Working for SREC
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Embarking on a career in Public Safety means becoming a First Responders. In fact, Communication Officers are the FIRST First Responders.
Being a First Responder is a mindset, and for many, a calling. First responder core values are deeply rooted in dedication, excellence, commitment, respect, partnership-building, creativity, resourcefulness, and compassion. To succeed in Public Safety, we often ask these professionals to be selfless and rely on grit and determination. Are you ready to answer the call?
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About our Hiring Process
Recruitment and Hiring Process for Communication Officer & Report Technician Positions
The recruitment process can be rigorous, requiring each applicant to take and pass skills–based tests and undergo an extensive background check. Qualified candidates can expect the selection process to last 6-8 weeks; beginning with the skills-based exam administered by the Center, ending with a final offer of employment.
Once you have completed the group or panel interview phase, and are not invited to continue in recruiting process, you may reapply for a Communications Officer position after a two-year waiting period.
If you are not invited to continue the recruitment process after the polygraph, psychological or background investigation, you will not be allowed to reapply for the Communications Officer in the future without written authorization from the Human Resources Manager.
Disqualification from Employment Consideration
As stated above, all candidates are required to successfully pass the testing, integrity standards and pre-hire requirements set by SREC. In addition, because our staff members are a key part of the public safety system, their integrity must be beyond reproach. SREC conducts thorough, intense, and strict pre-employment background investigations on all applicants to determine suitability for any position. Failure to disclose pertinent information or attempt to conceal requested information will be grounds for disqualification.
Please note: Candidates using marijuana (THC) while actively seeking employment may be disqualified from further consideration.
The recruitment process can be rigorous, requiring each applicant to take and pass skills–based tests and undergo an extensive background check. Qualified candidates can expect the selection process to last 6-8 weeks; beginning with the skills-based exam administered by the Center, ending with a final offer of employment.
- The recruitment process includes:
- Apply through our website
- Successful completion of Criticall Testing
- Typing Test - 35 wpm
- Group Interview and / or Interview Panel
- Completion of a Personal History Packet
- Pre-Hire Background Interview
- Conditional Offer of Hire
- Polygraph Test
- Psychological Examination
- In Center Observation
- Hearing Test
- Drug Test
- Extensive Background and Criminal History Check
- Final Offer Letter
Once you have completed the group or panel interview phase, and are not invited to continue in recruiting process, you may reapply for a Communications Officer position after a two-year waiting period.
If you are not invited to continue the recruitment process after the polygraph, psychological or background investigation, you will not be allowed to reapply for the Communications Officer in the future without written authorization from the Human Resources Manager.
Disqualification from Employment Consideration
As stated above, all candidates are required to successfully pass the testing, integrity standards and pre-hire requirements set by SREC. In addition, because our staff members are a key part of the public safety system, their integrity must be beyond reproach. SREC conducts thorough, intense, and strict pre-employment background investigations on all applicants to determine suitability for any position. Failure to disclose pertinent information or attempt to conceal requested information will be grounds for disqualification.
Please note: Candidates using marijuana (THC) while actively seeking employment may be disqualified from further consideration.
The following integrity standards are established for all positions within SREC.
This information will be verified by a polygraph screening test and thorough background investigation.
The applicant will be considered unacceptable and will not be considered for employment if:
Please note: Candidates using marijuana (THC) while actively seeking employment may be disqualified from further consideration.
After submission of application if any information is falsified or intentionally left off, applicants will be automatically disqualified.
This information will be verified by a polygraph screening test and thorough background investigation.
The applicant will be considered unacceptable and will not be considered for employment if:
- Fired, quit under duress, or asked to resign from two or more jobs in the last three years.
- Received written warnings from past employers for absenteeism or tardiness more than three times in the past three years.
- Used, possessed, or experimented with any illegal drug/narcotic in the last ten years.
- Manufactured, sold, offered to sell, distributed or transported for sale any illegal drugs/narcotics in the last ten years.
- Missed more than two days of work due to use of alcohol or illegal drugs/narcotics in the last year.
- Consumed any alcoholic beverages in violation of company policy or used illegal drugs/narcotics on the job in the last year.
- Convicted of any felony criminal offense as an adult.
Please note: Candidates using marijuana (THC) while actively seeking employment may be disqualified from further consideration.
After submission of application if any information is falsified or intentionally left off, applicants will be automatically disqualified.
SREC offers a great benefit package for employees and their dependents, as well as participation in the WA State retirement system.
- Medical, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, and an Employee Assistance Program through WellSpring EAP.
- Additional supplemental life insurance and AFLAC insurance are available to employees.
- A deferred compensation plans (457b) with a $300 monthly employer match.
- Student loan repayment program.
- Pet insurance.
- Discounted gym membership.
- PTO is provided on an accrual basis, beginning with 192 hours per year.
- Nine (9) paid holidays and three (3) floating holidays per year.
- Depending on eligibility, mandatory participation in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (PERS).
- Flexible Benefits Plan (FSA) and Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) administered through Rehn and Associates.
Q: How long does the selection / hiring process take?
A: The process is dependent on the quality and quantity of the recruitment pool and may take up to several months. At each phase of the process we communicate as much as possible to keep each candidate informed.
Q: How often does SREC hire for Communication Officer positions?
A: Depending on vacancies and promotions, SREC starts academies every few months.
Q: What is the purpose of skills-based testing?
