Firearms Equipment Specialist
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers
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Posted: March 27, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Program Specialist 3 - Firearms and Background Division
State of Washington
Washington State Patrol
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$4,882 - $6,576
per month
Type
Closes
April 6, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This job involves reviewing background checks for people wanting to buy or get back firearms, especially for cases from outside Washington state, and deciding if they are allowed to have one based on laws and records.
It also includes handling appeals from denials, entering court orders that block firearm possession, and working with courts and attorneys.
A good fit would be someone detail-oriented with experience in this exact area, who stays calm under pressure and can communicate clearly, even with upset people.
Key Requirements
- One year of experience making firearm eligibility determinations in the Washington State Patrol Firearms Background Division
- High school graduation or GED
- Ability to professionally handle angry or belligerent individuals via telephone or email
- Conduct adjudication on background checks
- Record entry into systems like NICS Indices
- Strong customer service skills
- Knowledge of state and federal firearm laws (e.g., RCW 9.41, 18 USC 922, 28 CFR Part 25)
Full Job Description
About the Position:
This Program Specialist 3 reports directly to the Unit Supervisor, supporting the Division by making independent eligibility determinations on individuals attempting to transfer a firearm, retrieve a firearm from law enforcement evidence, appealing their denial of a firearm background check, entering court orders prohibiting firearm possession, processing restoration of firearm rights petitions, and using the statewide Secure Automated Firearms E-Check (SAFE) system, a fully integrated multiple data source system used by Washington State Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to submit background check requests.
This Program Specialist 3 reports directly to the Unit Supervisor, supporting the Division by making independent eligibility determinations on individuals attempting to transfer a firearm, retrieve a firearm from law enforcement evidence, appealing their denial of a firearm background check, entering court orders prohibiting firearm possession, processing restoration of firearm rights petitions, and using the statewide Secure Automated Firearms E-Check (SAFE) system, a fully integrated multiple data source system used by Washington State Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to submit background check requests.
The positions are part of the Out of State team in located in the Research section otherwise known as ROS. The Research: Out-of-State (ROS) teams are responsible for researching data sources for out-of-state background checks, as well as processing appeals of denials, working with courts, attorneys, and appellants.
FBD team members use extensive and authoritative knowledge of state and federal laws (RCW 9.41, 18 USC 922, and 28 CFR Part 25), policies, rules, and procedures to perform complex determinations of firearm possession eligibility in order to render a final decision on an individual’s constitutional right to possess a firearm.
Members of both units share responsibility of making entries into the NICS Indices for court orders, or when non-fingerprinted prohibiting events are discovered during the course of a background check.
About the Division:The Firearms Background Division (FBD) is comprised of three sections: Research: In-State (RIS), Research: Out-of-State (ROS), and Quality Assurance and Training Unit (QATU). This position is assigned to Research: Out-of-State (ROS).
FBD provides firearm eligibility background check services to Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), WSP and non-WSP evidence officers releasing a firearm from evidence or safekeeping, and Prosecuting Attorneys Offices for Restoration of Firearm Rights petitions, as well as entering qualifying court orders prohibiting firearm possession into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Indices.
About the Agency:
The Washington State Patrol is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to foster an environment in which everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves, communicate openly, and act with courage. The WSP is dedicated to promoting fair and equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices through innovative recruitment and retention strategies.
Requirements
Our new teammate will be able to:
- Conduct adjudication on background checks.
- Record Entry
- Customer Service
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- One year experience making firearm eligibility determinations in the Washington State Patrol Firearms Background Division.
- High school graduation or GED.
- Ability to professionally deal with angry or belligerent people on the telephone or via email.
Why work for the Washington State Patrol?
- A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
- Infants at Work Program based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
- Continuous growth and development opportunities.
- Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.
- Employment opportunities that recognize military veterans and/or military spouse per Governor Executive Order 19-01.
- Qualification for the Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
Additional Information
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
The Washington State Patrol does not provide immigration sponsorship; therefore, applicants must possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship.Applicants claiming veterans preference must attach a copy of their DD214 (SSN must be blacked out). If you do not provide the required documentation, the veterans preference will not be awarded. Please click here to determine your eligibility.
Questions?
Please contact Monica Simpson at monica.simpson@wsp.wa.gov
Check us out on: WSP’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
Questions?
Please contact Monica Simpson at monica.simpson@wsp.wa.gov
Check us out on: WSP’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
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