Salary: $3,956.00 – $5,277.00 Monthly
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Closing Date: 9/21/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Enforcement Program – WILDCOMM Dispatch Center
Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Please Note: This recruitment is posted until September 21, 2023, with a first review of applicants occurring on September 11, 2023. We encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The Hiring Manager reserves the right to close this posting once selections have been made. 

The primary role of the Communications Officer Assistant (Call Taker) answering emergency and non-emergency calls from the public. Communications Officers are required to multi-task to facilitate prompt response to incidents involving dangerous wildlife threatening public safety. Additional duties require customer service and referral to achieve compliance with laws relating to fish and wildlife, providing responsive public service, promptly resolving human-wildlife interaction conflicts, and forming partnerships with the public and peer agencies to benefit fish and wildlife.

This is an opportunity to obtain a working understanding of the Fish and Wildlife Agency, Enforcement Program, and Communications Center while serving your community.
 
The optimal applicants excel in team collaboration, working in a fast-paced environment, and maintain incredible attention to detail.  
 
With your experience you will coordinate and strategize with other team members to solve problems or resolve unexpected challenges.
 
We are seeking a candidate with demonstrated talent representing WDFW values of Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy.

Duties
 
Receives and relays emergency and non-emergency Enforcement calls for service, and provides customer service via telephone or in person: 

  • Analyze, troubleshoot, consult, and document Enforcement calls for service.
  • Provide general information and referral services to public requests regarding Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA), interpretation of rules and regulations, Problem Wildlife Conflict Specialists, Wildlife Control Operators, wildlife rehabilitation, Hunter Education, regional agency contacts, etc.
  • Apply advanced telecommunicator skills to quickly assess and determine the proper course of action to provide the most efficient and appropriate response during mission critical situations.
  • Complete multiple tasks and technologies simultaneously, dealing effectively with interruptions and changes in priorities.
  • Explain information using language that meets diverse audience needs and emphasizes key points clearly and concisely.
  • Actively listen to others, giving full attention, paraphrasing what others have said, asking clarifying questions, and taking the time to understand the information.
  • Use call control skills to pull the needed information from callers.
  • Provide support by investigating information through law enforcement sensitive databases, confirming warrants, missing person records, stolen property, stolen vehicles, and memorializing all information into the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) logs. 
  • Work with other law enforcement agencies and communication centers.
  • Provide assistance to Communication Officers (Dispatchers) as requested.

Conducts data entry and utilizes computer-aided dispatch (CAD): 

  • Entering and updating calls for service into the Records Management/CAD system.
  • Perform inquiries and interpret information from law enforcement sensitive databases including the A Central Computerized Enforcement Service System (ACCESS), court databases such as DISCIS and SCOMIS[ST1] , Driver and Plate Search (DAPS) via Department of Licensing, internal WDFW Police databases such as Spillman and interpret information obtained from the National Crime Information Center, Washington Crime Information Center, Law Enforcement Information Exchange, Department of Licensing, and other applicable databases. 
  • Accurately enter alphanumeric data into the Records Management/CAD system and other computer programs.
  • Use computer hardware and software to access, process, retrieve, and enter/update information according to the demands of assignment.
  • Operate VoIP telephone messaging system, copier, fax, and other general office equipment to support work activities. Tasks.

Provides records management assistance:

  • Assist records staff with Records Management Projects to include categorizing, sorting, and case disposition research. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work Setting, including hazards:
    • Work is performed in a busy office setting with multiple [ST2] visual displays and moderate noise levels. 
    • This position works in a high-volume, high-pressure, fast paced, environment while performing multiple tasks and assisting customers.
  • Schedule:
    • Rotating Schedules – Schedules will vary based on operational needs.
    • Some weekends and holidays may be required. 
    • Workdays may not be consecutive. 
    • May work long, extended or adjusted hours and respond to work on short notice.
  • Travel Requirements:
    • Occasional travel for training and special events or details.
  • Tools and Equipment:
    • Multi-line telephones, computers, and monitors.
  • Customer Interactions:
    • Daily contact and interaction with internal and external customers at customer service window and through phone and email, including contact with those who may be angry, distraught, hostile, and/or frustrated. 
    • This position is required to meet deadlines by prioritizing tasks and ensuring accuracy.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school graduate or GED equivalent.
  • Typing speed of 40 WPM.

Certifications/Licenses: 

  • Completion of Telecommunicator I or equivalent certification within 1 year of appointment. 
  • Successful completion of ACCESS 2 certification upon hire.
  • Driver’s license. 

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

  • Must successfully pass a background check, criminal records check, and polygraph examination.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Well qualified applicants should demonstrate competencies in the following areas:

  • Internal Environment: Multi-tasking is a critical performance factor in this position and the employee must be adept at handling the pressures of coordinating multiple activities with varying levels of importance, correctly prioritizing those that threaten officer safety. The Incumbent must demonstrate high tolerance for stress and anxiety with minimal levels of performance degradation. Accepts responsibility for own work and does not blame others for mistakes. Uses chain of command to convey concerns, ideas for improvement and other communications. Maintains strict confidentiality of information received while on-duty. 
  • Communication: The incumbent is required to maintain effective lateral and hierarchal communications within and outside the Department. The Employee must provide clear, accurate, concise information to citizens. This position requires an above average level of written and oral communications capabilities in the English language, as well as the ability to interpret complex rules specific to fish and wildlife and explain them coherently to public entities requesting clarifications. Considerable skill must be demonstrated in the use of technology and software to include Word, Excel, Access and specialized computer-aided dispatching packages. Communications officer assistants must be be able to effectively use technology to clearly communicate and understand responses from field officers via the radio. Provides customer service skills that meet/exceed customer expectations. Able to effectively communicate with and assist upset, confused, demanding or otherwise difficult callers. 
  • Interpersonal Skills: The Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to foster effective dealings with a variety of persons and reflect a professional standard consistent with Department values and expectations. This capability includes being able to effectively handle individuals who may have negative opinions about the agency or are otherwise upset. Stress tolerant: effectively handles highly stressful or adverse situations, making appropriate decisions, working calmly and accurately, and helping to calm others. Works harmoniously with co-workers and is considered a team player. Arrives to work on time and sufficiently rested to perform duties for the assigned shift period; punctual. Ethics and integrity- earns the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions.

Application Information
In order to successfully apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

  • A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
  • A current resume. 
  • Three professional references. 

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4188875/call-taker-communications-officer-assistant-23-11416

Fish and Wildlife Banner with Several pictures.