Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07801

Department: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

Job classification: COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER ASSISTANT

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Safety, Telecommunications, Law Enforcement, Natural Resources, Customer Service, Dispatch, 911 Telecommunications, Wildlife

Summary

Fish and Wildlife Police recruiting banner with pictures of dispatchers and mission statement.

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.

Examples of 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.

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.

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

Vet Indexes four Star Employer Award.

Yes Vets support banner.

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 OfficerRecruitment@dfw.wa.gov.
• 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 Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, 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 support@neogov.com.

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to OfficerRecruitment@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-07801.

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram