Records Specialist
Salary
$65,964.00 - $81,948.00 Annually
Location
33325 8th Ave S, Federal Way
Job Type
Regular Full-Time
Job Number
2600489
Department
Police
Opening Date
07/13/2026
Closing Date
7/24/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Basic Function
NOTE: Hours of work cover a twenty-four hour (24) period, seven days a week. All shifts, including weekends and holidays will be required.
Please submit a complete application and supplemental questionnaire. Incomplete applications will not be considered even if resume and cover letter are attached.
A position in this classification will be represented by the Police Support Services Association.
TESTING:
Candidates that meet the education and experience criteria and have the highest application screening score will be invited to the in person only written exam scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2026 . The test will take approximately 2 hours and you will be notified by e-mail through your Governmentjobs.com account. You must obtain a minimum score of 70% on the written examination in order to be placed on the eligibility register.
ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW:
Your written examination score, along with the Veterans' Scoring Criteria if applicable, will determine your final score and rank on the Civil Service Eligibility Register. In order to remain on the Eligibility Register, candidates must pass the in-person oral board interview to be determined at a later date. Candidates must pass the interview with a 70%, to be considered for the background process.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Federal Way Police Department is for every member to consistently earn the public's trust while enhancing the quality of life for residents, visitors, and businesses within our City. We accomplish our mission by providing the highest quality law enforcement, community education, and support services possible while making the best use of the resources entrusted to us. We are recognized as professional, innovative, diverse, ethical, and as a valued partner in building economic viability in our area.
Basic Function:
Under general supervision, perform a variety of clerical and data entry tasks on an assigned shift in the collection, maintenance and preservation of criminal justice records for the Services Division of the Department of Public Safety. Work involves utilizing computer-based data entry programs to enter data from patrol reports and to conduct specialized file retrieval work; maintaining a variety of files; printing records and case reports as required; operating WACIC and NCIC computer terminal; processing warrants. Employee is responsible for assisting the general public, department personnel and other law enforcement agency personnel, as requested. Employee is also responsible for performing other general office duties, such as sending and receiving documents, preparing outgoing mail and answering telephones. Reports to the Civilian Operations Manager or an assigned Records Supervisor.
The incumbent in this position will be a representative member of and provide records support to a community-oriented public safety department as envisioned by the City Council and set forth in the department vision and values statement: a department which inspires a sense of confidence and security in the citizens of Federal Way through professionalism, citizen involvement, and creative approaches to public safety; a department which is distinguished as a caring, competent, firm, fair, accessible and innovative organization that actively seeks opportunities to help citizens; a department which is a part of, rather than apart from, the community, fostering an effective citizen-police partnership to ensure a safe and secure city.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Establish and maintain a variety of tangible files, including case reports and warrants, filing and retrieving information for department personnel as requested or otherwise necessary; assemble case reports and jackets including related crime report information and file in appropriate file locations.
Answer telephones and receive inquiries, providing information or referring callers to proper official, as appropriate; assist the general public and other law enforcement agency personnel with a variety of information requests; review requests; and determine if release of information is in accordance with departmental policy.
Process a variety of patrol reports daily, including criminal papers such as investigative, arrest and follow-up reports; utilize computerized data entry equipment to enter, store and/or retrieve information as requested or otherwise necessary; conduct data searches through the Records
Management System and other computer programs and answer computer queries regarding criminal and processes mug photographs, military checks, records checks, etc.
Type a variety of forms and reports from typed or handwritten copy, which requires use of complicated formats, and assumes responsibility for correctness of spelling, punctuation, grammar and format.
Produce copies of case reports, forms, warrants, etc., and distribute to appropriate department personnel and other agency representatives; send and receive documents by teletype and facsimile machines for department personnel, as needed; and process and complete prior arrest forms and other requested documents for District Attorney and other appropriate agencies.
Utilize computer terminal connected to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Washington Crime Information Center (WACIC) to retrieve information about parties identified in criminal papers; enter, confirm and cancel a variety of information regarding missing persons, stolen and impounded vehicles, warrants, etc.; contact officials at various law enforcement agencies to obtain information pertaining to whereabouts of parties identified in criminal papers, and advise officers accordingly; and provide information about various parties identified in criminal papers to other law enforcement, as requested or otherwise deemed appropriate.
Process warrants on a daily basis, ensuring adherence to established policies, procedures and standards; pick up warrants from courts; separate and distribute warrants and related documents; enters and/or updates warrant data into Records Management System computer program; verify past history, driver=s license, vehicle registration, etc.; prepare warrant notification forms; and file warrant documents; confirm or cancel warrants when notified.
