Title- Safety Training & Program Specialist
Classification- Program Specialist 4
Job Status- Full-Time / Non-Permanent
Appointment Length- 15 months – September 1, 2026 – July 1, 2027
WDFW Program- Directors Office – Human Resource Division
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework- While this position may offer a telework option, the successful candidate must be available to report to the duty station as needed.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Raccoon bath time – Photo Credit: Jonathan Howton
Take the lead in driving WDFW’s safety sensitive training programs, where collaboration, problem-solving, and regulatory expertise come together to make a meaningful impact.
In this role, manage programs in Commercial Driver’s Licenses, Background Checks, Firearms Certifications, and land-based safety trainings, helping ensure the health, safety, and security of both employees and the public.
Partnering with HR, Safety, and regulatory authorities, you will guide program development, address challenges, and support employees agency wide.
What to Expect:
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Safety Training & Program Specialist will,
Develop and conduct designated agency safety training:
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Deliver designated land-based safety courses, including CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Chainsaw Operation, ATV/UTV Operation, and Snowmobile Operation.
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Obtain and maintain instructor certification for designated courses.
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Conduct statewide training as directed.
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Document all completed employee training in the Learning Management System (LMS).
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Collaborate with Safety staff on all safety issues, including Job Hazard Analysis for various land-based job tasks.
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Collaborate with Safety staff to analyze data from Safety and Security Incident Reports (SSIR) to identify improvements to training.
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Serve as a subject matter expert to monitor, interpret, and comply with all state and federal training regulations.
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Research and develop best practice curriculum that is compliant with all state and federal regulations.
Develop and maintain quality assurance for all aspects of the WDFW Non-Enforcement Firearm Training and Qualification Certification:
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Identify program issues, analyze operational deficiencies and provide management with alternatives and recommendations for compliance and best practices in the Non-Enforcement Firearms Program.
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Obtain and maintain instructor certification for designated firearms courses, range safety, and inventory/armory management.
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Conduct agency designated firearms training to non-enforcement employees and volunteers.
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Collaborate with Safety on all firearms safety issues including Job Hazard Analysis for non-enforcement firearm job tasks, range safety, and securing and storing inventory.
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Develop and maintain a system to document the mastery of required non-enforcement firearms training and qualifications into the agency’s Learning Management System (LMS).
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Act as subject matter expert to monitor, interpret, and comply with all state and federal firearms regulations.
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Maintain and provide updates to WDFW Policy 7011 and non-enforcement firearms procedures.
Develop and maintain all aspects of the WDFW Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program:
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Identify program issues, analyze operational deficiencies and provide management with alternatives and recommendations for compliance and best practices CDL Program.
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In coordination with HR Ops and Safety, develop, implement, and maintain systems to support, track and manage the agency CDL Program.
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Act as subject matter expert to monitor, interpret, and apply the federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations to maintain the WDFW CDL program.
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Develop, implement, conduct, and manage drug and alcohol testing in compliance to federal regulations.
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Maintain WDFW Policy 2002 Ensuring a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace and procedures and provide subject matter expertise consultation.
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Manage compliance data and reporting of required training to Program Management, HR Ops, and Safety for employees with CDL requirements and supervisors of CDL employees.
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Develop, deliver, or contract required CDL Training.
Develop procedures to facilitate and maintain all aspects of WDFW employee background checks:
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Maintain subject matter expertise on agency policy and procedures for background checks requirement, including updating policy and procedures as needed to reflect regulations and best agency practice.
Working Conditions:
Work Setting, including hazards:
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Office work and travel to statewide work sites including those in remote locations.
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Year-round driving across the state to indoor and outdoor job sites in both urban and remote locations.
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Evaluate job tasks of a variety of hazards on land, around water, and with equipment.
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Conduct safety training using tools, equipment, vehicles and/or heavy machinery while operating in varying weather conditions.
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This position may involve working in or near water, including tasks that require navigating, negotiating, and performing duties related to water environments.
Schedule:
Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. working 40 hours per week. The standard work schedule may include occasional evening or weekend work as needed. Work schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and/or weather conditions.
Travel Requirements:
This position will travel to all statewide work sites including remote areas, with year-round driving to both indoor and outdoor job sites in urban and remote areas.
Customer Interactions:
Interact with WDFW employees, supervisors, and Appointing Authorities as well as external partners such as Washington State Patrol.
Qualifications:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Required Qualifications:
Option 1 – All of the following:
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Bachelor’s degree in public administration, occupational safety, workplace development, training and development, or a related field.
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Three (3) years of experience developing and delivering adult training programs and/or developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, procedures, or compliance programs.
Option 2:
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Three (3) years of experience as a Program Specialist 3 in a workplace related to training, occupational safety, compliance programs, or related environment.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid driver’s license.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
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Ability to successfully pass a background check and drug screening.
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This position has been designated as one for which possession and use of a department-issued firearm is required and essential to performing job duties. Must successfully meet all requirements of agency firearm policy (Policy 7011) and maintain eligibility to possess and use agency-issued firearm(s) at all times while in this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
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Basic firearm certification such as a National Rifle Association (NRA) Instructor, Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) Instructor, or equivalent.
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Five (5) years of experience developing and delivering adult training programs and/or developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, procedures, or compliance programs.
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Experience using a government Learning Management System (LMS).
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Experience conducting Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs).
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Experience collaborating with regulatory agencies or external oversight entities.
Your application should include the following:
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A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
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An up-to-date resume.
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A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
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At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.
In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.
Important Note:
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice:
Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following:
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Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [email protected].
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Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
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Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
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Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
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Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email
[email protected], or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.
Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or
[email protected].
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to
[email protected] and reference job #2026-06955.
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