CRIMINAL JUSTICE TRAINER 4 - Basic Training Division

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

State retirement plan

Flexible/compressed work schedules

Diversity and inclusion programs

Job summary

Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) seeks an expert level Criminal Justice Trainer 4 to lead and supervise trainers within the Basic Training Division. The incumbent will ensure ethical, professional training while aligning with agency policy and curriculum standards.

The role emphasizes mentorship, curriculum oversight, and adherence to state rules. Premium pay applies for King County duty station, with competitive benefits and state retirement options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, sociology, psychology, adult education, forensics, or related field.
• At least seven (7) years of experience in law enforcement or related military assignments that may require the application of physical force.
• At least three (3) years training law enforcement personnel with WSCJTC or within a criminal justice agency in de-escalation, communication, criminal law, firearms, control/defensive tactics, and/or patrol procedures.
• At least two (2) years of experience leading or supervising law enforcement personnel.
• An understanding of adult teaching and learning methods.
• Ability to report information clearly, completely, and accurately both verbally and in writing.
• No sustained use of force complaints in the past three years.
• Able to model the Guardian Philosophy of policing in class on a daily basis.
• Strong work ethic, self-directed, and able to work in a team-teaching environment.
• Ability to support the agency’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Criminal Justice Trainers and lead by example, guided by the agency values, and encourage staff to do the same.

Skills

Adult teaching methods

Effective communication

Problem solving

Curriculum development

Knowledge of criminal justice system

Diversity & implicit bias

Microsoft Office Suite

Team leadership

Public administration

Training and instruction principles

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice / public administration / sociology / psychology / adult education

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

The duty station for this position is in King County, therefore the incumbent will receive 5% premium pay in addition to the salary listed above.

The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) is seeking an expert level law enforcement training professional to provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to Criminal Justice Trainers within the Basic Training Division (BTD). This Criminal Justice Trainer 4, will provide expert level training while also serving as a supervisor to senior level trainers. The incumbent will serve a vital role in developing and supporting the trainers responsible for preparing Washington’s newest law enforcement officers with the knowledge and skills to safely protect the communities they serve.

The Benefits:

WSCJTC offers outstanding healthcare benefits, choice of state retirement programs including a defined benefit pension plan, advancement opportunities, and flexible/compressed work schedules.

At the WSCJTC, we value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

Duties

Supervise Criminal Justice Trainers and lead by example, guided by the agency values, and encourage staff to do the same. Reinforce, demonstrate, and model ethical, professional, and trustworthy behavior to support the ideal of public servants who earn the trust of their communities. Ensure staff are adequately trained and kept abreast of best practices, current case law, and agency curriculum to effectively deliver training. Ensure that work conducted by staff is accomplished in accordance with RCW/WAC/State Rules/Agency Policies and Curriculum. Evaluate, develop, correct, and mentor staff on their work performance, including providing guidelines and performance feedback. Facilitate instruction, including classroom, practical, and mock scenarios. Serve as a TAC Officer of BLEA classes, as needed. Train and mentor students guided by CJTC policy, rules, and regulations, and the agency values. Maintain order within the academy atmosphere, including motivating classes as a group and students individually in accordance with any policy. Perform inspections, drill protocols, and ceremonies. Communicate with students’ employing agencies regarding performance, attendance, coordination of additional training needs, test failures and remedial training, if needed. Serve as SME on current law enforcement curriculum in high-risk patrol procedures and other areas, in accordance with knowledge and experience, and when curricular updates are required. Liaise with internal and external partners to ensure curriculum meets agency standards and industry best practices. Chair or serve on workgroups within areas of expertise, ensuring the Basic Training perspective is considered as projects, programs, or curriculum are developed or updated. Serve as an ad hoc member of the Risk Roundtable Committee. Upon request by or with assistance of the Agency Risk Manager, Certification Bureau, or Records Manager, act as a subject matter expert in identifying appropriate curriculum records and serving as an expert witness regarding the content of curriculum delivered in high-risk disciplines, patrol procedures, and other areas as directed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications/Experience: At least seven (7) years of experience in law enforcement or related military assignments that may require the application of physical force.

AND

At least three (3) years of experience training law enforcement personnel with the WSCJTC or within a criminal justice agency specifically in the areas of de‑escalation, communication, criminal law, firearms, control/defensive tactics, and/or patrol procedures.

AND

At least two (2) years of experience leading or supervising law enforcement personnel. Time serving as a lead trainer/primary coach/TAC Officer/FTO or PTO are acceptable.

OR

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, sociology, psychology, adult education, forensics, or related field of study.

AND

At least five (5) years of experience in law enforcement or related military assignments that may require the application of physical force.

As Well As

An understanding of adult teaching and learning methods. Ability to report information clearly, completely, and accurately both verbally and in writing. No sustained use of force complaints in the past three (3) years. Any community complaints in the last three (3) years must be satisfactorily explained. Able to model the Guardian Philosophy of policing in class on a daily basis. Strong work ethic, self‑directed, and able to work in a team‑teaching environment. Ability to support the agency’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. Effective communication skills. Problem‑solving skills, including analysis and strategies. Knowledge of training and instruction principles, content, and methodology. Knowledge of curriculum development. Knowledge of the criminal justice system, including federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies, laws, ordinances, and regulations. Knowledge of cultural diversity/implicit bias. Skills for basic computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite. The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, education, communications, sociology, psychology or related field of study. Understanding of and/or experience with WSCJTC protocols and chain of command. Experience with curriculum in the subject areas of de‑escalation, patrol tactics, criminal procedures, less lethal weapons, firearms, and/or control/defensive tactics. First‑level supervisory experience (examples: sergeant, supervisor, manager). Demonstrated experience controlling/monitoring equipment and resources. WSCJTC Instructor Development - 2 (ID2) certification. Program or project management. Service on a multi‑disciplinary or multi‑agency task force, board, or commission.

Conditions Of Employment

Successfully complete the WSCJTC’s First Level Supervision course. Successfully complete the WSCJTC’s Patrol Tactics Instructor (PTI) or Instructor Development course. Attend and/or audit all BLEA course instruction modules. Achieve BLEA Instructor Certification.

Veteran's Preference

Applicants who meet the required qualifications for the position and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

Contact Us

If you have questions, contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

WSCJTC is an equal opportunity employer. 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. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed recruiter. WSCJTC does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/.

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.

Updates

Updated 01-07-2026