Process outgoing mail.
Perform other related work as required.
Education and Experience
Requires graduation from high school and 1 - 2 years of experience in data entry and clerical work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Washington Crime Information Center certification in operation of the WACIC/NCIC Communications System.
For Veteran's Scoring Criteria, please attach copy 4 of your DD214, if applicable
Knowledge and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE OF:
ABILITY TO:
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS/STANDARDS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computers, typewriters, copiers, facsimile machines, scanners, fingerprint classification tools, moveable files, etc. Requires the ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or composite characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors.
Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of correspondence, forms, reports, records, legal forms, cards, logs, manuals, references, maps, etc. Requires the ability to prepare records, reports, forms, etc., using prescribed formats. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control and confidence.
Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagrammatic form, and to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in or from standardized situations.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information; to explain procedures; and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages, including law enforcement terminology, fingerprint classification code and emergency response codes.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, add and subtract.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination: Does not require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress.
Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and her (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone.
The City of Federal Way offers a complete benefits package to regular status full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Regular status part-time employees, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page.
01
This position is held to similar hiring standards as police officers. There is a rigorous background investigation and polygraph test. There are three disqualification categories: Automatic, Likely, and Possible. Please read through the following lists carefully before answering. The following items are Automatic Disqualifiers: • You are not 21 years old at the time of appointment. • You are not a U.S. citizen, or a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient. • You cannot obtain a valid Washington State ID/Driver's license. • You cannot provide proof of high school graduation or GED. • You cannot lawfully possess a firearm. • Any felony conviction or federal conviction as an adult. • Decertification from any police academy. • Knowingly viewing, possessing, or distributing child pornography. • Tattoos on the face, neck, or hands (some limited exceptions for cosmetic tattoos, wedding band tattoos, etc. will be evaluated on a case by case basis). Do any of these situations apply to you?
02
Please explain your response to Question 1
03
The following items are Likely Disqualifiers: • Misdemeanor conviction as an adult. • Domestic violence offense (regardless of arrest or conviction) • Association or affiliation with any criminals, hate/extremist organizations, or groups who advocate violence or discrimination against others. • Controversial, discriminatory, or offensive social media presence. • Poor driving history (tickets, collisions, suspensions, lapses in liability insurance). • Unlawful sexual conduct (soliciting prostitution, illegal massage parlors, etc.) • Recreational drug use (candidates are likely to be disqualified if there is not a significant break in time prior to applying. Hallucinogenic drugs are more likely to result in disqualification than marijuana). • Illegal drug activity (possession and/or sale of drugs). • Dishonorable discharge from military service. • Failure to pay child support. Do any of these situations apply to you?
04
Please explain your response to question 3
05
The following items are Possible Disqualifiers: • Poor financial history (bankruptcies, foreclosures, delinquencies, etc.). • Discipline or termination from previous employment. • History of alcohol abuse, excessive gambling, or other problematic behavior. • Prior disqualifications from other law enforcement agencies. Do any of these situations apply to you?
06
Please explain your response to question 5
07
Can you read, write and speak the English language?
08
Please select your highest level of completed education.
09
If you have a higher educational degree, please specify your field of study. If you do not have a completed degree, please enter "N/A."
10
Which skill level describes your experience with computers and software or programs including MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
11
List any other software programs or computer experience that may be relevant to this position. If none, please enter "N/A
12
How many years of experience do you have in clerical/data entry positions?
13
Please describe your clerical/date entry experience
14
In 500 words or less: What is your understanding of the Records Specialist position, why are you interested, and what makes you the best candidate?
15
The Records Unit, staffed by 12 Records Specialists, is responsible for providing 24/7 coverage throughout the year, with four 10-hour shifts. Employees in this role are expected to work a variety of shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. The training period typically spans 3 to 4 months, during which new hires must rotate through different shifts in 2- to 3-week intervals. This ensures that they gain experience across all shift types required for the position. Upon completion of training, employees will be assigned to a shift based on the departments needs. At the end of each year, a seniority-based bidding process will determine the schedule for the upcoming year. Please note, there is NO GUARANTEE regarding which shift (Days, Swings, or Graves) or which days of the week the new hire will be assigned to.
16
I certify that all the statements above are true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsehoods, including intentional omissions or deliberate misrepresentation of information, may result in disqualification from the hiring process and/or termination.
Required Question
Employer City of Federal Way
Address 33325 8th Ave S
Federal Way, Washington, 98003
Phone 253.835.2530
Website http://www.cityoffederalway.com