Firearms Background Specialist 2 (Legal Assistant 2)

Firearms Background Specialist 2 (Legal Assistant 2)

Salary

$46,827.00 - $70,592.00 Annually

Location

Dauphin County, PA

Job Type

Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number

N-2026-60748

Department

Pennsylvania State Police

Division

SP PICS Ops Sect

Opening Date

10/19/2026

Closing Date

10/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

07020

Position Number

00247957

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

A1

Pay Group

ST05

Bureau / Division Code

00209436

Bureau / Division

Bureau of Records and Identification, PICS Operations Section

Worksite Address

1800 Elmerton Avenue

City

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

17110

Contact Name

PSP Human Resource Civilian Placement

Contact Email

RA-SPSPCIVILPLCMT@pa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE POSITION

Take the next step in your career with the Pennsylvania State Police as a Firearms Background Specialist 2 (Legal Assistant 2). This position allows you to use your analytical skills to review records and determine eligibility for firearm purchases and licenses. Your decisions play an important role in protecting citizens and supporting state laws. Join a team that values careful judgment, strong focus, and dedication to public service.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) by reviewing records, researching applicants, and making decisions about firearm purchase or license requests. The role requires strong attention to detail and sound judgment in applying state and federal laws. As a Firearms Background Specialist 2 (Legal Assistant 2), you will perform the following duties:

• PICS Operations: Review applicant information, verify identities, and determine approval or disapproval of firearm purchase or license requests
• Applicant Research: Gather details from criminal histories, court documents, and agencies to interpret information in accordance with laws
• Record Updates: Enter and verify mental health, drug user, and criminal record information in the PICS database
• Policy Review: Stay informed of changes to laws, regulations, and operational policies that affect background check procedures
• Documentation Tasks: Process and record required information in a timely manner in accordance with unit procedures
• Training Support: Assist supervisors by helping train new operators and answering work-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 including holidays and weekends, with a 30-minute lunch.
• 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

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 be willing to work onsite full-time. Teleworking is not an option as part of this positions work schedule.
• 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 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 criminal history and background investigations if you do not have a current Pennsylvania State Police background on file.
• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

In accordance with the seniority provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement, this position was previously posted for seniority candidates. Since there were no seniority candidates, it is now open to all applicants.

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.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.

01

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Legal Assistant 1 for one or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

02

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

03

How many years of full-time responsible clerical, investigative, or enforcement work do you possess?

• 4 years or more
• 3 but less than 4 years
• 2 but less than 3 years
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

04

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

05

Do you possess one or more years of full-time legal clerical support experience?

• Yes
• No

06

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

07

How much college coursework have you completed?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• 120 credits or more
• 90 but less than 120 credits
• 60 but less than 90 credits
• 30 but less than 60 credits
• Less than 30 credits
• None

08

Have you completed six or more college credits in the legal field (such as civil litigation, legal research and writing, business law, or other related areas)?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting www.naces.org and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.

You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• Yes
• No

09

Additional Requirement - Do you understand that teleworking is not an option as part of this positions work schedule?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website http://www.employment.pa.gov