A: The skill-based tests are designed to evaluate critical thinking skills, multitasking, and aptitude needed to work in a public safety emergency dispatch center. There is no preparation that is needed prior to testing as all materials and instructions are provided the day of testing. However, interested candidates can research Criticall Public Safety Testing online to learn more about what to expect. Candidates are also encouraged to ensure their minimum typing speed is 35 wpm. 10-key skills are also beneficial. Online tests to test speed and accuracy can be found online.
Q: What are my chances of successfully completing training?
A: Our training program is rigorous and variables such as aptitude and attitude are vital parts in the key to success. We are looking for trainees to display attributes of being hungry, humble and smart. Other key attributes that contribute to success are self-motivation, emphasizing team over self, and defining success collectively rather than individually. Good judgement and intuition are essential. A healthy dose of grit and determination are also essential qualities for first responders.
Q: What is the working environment like in an emergency communications center?
A: SREC is a 24/7 operation, and as such Communications Officers regularly work graveyard shifts, weekends, and holidays. They are expected to complete their assigned shifts regardless of personal commitments (I.E. birthday parties, anniversaries, etc.). Outside of yearly/bi-yearly seniority vacation time, other discretionary vacation time off is extremely limited. In addition, attendance is critical to the operation of the Center and the communities we serve.
The work environment is casual yet professional and the dress standard is relaxed. Due to the nature of the work the shifts are sedentary with periods of high stress and multi-tasking with infrequent periods of downtime. The position demands excellent communication skills and an individual as well as team approach to problem solving. Policies and procedures are established and enforced to provide the highest level of public safety service and customer service. Given the nature of the work they do, there is a strong sense of comradery with your coworkers.
Q: What kind of shifts can I expect to work?
A: If you are selected for employment, your first seven weeks will be in a class room setting and the actual days and times are subject to change with each Academy depending on the needs of the Center. At this time, trainees work 4/10s, usually Tuesday-Friday. After a trainee transitions out of Academy and into the center, their schedule will vary as well as change regularly throughout their first year. Communications Officers work 12-hour shifts, with four days off every other week.
After your first year as a Communications Officer, shift bids are completed every six months based on seniority. Once assigned to a shift you are expected to work the shift regardless of personal events or holidays. Overtime hours are available on a voluntary basis depending on the needs of the Center. It may be years before a Communications Officer has enough seniority to work a day shift and/or have weekends off.
Q: What is the process for hiring laterals?
A: Laterals are required to pass all the same testing and pre-hire elements as entry-level Communications Officers. Depending on experience and size of previous agency, some laterals may work in 911 before moving to Dispatch. These details can be discussed during the hiring process with leadership.
A: The process is dependent on the quality and quantity of the recruitment pool and may take up to several months. At each phase of the process we communicate as much as possible to keep each candidate informed.
Q: How often does SREC hire for Communication Officer positions?
A: Depending on vacancies and promotions, SREC starts academies every few months.
Q: What is the purpose of skills-based testing?
A: The skill-based tests are designed to evaluate critical thinking skills, multitasking, and aptitude needed to work in a public safety emergency dispatch center. There is no preparation that is needed prior to testing as all materials and instructions are provided the day of testing. However, interested candidates can research Criticall Public Safety Testing online to learn more about what to expect. Candidates are also encouraged to ensure their minimum typing speed is 35 wpm. 10-key skills are also beneficial. Online tests to test speed and accuracy can be found online.
Q: What are my chances of successfully completing training?
A: Our training program is rigorous and variables such as aptitude and attitude are vital parts in the key to success. We are looking for trainees to display attributes of being hungry, humble and smart. Other key attributes that contribute to success are self-motivation, emphasizing team over self, and defining success collectively rather than individually. Good judgement and intuition are essential. A healthy dose of grit and determination are also essential qualities for first responders.
Q: What is the working environment like in an emergency communications center?
A: SREC is a 24/7 operation, and as such Communications Officers regularly work graveyard shifts, weekends, and holidays. They are expected to complete their assigned shifts regardless of personal commitments (I.E. birthday parties, anniversaries, etc.). Outside of yearly/bi-yearly seniority vacation time, other discretionary vacation time off is extremely limited. In addition, attendance is critical to the operation of the Center and the communities we serve.
The work environment is casual yet professional and the dress standard is relaxed. Due to the nature of the work the shifts are sedentary with periods of high stress and multi-tasking with infrequent periods of downtime. The position demands excellent communication skills and an individual as well as team approach to problem solving. Policies and procedures are established and enforced to provide the highest level of public safety service and customer service. Given the nature of the work they do, there is a strong sense of comradery with your coworkers.
Q: What kind of shifts can I expect to work?
A: If you are selected for employment, your first seven weeks will be in a class room setting and the actual days and times are subject to change with each Academy depending on the needs of the Center. At this time, trainees work 4/10s, usually Tuesday-Friday. After a trainee transitions out of Academy and into the center, their schedule will vary as well as change regularly throughout their first year. Communications Officers work 12-hour shifts, with four days off every other week.
After your first year as a Communications Officer, shift bids are completed every six months based on seniority. Once assigned to a shift you are expected to work the shift regardless of personal events or holidays. Overtime hours are available on a voluntary basis depending on the needs of the Center. It may be years before a Communications Officer has enough seniority to work a day shift and/or have weekends off.
Q: What is the process for hiring laterals?
A: Laterals are required to pass all the same testing and pre-hire elements as entry-level Communications Officers. Depending on experience and size of previous agency, some laterals may work in 911 before moving to Dispatch. These details can be discussed during the hiring process with leadership.