Call Taker - Communications Officer Assistant - Fulltime - Perm - 2026-07801

About the Department

 Title – Call Taker 

 Classification – Communications Officer Assistant 

 Job Status – Full-Time / Permanent

 WDFW Program – Enforcement Program – WILDCOMM Dispatch Center
 Duty Station - Olympia, Washington – Thurston County

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

 Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

 WDFW Police Truck – Photo Credit: WDFW

The primary role of the Communications Officer Assistant (Call Taker) is to answer 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.

 

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. 

We are seeking a candidate with demonstrated talent representing WDFW values of Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy.

Position Duties

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Call Taker will, 

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

• 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.
• 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. 
• Analyze, troubleshoot, consult, and document Enforcement calls for service.
• Apply 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. 
• Work with other law enforcement agencies and communication centers.
• Assist Communication Officers (Dispatchers) as requested.

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

• Entering and updating calls for service into the Records Management/Computer Aided Dispatch (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 District and Municipal Court Information System (DISCIS) and Superior Court Management Information System (SCOMIS), 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.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards:

Work is performed in a busy office setting with multiple visual displays and moderate noise levels. Office hazards include working under fluorescent light, repetitively entering data into computer, looking at computer monitor for long periods of time, sitting or standing for long periods of time.

Schedule:

Primary schedule is Monday-Friday 0800 – 1600. Some weekends and holidays may be required. 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.

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. 

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

High school graduate or GED equivalent.

Typing speed of 35 WPM.

Must have a valid driver's license.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Must agree to be fingerprinted and successfully pass a background check, credit check, criminal records check, and polygraph examination.  

Preferred Qualifications:

Typing speed of 60 WPM.
Knowledge of common wildlife species, behaviors, habitats, and seasonal activity relevant to the service area.
Familiarity with wildlife laws, regulations, seasons, and agency procedures related to wildlife conflicts or public safety.

Experience in/with the following: 

Using computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems.
Dispatching law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, or other field personnel.
Working in emergency communications, 911, dispatch, or public safety communications center.
Communicating with individuals who are distressed, upset, confused, or otherwise difficult to communicate with.
Entering and retrieving information from multiple computer systems while conducting telephone or radio communications.
Communicating effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with limited English proficiency.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information. 

Note: Prior to submitting your application, please thoroughly review the Communications Officer disqualifiers.

Other Qualifications

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and spouses of active-duty military personnel who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [email protected].
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer 

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

 The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

 Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email [email protected], or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or [email protected]. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to [email protected] and reference job #2026-07801.

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Benefits

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

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov