarding this announcement, please contact Melodie Wulfekuhle at (360) 704-2307 or melodie.wulfekuhle@wsp.wa.gov or Melissa Rasmussen at (360) 704-2315 or melissa.rasmussen@wsp.wa.gov.
 
 
TESTING:

For candidates that pass the on-line supplemental questionnaire process, you may be invited to the next phase of testing, which is the CritiCall hands-on skills test.  These tests are conducted at each Communications Center and at the WSP Headquarters in Olympia.  This includes, but is not limited to tests related to typing speed and accuracy, reading comprehension, spelling, data entry and accuracy, call summarization, memory recall, prioritization and map reading.

ORAL INTERVIEW:

For candidates that successfully pass the skills tests - you may be invited to interview at an individual Communications Center. This will depend on the current employment needs at selected Centers.

POLYGRAPH & BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:

Prior to a hire, a polygraph examination and background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants are required to sign release of information forms and will not have access to any investigative materials, files, or results.  The Washington State Patrol has strict guidelines relating, but not limited to, personal and employment characteristics, arrests, convictions, and illegal drug usage, etc.

During the polygraph examination, candidates are required to sign an assessment sheet and participate in an oral interview process to verify responses to the Personal Background Evaluation, the Personal History and Background Questionnaire, and a Pre-Employment Interview.  Untruthful or misleading answers or omissions will be treated as a falsification which will be cause for rejection of potential employment.
 
TRANSCRIPTS:

Education verification is part of the selection process. If selected as a top candidate, position required and/or applicant specified education will be verified. Please do not send these transcripts at the time of application. If you are selected as a top candidate you will be contacted by the Human Resource Division and asked to provide transcripts at the appropriate time.

UNION NOTICE:

This position is in a collective bargaining unit and as a condition of employment you will be required to become a union member or pay a fee as outlined in the Master Agreement.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Persons with a disability, who need assistance in the application or assessment process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 704-2317. Applicants that are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

The Washington State Patrol actively supports diversity in the workplace
and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Standard footer verbiage - 10Oct

More than Just a Paycheck!
 
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

 
Read about our benefits:
 
