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

State of Washington

Olympia (WA)

On-site

USD 40,000 - 55,000

Full time

7 days ago

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Job summary

The State of Washington is seeking a Call Taker in Olympia, WA, within the Enforcement Program’s WILDCOMM Dispatch Center. The role handles emergency and non-emergency calls, provides information, and supports public safety outcomes for the community.

The position is office-based at the Thurston County duty station, requiring excellent attention to detail, fast multitasking, and effective teamwork in a busy environment.

Qualifications

High school graduate or GED equivalent.
Typing speed of 35 WPM.
Must have a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

Answer emergency and non-emergency calls.
Provide customer service and referrals to achieve compliance.
Enter calls into CAD and maintain data.
Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies as needed.

Skills

Typing 35 WPM

Team collaboration

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma / GED

Job description

Title – Call Taker

Classification – Communications Officer Assistant

Job Status – Full-Time / Permanent

WDFW Program – EnforcementProgram – 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.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role,

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.

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.

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for.

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

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.

WDFW 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.

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