Description
Communications Officer 1 [Entry Level & Lateral Entry] - (Available Statewide)
Salary: $5,328.00 - $ 7,170.00 (monthly)
Positions located within King County are eligible for an additional 5% Geographic Pay.
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] - (Available in Bellevue only)
Salary: $4,197.00 - $5,598.00 (monthly)
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.
About The Division
The Communications Division employees are true first responders and are the lifeline for our Troopers and many contracted agencies. Located in seven 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.
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 & Education
- High school graduate or GED equivalent.
- Typing speed of 40 wpm
Performance Standards:
- 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.
- 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.
Residency Requirement:
Because of the nature of the Communications Officer 1 duties this position may be subject to emergency call-out. As a result of this, Communications Officer 1's are required to live within seventy-five (75) miles from their assigned duty station.
Equity Competencies
- The ability to take action to learn and grow.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
The Washington State Patrol does not provide immigration sponsorship; therefore, applicants must possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship.
Supplemental Information
Check us out on: WSP’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
This posting will be used to fill multiple vacancies.
For more information regarding this position and working for WSP,
please click here.
Applicants claiming veterans preference must attach a copy of their DD214 (SSN must be blacked out). If you do not provide the required documentation, the veterans preference will not be awarded. Please click here to determine your eligibility.
Questions?
Please contact
Aleesha Brown at (360) 704-2312 or via e-mail at aleesha.brown@wsp.wa.gov.
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. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring 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 (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their 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. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
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.
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.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information
.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
2250-1 No additional point value is given for questions 1-3. Have you ever worked for the Washington State Patrol (WSP)?
02
2250-2 If you answered "yes" to question #1, what month/year were you last employed with WSP?
03
2250-3 If you answered "yes" to question #1, what district/division were you assigned to prior to separation from WSP?
04
The Washington State Patrol has strict hiring standards for all employees within our agency. Carefully review the following questions and respond honestly. These questions will be revisited during the polygraph examination. "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. Do you understand the importance of answering these questions honestly AND that untruthful responses will disqualify you from employment with our agency?
05
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 include: Codeine, Heroin, Morphine, Ecstasy, LSD, Peyote, GHB, Methaqualone, Fentanyl, etc. Schedule II (RCW 69.50.206) - Examples include: Opium, Cocaine, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Depressants, Hallucinogenic substances, etc. Schedule III (RCW 69.50.208) - Examples include: Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Ketamine, Anabolic steroids, Hallucinogenic substances, etc. Schedule IV (RCW 69.50.210) - Examples include: Barbital, Diazepam, Fludiazepam, Halazepam, Lorazepan, Phenobarbital, etc. Schedule V (RCW 69.50.212) - Examples include: Cough medicines with Codeine, Antidiarrheal medications that contain Atropine/Diphenoxylate, Pregabalin, and Ezogabine. In your lifetime, have you ILLEGALLY possessed or used any NON-PRESCRIBED Schedule 1-5 drugs, to include synthetic versions of these drugs, MORE THAN five (5) times? THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE CANNABIS.
06
Within the last three (3) years, have you illegally possessed or used any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs (to include synthetic versions of these drugs)? THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE CANNABIS.
07
Have you been convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the last 10 years?
08
Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor involving DUI more than once?
09
Regardless of timeframe, have you ever injected any NON-PRESCRIBED illegal drugs?
10
Regardless of timeframe, have you ever sold illegal drugs or knowingly trafficked/transported illegal drugs with the intent to distribute? If yes, provide details in your response to question #22.
11
Regardless of timeframe, have you ever used any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs after submitting a law enforcement application (including military law enforcement)? THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE CANNABIS.
12
Regardless of timeframe, have you ever possessed or used Heroin?
13
Regardless of timeframe, have you ever used any non-prescribed Schedule 1-5 drugs after submitting a law enforcement application (including military law enforcement)? THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE CANNABIS.
