Once you have completed your initial tests through Public Safety Testing (PST) (www.publicsafetytesting.com), your name, score, and applicant profile will be forwarded to us. You will need to complete your Personal History Statement (PHS) immediately after completing your initial tests. If your PHS is not complete and available to us at the time we review candidates for an oral panel, you will not be considered for that hiring cycle. There will be some time that lapses between completing your tests and the oral panel – you should spend that time preparing for the oral board and the hiring process.

PHASE II

• Oral Panel (generally four to six times per year)
• Suitability Assessment Screening
• Background Investigation (Includes a criminal history check and a review of work records, reputation; medical records; military service records; and financial status)
• Chief’s Interview

PHASE III

• Conditional Offer of Employment
• Polygraph
• Psychological Assessment
• Pre-Employment Medical Exam with Drug Screening
• Informed of duty assignment location
• Pre-Academy Physical Fitness Ability Test (this will take place approximately two weeks before you enter the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA)-be sure you are prepared for this!)

PHASE IV

During this phase the employee will be in non-permanent status for; BLEA for nineteen (19) weeks, the In-House Academy for approximately four (4) weeks and complete Field Training which can take up to five (5) months.

An employee with permanent status in the WA state civil service may accept a non-permanent appointment. At least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to accepting the appointment, the employee must notify his/her current Appointing Authority of the intent to accept a non-permanent appointment. Upon notification of the employee’s intent, the employee’s permanent agency will notify the employee, in writing, of any return rights to the Agency and the duration of those return rights. At a minimum, the Agency must provide the employee access to the Agency’s internal layoff list. After receipt of this notification the employee may elect to accept or turn down the appointment offer.

After successful completion of the phases of the hiring process, the candidate will begin twelve (12) months of probationary status. At that time, the officer will start a Career Development Plan (CDP). The CDP must be completed in four (4) years for the officer to become a Fish and Wildlife Officer 2.

Lateral
(Experienced law enforcement officer)

• Three (3) years full time law enforcement experience AND current Criminal Justice Training Center (CJTC) commission or equivalent.
• Must be 21 years of age prior to employment.
• Ability to read and speak the English language.
• No felony convictions.
• Must possess a current, non-probationary, and non-restricted valid driver’s license. History of restrictions on license or driving record due to vehicle operation or control will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Upon hire, must possess a Washington State driver’s license and maintain such licensure during employment with WDFW.
• At least 20/40 vision (corrected or uncorrected).
• Be willing to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and be on 24-hour call.
• Be willing to accept statewide assignments.
• Work in all weather conditions.

Lateral Hiring Process

PHASE I

• Apply online with Public Safety Testing (www.publicsafetytesting.com) (be sure to choose the LATERAL option) and schedule initial testing.
  • Complete the Law Enforcement Exam and Physical Fitness Ability Test on your scheduled test date.
  • Complete your Personal History Statement (PHS) immediately after completing your initial tests.
  • Chief’s Interview (will be scheduled as-needed).
  • Suitability Assessment Screening.
  • Background Investigation (Includes a criminal history check and a review of work records, reputation; medical records; military service records; and financial status).

PHASE II

• Conditional Offer of Employment.
• Polygraph.
• Psychological Assessment.
• Pre-Employment Medical Exam with Drug Screening.

PHASE III

During this phase the employee will be in non-permanent status, informed of their future duty assignment, start the In-House Academy for approximately four weeks and complete Field Training which can take up to five (5) months.

An employee with permanent status in the WA state civil service may accept a non-permanent appointment. At least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to accepting the appointment, the employee must notify his/her current Appointing Authority of the intent to accept a non-permanent appointment. Upon notification of the employee’s intent, the employee’s permanent agency will notify the employee, in writing, of any return rights to the Agency and the duration of those return rights. At a minimum, the Agency must provide the employee access to the Agency’s internal layoff list. After receipt of this notification the employee may elect to accept or turn down the non-permanent appointment offer.

After successful completion of the phases of the hiring process, the candidate will begin twelve (12) months of probationary status. At that time, the officer will start a Career Development Plan (CDP). The CDP must be completed in four (4) years for the officer to become a Fish and Wildlife Officer 2.

 Opportunities

Fish and Wildlife Officers have a variety of opportunities available to them throughout their enforcement career, such as:

• Karelian Bear Dog Handler
• Undercover operations
• Field Training Officer
• Defensive Tactics Instructor
• Firearms Instructor
• Marijuana Eradication Team
• EVOC Instructor
• Vessel Operation Instructor
• Critical Incident and Stress Management Team
• SCUBA Team
• Promotional Opportunities: Sergeant, Detective and Captain

*For a complete list of disqualifiers please click here:  http://wdfw.wa.gov/enforcement/careers/disqualifiers.html