Firearms Background Specialist 2 (Legal Assistant 2)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Pennsylvania State Police is hiring a Firearms Background Specialist 2 (Legal Assistant 2) to review records and determine eligibility for firearm purchases and licenses. This role supports the PICS system and requires careful judgment, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to public service.

You will work onsite on a full-time schedule, with rotating shifts including holidays and weekends; starting salary is $46,827 per year.

Qualifications

• One year as a Legal Assistant 1 or four years of responsible clerical, investigative or enforcement work including one year of legal clerical support experience; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training as stated above.

Responsibilities

• PICS Operations: Review applicant information, verify identities, and determine approval or disapproval of firearm purchase or license requests.
• Applicant Research: Gather details from criminal histories, court documents, and agencies to interpret information in accordance with laws.
• Record Updates: Enter and verify mental health, drug user, and criminal record information in the PICS database.
• Policy Review: Stay informed of changes to laws, regulations, and operational policies that affect background check procedures.
• Documentation Tasks: Process and record required information in a timely manner in accordance with unit procedures.
• Training Support: Assist supervisors by helping train new operators and answering work-related questions.

Job description

Take the next step in your career with the Pennsylvania State Police as a Firearms Background Specialist 2 (Legal Assistant 2). This position allows you to use your analytical skills to review records and determine eligibility for firearm purchases and licenses. Your decisions play an important role in protecting citizens and supporting state laws. Join a team that values careful judgment, strong focus, and dedication to public service.

This position supports the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) by reviewing records, researching applicants, and making decisions about firearm purchase or license requests. The role requires strong attention to detail and sound judgment in applying state and federal laws. As a Firearms Background Specialist 2 (Legal Assistant 2), you will perform the following duties:

• PICS Operations: Review applicant information, verify identities, and determine approval or disapproval of firearm purchase or license requests
• Applicant Research: Gather details from criminal histories, court documents, and agencies to interpret information in accordance with laws
• Record Updates: Enter and verify mental health, drug user, and criminal record information in the PICS database
• Policy Review: Stay informed of changes to laws, regulations, and operational policies that affect background check procedures
• Documentation Tasks: Process and record required information in a timely manner in accordance with unit procedures
• Training Support: Assist supervisors by helping train new operators and answering work-related questions

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are rotating shifts including holidays and weekends, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $46,827.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a Legal Assistant 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Four years of responsible clerical, investigative or enforcement work including one year of legal clerical support experience; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be willing to work onsite full-time. Teleworking is not an option as part of this position's work schedule.
• You must obtain and maintain an active Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Police within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a Report of Medications for screening by the Pennsylvania State Police Medical Officer.
• You must pass criminal history and background investigations if you do not have a current Pennsylvania State Police background on file.
• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

In accordance with the seniority provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement, this position was previously posted for seniority candidates. Since there were no seniority candidates, it is now open to all applicants.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.