Criminal Justice Trainer 2 - Firearms
State of Washington
FreshPosted Feb 5
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Posted: February 6, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Program Specialist 3 - Firearms Background Division
State of Washington
Washington State Patrol
Job Description
Summary
This job involves reviewing out-of-state records to check if people can legally buy or get back firearms, handling appeals from those denied, and entering court orders into national databases.
It requires making tough decisions based on laws while dealing with upset callers and emails.
A good fit would be someone detail-oriented with strong research skills, patience for customer service, and an interest in legal compliance around gun rights.
Key Requirements
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Ability to professionally handle angry or belligerent individuals via phone or email
- Knowledge of state and federal firearms laws (e.g., RCW 9.41, 18 USC 922, 28 CFR Part 25)
- Experience in background check adjudications and eligibility determinations
- Proficiency in record entry into systems like NICS Indices
- Strong customer service skills for interacting with stakeholders, courts, and appellants
- Ability to use the Secure Automated Firearms E-Check (SAFE) system
Full Job Description
This recruitment is open for two Program Specialist 3's in Olympia
Interviews are expected to take place the week of February 23rd.
Interviews are expected to take place the week of February 23rd.
About the Position:
These positions are in the Research: Out-of-State (ROS) section. The ROS section team members 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.
This position 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 position interacts with FBD Commander, Assistant Division Commander, other Division personnel, Investigative Services Bureau commander and administrative staff, and other internal and external stakeholders to accomplish work.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 & Division:
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.
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 perform:- Background Check Adjudications
- Record Entry
- Customer Service
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Ability to professionally deal with angry or belligerent people on the telephone or via email.
Conditions of Employment
- Successful completion of a pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation.
- Must become ACCESS Level 2 certified within six months of appointment, if not already certified.
- Successful completion of Firearm Background Examiner certification program within twelve months of appointment, if not already completed.
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.
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 atmonica.simpson@wsp.wa.gov
Check us out on: WSP’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
Questions?
Please contact Monica Simpson atmonica.simpson@wsp.wa.gov
Check us out on: WSP’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
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