14
For these questions, a 'conviction' means any legal decision that went against you. If charges were dropped, you were found not guilty, or your case was dismissed, it won’t count as a conviction. However, if your case was dismissed after you were put on probation, had your sentence delayed, or went through some form of court supervision, it will count as a conviction. Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
15
In the last three (3) years, have you intentionally inhaled (huffed) any aerosol or like substances to include nitrous oxide, whippets, poppers, paint, glue, DXM, etc.?
16
Over the age of twenty-one (21), have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor involving any of the following? - Convictions related to the use or possession of firearms in the commission of a crime - Convictions related to crimes of violence, which include but are not limited to: domestic violence, assault, etc. - Convictions related to sex crimes - Convictions related to controlled substances, which include but are not limited to the sale and/or possession of controlled substances If yes, provide details in your response to question #22.
17
In the last three (3) years, have you been convicted of a misdemeanor? If yes, provide details in your response to question #22.
18
Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor (other than those listed in PBE14) OVER the age of 21?
19
Under the age of twenty-one (21), have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor? If yes, provide details in your response to question #22.
20
In the last five (5) years, have you been convicted of more than two (2) major moving violations (Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, etc.)? If yes, provide details in your response to question #22.
21
Have you ever been convicted of a crime or had a charge reduced or dismissed for any reason?
22
If you answered Yes to one or more questions listed in #5 through #21, 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-.
23
+WSP - Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
24
+WSP - Will you now or in the future require 'sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit? For purposes of this question "sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit" means "an H-IB visa petition, an 0-1 visa petition, an E-3 visa petition, TN status and 'job flexibility benefits' (also known as 1-140 portability or Adjustment of Status portability) for long-delayed adjustment of status applications that have been pending for 180 days or longer." (please contact us at the email address on the bottom of this job posting if you are uncertain whether you may need immigration sponsorship or desire clarification.)
25
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.
26
+WSP - Do you posses a valid, unrestricted Washington state driver's license or can you obtain one within 30 days of employment?
27
+WSP - Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
- High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.
- Some College but no degree earned.
- Associates Degree.
- Bachelor's Degree or higher.
- None of the above.
28
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.
29
Do you wish to be considered for the Communications Officer 1 [Dispatcher] job class. This position is available in all seven of the Communications Centers.
30
Please select each of the following Communication Centers you are willing to work at.
- Tacoma (no current vacancies)
- Bellevue
- Yakima
- Spokane (no current vacancies)
- Vancouver (no current vacancies)
- Marysville
- Bremerton - (no current vacancies)
31
Of the seven Communications Centers listed, 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 (no current vacancies)
- Bellevue
- Yakima
- Spokane (no current vacancies)
- Vancouver (no current vacancies)
- Marysville
- Bremerton (no current vacancies)
32
I have a minimum keyboarding competence of 40 WPM or better and I am wiling to take a proficiency test as part of the hiring process.
33
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?
34
Are you willing and able to work long and/or extended hours, respond on short notice to work, work weekends, days off, and holidays?
35
Are you able to communicate clearly in person and over the telephone and when using radio equipment - sometimes in confrontational situations?
36
Are you able to operate computer terminals and read monitors which will also involve the ability to sit/stand for prolonged periods of time?
37
Based on your review of the job announcement, do you understand that you will be working in a highly intense 911 environment? Can you effectively handle highly stressful or adverse situations, work calmly and accurately, and help others to remain calm?
38
+WSP - Where did you learn of this opportunity?
- WSP Recruiter/Event
- Family/Friend works for WSP
- WSP Website
- Direct Text Message with a Recruiter Through Interview Now
- Military/Veteran Event
- Miramar
- Social Media
- Airport Marketing
- Indeed
- Handshake
- Email Broadcast
- Careers.Wa.Gov
- Other
39
If you learned of this job opportunity from a Washington State Patrol employee, please list the employee's name in the field below.
