WSP trooper test set for Saturday

In a time of prolonged unemployment, the Washington State Patrol says it has about 60 trooper jobs available, and the agency is working hard to attract applicants.

The next test is at 8 a.m. Saturday at the WSP Training Academy, 631 West Dayton-Airport Road in Shelton, 25 miles north of Olympia.

Both written and fitness tests will be given. Those interested must first download an application from http://www.wsp.wa.gov and turn it in.

The State Patrol has added several new features to the website, including videos and self-guided screens showing what a trooper’s job is like.

At the top of the home page, click on the box on the right that shows a trooper and patrol car and asks, “Do you have what it takes?”

About one-third of applicants fail the physical portion of the test, which involves how many push-ups they can do in one minute, how many sit-ups in a minute and the time it takes them to run 1½ miles.

The physical test uses Cooper Institute fitness assessments, with different requirements based on sex and age group. Those who fail can try again later.

The WSP requires that applicants have completed high school, but doesn’t require college. Applicants must be at least 19, U.S. citizens and have a valid driver’s license.

Troopers can retire after 25 years and must retire at age 65.

The 60 open trooper positions are due to a large number of retirements, officials say.

Once past the first part, there are medical and psychological exams, interviews and polygraph and background tests. Felony convictions disqualify candidates, but the WSP is tolerant of some lesser misdemeanor convictions in the past. The agency doesn’t tolerate any lying, and has ways of learning the truth, said WSP spokesman Dan Coon.

Applicants who are hired as cadets to attend the 26-week WSP Academy this spring are paid about $39,000 per year. Those who complete the academy successfully become troopers, with starting pay of about $47,000 per year, which can rise to $68,000, and more when they are promoted to higher ranks.

When people think of troopers, it’s often about traffic enforcement and investigating crashes. But there are other assignments: aviation, K-9 teams, detectives who investigate drugs and organized crime, explosives disposal and SWAT.

Trainers look for applicants who have common sense, know what’s right and take initiative in making decisions. Cadets are trained to deal with trouble, including violence.

“One of the things we look for in people we hire is people who understand humility,” Coon said. “A, that’s our motto, and B, we treat people with respect.”

The motto is “Service With Humility.”

The WSP has other jobs besides troopers, including dispatchers, commercial vehicle enforcement officers, fire marshals and forensic scientists.

Those interested can call Trooper Dena Hazuka at 360-239-4904 or e-mail dena.hazuka@wsp.wa.gov.

The WSP’s five-county Vancouver headquarters is at 11018 N.E. 51st Circle, off 112th Avenue south of Orchards; 360-260-6333.