Are you ready to apply your strong decision making skills in a role that helps keep communities safe across the Commonwealth? The Firearms Background Specialist 2 position with the Pennsylvania State Police allows you to review important information that supports safe and lawful firearm purchases. You will work in a fast paced environment where attention to detail and clear judgment make a real difference. This role offers the chance to grow your skills while contributing to a meaningful mission.
This position focuses on reviewing available information to decide whether an individual is eligible to purchase a firearm or receive a license to carry. The work supports the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) by ensuring accurate, lawful, and well documented decisions. As a Firearms Background Specialist 2, you will perform the following duties:
- Background Review: Research applicant history and compare records to determine eligibility under state and federal law
- Record Verification: Confirm identities, check for warrants, and ensure accurate interpretation of criminal and mental health records
- Legal Research: Review changes to laws and policies affecting firearm background checks and apply updates to daily work
- Data Entry: Update criminal and mental health records in the PICS database as required
- Operational Compliance: Follow unit procedures to document and process all information in a timely manner
- Training Support: Assist with training new operators and answering job related questions
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
- Work hours are rotating shifts, with a 30-minute lunch. You will work rotating weekends and holidays.
- Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
- Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $46,827.00 (before taxes).
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- One year as a Legal Assistant 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
- Four years of responsible clerical, investigative or enforcement work including one year of legal clerical support experience; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Additional Requirements:
- You must obtain and maintain an active Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Police within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
- You must be willing to work onsite full-time. Teleworking is not an option as part of this position's work schedule.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
- This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a Report of Medications for screening by the Pennsylvania State Police Medical Officer.
- You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.