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Program Specialist 4
Job Location:
Job Location:
Thurston County, WA - USA
Yearly Salary:
USD 64512 - 86688
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
29 September 2026 (6 hours ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
27 December 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
- Description
About the Position:
The Program Specialist 4 (PS4) positions report directly to the Unit Supervisor and leads professional staff engaged in 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 processing permits to purchase firearms 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.
About Permit to Purchase:
ThePermit to Purchase Research (P2P) teams are responsible for researching data sources and issuing permits to purchase firearms as well as processing appeals of permit denials/revocations 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 individuals constitutional right to possess a firearm. Members of all 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 four sections: Research: In-State (RIS) Research: Out-of-State (ROS) Permit to Purchase (P2P) and Quality Assurance and Training Unit (QATU). This position is assigned to Research: In-State (RIS) / Research: Out-of-State (ROS) / Permit to Purchase (P2P).
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.- Duties
Our new teammate will be able to:
- Organize and prioritize the work schedule of others to manage multiple tasks and/or projects.
- Assist other Division members with questions about background checks and provide guidance to staff on state and national database record entries that may deny an individuals constitutional right to possess a firearm.
- In the absence of a unit supervisor assume basic supervisory duties.
- Facilitate on the job training for new unit members.
- Monitor performance of staff assigned to the unit and assists supervisor in order to determine additional or remedial training needs.
- Conduct independent analysis of criminal history and related records for firearm eligibility in accordance with applicable state and federal laws governing access to these records.
- Monitor the day to day operations of the Secure Automated Firearms E-Check (SAFE) system
- Process SAFE responses.
- Make entries into the NICS Indices database.
- Maintain accurate case files for entered records.
- Process Permit to Purchase applications.
- Write or draft correspondence reports documents and/or other written materials.
- Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- High school graduation or GED.
- Ability to professionally deal with angry or belligerent people on the telephone or via email.
Equity Competencies:
- The ability to take action to learn and grow.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
- Uses an equitable and inclusive approach.
- 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.
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.
- Supplemental Information
- This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies. A Position Description may be provided upon request.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. Pleaseclick here to determine your eligibility.
For more information regarding how to apply for this position pleaseclick here (Download PDF reader).
Questions
Please contact Kelcie Westley at
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Required Experience:
IC
