Communications Officer 1 - Permanent - 2026-07370

About the Department

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. 

* Internal only recruitment.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

WDFW Police Truck – 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 candidatesare 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.

Position Duties

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’s 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 staff, 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: Work is performed in an office-based communications center with prolonged periods of sitting, viewing multiple computer monitors, and wearing a headset while answering and dispatching calls. The environment requires sustained focus and the ability to prioritize high-volume information in real time. Work involves frequent exposure to stressful or emotionally charged situations, including emergency incidents, public safety concerns, and interactions with distressed, confused, or upset callers. Dispatching responsibilities may include handling sensitive law enforcement information and responding to rapidly evolving events. Work requires adherence to strict confidentiality and security protocols. Employees may be required to work extended hours, rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays, and may be called to report for duty during emergencies or natural disasters. Occasional travel to support training or to staff the State Emergency Operations Center may be required.

Schedule: Rotating Schedules – Sunday-Saturday, 5/8s or 4/10s depending on operational needs (may not be consecutive days).  Hours of operation can fluctuate based on seasons and needs of commissioned field staff.  Dispatchers rotate weekend shifts and some holidays are required.     

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

Minimum Qualifications

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 certification within the first year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:

Experience as a public safety emergency service dispatcher for a police, fire, or emergency medical services (EMS) in a state, city, county, or federal governmental agency. Completion of the Washington State Enhanced 911 Coordination Office (SECO) Telecommunicator I and II certification(s) or the equivalent certification through the Washington State Patrol. 

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume. 
• A cover letter addressing the following questions:
  • Why are you a good fit as a Communications officer with Fish & Wildlife?
  • What are your outdoor hobbies?
  • In what capacity have you participated in a team environment (i.e. sports, work, etc.)?
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

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

Other Qualifications

Supplemental information:

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 qualifying spouses 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: 2025-1234 – 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 and 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 #2026-07370.

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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

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