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
 
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
 
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
Social Security
 
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
No additional point value is given for questions 1-3 below. Have you ever worked for the Washington State Patrol (WSP)?
  • Yes
  • No
02
If you answered "yes" to question #1, what month/year were you last employed with WSP?
03
If you answered "yes" to question #1 what district/division were you assigned to prior to separation from WSP?
04
+WSP-PBE01 - The Washington State Patrol has strict hiring standards for all employees within our agency. Carefully review questions listed in #5 through #23 and respond honestly. If you are selected to move forward in the hiring process, you will be required to respond to these questions during a polygraph test. UNTRUTHFUL RESPONSES WILL RESULT IN YOUR PERMANENT DISQUALIFICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH OUR AGENCY. "POSSESSION" is defined as having actual physical control of any illegal (non-prescribed) drug for personal use with the intent to commit a crime. "USE" is defined as trying, testing, or experimenting, which includes, but is not limited to, tasting, smoking, injecting, absorbing, sniffing, or inhaling. Note: Marijuana cannot be regarded as legal until federal law regards it as legal. Do you understand the importance of answering these questions honestly AND that untruthful responses will permanently disqualify you from employment with our agency?
  • Yes
  • No
05
+WSP-PBE02 - For the questions related to past drug use, definitions of illegal Schedule 1-5 drugs are listed here for your reference: Schedule I (RCW 69.50.204) - Examples could include: Codeine, Heroin, Morphine, Ecstasy, LSD, Peyote, GHB, Methaqualone, Marijuana/Cannabis, etc. Schedule II (RCW 69.50.206) - Examples could include: Opium, Cocaine, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Depressants, Hallucinogenic substances, etc. Schedule III (RCW 69.50.208) - Examples could include: Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Ketamine, Anabolic steroids, Hallucinogenic substances, etc. Schedule IV (RCW 69.50.210) - Examples could include: Barbital, Diazepam, Fludiazepam, Halazepam, Lorazepam, Phenobarbital, etc. Schedule V (RCW 69.50.212). Have you possessed or used any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs (except for Marijuana/Hashish) over five (5) times? This also applies to synthetic versions of these drugs.
  • Yes
  • No
06
+WSP-PBE03 - Have you possessed or used any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs (except for Marijuana/Hashish) in the last three (3) years? This also applies to synthetic versions of these drugs.
  • Yes
  • No
07
+WSP-PBE04 - Have you possessed or used Marijuana/Hashish in the past one (1) year?
  • Yes
  • No
08
+WSP-PBE05 - Have you ever possessed or used non-prescribed Opiates?
  • Yes
  • No
09
+WSP-PBE06 - Have you ever possessed or used Heroin?
  • Yes
  • No
10
+WSP-PBE07 - Have you ever injected any non-prescribed illegal drugs?
  • Yes
  • No
11
+WSP-PBE08 - Have you ever trafficked, sold, offered to sell, or transported for sale any illegal drugs?
  • Yes
  • No
12
+WSP-PBE09 - Have you ever possessed or used any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs (except Marijuana/Hashish) after submitting any law enforcement application?
  • Yes
  • No
13
+WSP-PBE10 - Have you ever used or illegally possessed any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs while employed by a law enforcement agency (this includes military law enforcement)?
  • Yes
  • No
14
+WSP-PBE11 - Have you intentionally inhaled (huffed) any aerosol or substance (nitrous oxide, whippets, paint, glue, DXM, etc.) in the last three (3) years?
  • Yes
  • No
15
+WSP-PBE12 - For the following questions, the term "conviction" refers to any disposition adverse to you. A decision not to prosecute, a dismissal, or acquittal will not be considered a conviction for the purpose of these questions; however, a dismissal received after a period of probation, suspension, or deferral of prosecution or sentence will be considered a conviction for the purposes of these questions. Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
  • Yes
  • No
16
+WSP-PBE13 - Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor involving DUI?
  • Yes
  • No
17
+WSP-PBE14 - Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor involving the use or possession of firearms in the commission of a crime, crimes of violence (i.e., domestic violence, assault, sex crimes, etc.), or controlled substances?
  • Yes
  • No
18
+WSP-PBE15 – Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor in the last three (3) years?
  • Yes
  • No
19
+WSP-PBE16 – Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor (other than those listed in PBE13) OVER the age of 21?
  • Yes
  • No
20
+WSP-PBE17 - Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor UNDER the age of 21?
  • Yes
  • No
21
+WSP-PBE18 - Have you been convicted of more than two (2) major moving violations (Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving 2nd Degree, etc.) in the last ten years?
  • Yes
  • No
22
+WSP-PBE19 - Have you ever been convicted of a crime or had a charge reduced or dismissed for any reason?
  • Yes
  • No
23
+WSP-PBE20 - If you answered -Yes- to one or more questions listed in #5 through #22, you MUST provide detailed information (including dates) for each situation. NOT PROVIDING AN EXPLANATION FOR EACH -YES- ANSWER WILL DISQUALIFY YOU FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. If you marked -No- to each of these questions please type -Does not apply-.
24
Do you wish to be considered for the Communications Officer Assistant [Call Taker] job class? This position is only available in the Bellevue Communications Center. If you select yes, please ensure that you also select Bellevue as a Center you would consider working at(question #27).
  • Yes
  • No
25
Do you wish to be considered for the Communications Officer 1 [Dispatcher] job class. This position is available in all eight of the Communications Centers.
  • Yes
  • No
26
Are you willing to work in the Tacoma Communications Center?
  • Yes
  • No
27
Are you willing to work in the Bellevue Communications Center?
  • Yes
  • No
28
Are you willing to work in the Yakima Communications Center?
  • Yes
  • No
29
Are you willing to work in the Spokane Communications Center?
  • Yes
  • No
30
Are you willing to work in the Vancouver Communications Center?
  • Yes
  • No
31
Are you willing to work in the Wenatchee Communications Center?
  • Yes
  • No
32
Are you willing to work in the Marysville Communications Center?
  • Yes
  • No
33
Are you willing to work in the Bremerton Communications Center?
  • Yes
  • No
34
Of the eight Communications Centers listed above, please select ONE location as your top choice for employment. Please be aware that this response will determine which Center you are referred to.
  • Tacoma
  • Bellevue
  • Yakima
  • Spokane
  • Vancouver
  • Wenatchee
  • Marysville
  • Bremerton
35
Do you possess a High school diploma OR GED certificate?
  • Yes
  • No
36
I have keyboarding proficiency at 40 WPM or better and I am willing to take a proficiency test regarding this.
  • Yes
  • No
37
As part of the pre-employment process, are you willing and able to undergo an extensive background investigation? This would include a polygraph examination, credit check, criminal records check, and fingerprinting.
  • Yes
  • No
38
Are you willing to work rotating shifts; e.g., continuous five-work-days-per-week shifts that rotate every 28 days to a different schedule of regular days and hours per week?
  • Yes
  • No
39
Are you willing to respond on short notice to work?
  • Yes
  • No
40
Are you willing to work weekends, days off, and holidays?
  • Yes
  • No
41
Are you willing and able to work long and/or extended hours?
  • Yes
  • No
42
Are you able to communicate clearly when using radio equipment?
  • Yes
  • No
43
Are you able to communicate clearly in person and over the telephone, sometimes in confrontational situations?
  • Yes
  • No
44
Are you able to operate computer terminals and read monitors?
  • Yes
  • No
45
Do you have the ability to sit/stand for prolonged periods of time?
  • Yes
  • No
46
Based on your review of the job announcement, do you understand that you will be working in a highly intense 911 environment?
  • Yes
  • No
47
Can you effectively handle highly stressful or adverse situations, work calmly and accurately, and help others to remain calm?
  • Yes
  • No
48
Are you willing to arrive to work on time for proper shift relief, sufficiently rested to perform duties for the entire shift, and be attentive to personal schedule and demonstrate dependable work attendance?
  • Yes
  • No
49
Are you willing to comply with Washington State Patrol rules and regulations?
  • Yes
  • No
50
Experienced Dispatch candidates must complete the following question: Do you have one year of full-time, paid experience (WITHIN THE LAST 5 YEARS) as a public safety emergency service dispatcher for a law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical services (EMS) in a city, county, or federal governmental agency. EXCLUDES: DISPATCHING FOR TOW TRUCK AND WRECKING COMPANIES, PRIVATE AMBULANCE, CABS, UPS, ETC?
  • Yes
  • No
51
Please provide a brief summary of your dispatching and where you gained this experience. If you do not have dispatch experience, please indicate NA
52
Have you ever applied for a Communications Officer position with the Washington State Patrol?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Uncertain
53
Please list where you learned of this job opportunity. Check all that apply (you may select multiple options):
  • careers.wa.gov
  • wsp.wa.gov
  • Craig's List
  • Facebook
  • Indeed
  • Recruiter
  • Friend
  • Job Fair
  • WSP employee
  • Other
54
If you selected "Other" on the previous question, please indicate where you learned of this job.
55
If you learned of this job opportunity from a Washington State Patrol employee, please list the employee's name in the field below.

* Required Question

Employer
State of Washington

Apply

OnlineApplication

Warning! You are using Internet Explorer 8. Some features of the Online Application are not fully supported in this version. Please upgrade to a later version of Internet Explorer for optimal performance.

Loading ...