Communications Officer 2

State of Washington • King County – Bellevue, WA

3d

About The Position

The Communications Officer 2 works in the Washington State Patrol Communications Division, which operates a statewide emergency communications system 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, serving the Washington State Patrol and other state, federal, and tribal agencies. The role handles emergency 911 and business calls, enters and updates calls for service and self-initiated activity in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, and transmits and receives radio communications with field personnel.

The position also provides on-the-job training and evaluates new employees using formalized training materials. It requires advanced telecommunicator skills to manage emergency calls, assess situations, coordinate appropriate responses, support field units, and maintain accurate and confidential records. The Communications Officer 2 uses dispatch technologies and law-enforcement-sensitive databases while providing professional customer service and monitoring officer safety.

Requirements

• Current Washington State Patrol employee with one year of experience as a Communications Officer 1 within the last two years.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to multi-task across emergency communications technologies, answer calls, enter accurate alphanumeric data, and use computer hardware and software.
• Ability to operate radio communications equipment and apply call-control and advanced telecommunicator skills.
• Ability to use law-enforcement-sensitive databases and maintain confidentiality of information.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-the-job training to new employees, evaluate their performance in key work activities, use formalized training materials, and act as a resource.
• Answer emergency 911 and business calls, manage and control emergency calls, and identify the type of assistance and jurisdiction needed.
• Enter and update calls for service and self-initiated activity in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and memorialize information in CAD logs.
• Transmit, broadcast, control, and operate a multi-frequency two-way radio console; communicate with field units and manage multiple frequencies.
• Monitor officer safety status and assess mission-critical situations to determine an efficient and appropriate response.
• Dispatch calls for service and provide field units with requested support, including coordinating aid, Life Flight, tows, bomb squads, and other tactical teams.
• Investigate information using law-enforcement-sensitive databases, confirm warrants and records, and interpret database results.
• Use multi-line phones, 911 and business lines, computer mapping equipment, CAD, and other computer systems to support emergency communications.
• Analyze, troubleshoot, consult on, and document emergencies; complete multiple tasks and use multiple technologies simultaneously.
• Make notifications to executive command staff, federal highway personnel, and the Department of Transportation about major highway incidents and other events.
• Provide professional customer service, listen actively, explain information, assist others, maintain confidentiality, and build trust with leadership, coworkers, and customers.

Benefits

• Flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• Infants at Work Program supporting infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities.
• Opportunities to serve the community through meaningful work.
• Employment opportunities recognizing military veterans and military spouses under Governor Executive Order 19-01.
• Qualification for the Public Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED